Loading summary
Transcript279 lines
- [00:00]
Podcast Advertiser
This is an iHeart podcast guaranteed human Based on the best selling novel from Carly Fortune. The new prime original series Every Year after follows Sam and Percy across six summers as they take a second chance at a love that never really let go. It's the kind of story that brings you back to a summer crush you never fully got over, or a friendship that almost turned into something more, with slow burn tension, lakeside nostalgia, and that lingering what if it's the kind of show people say they couldn't stop watching and were a little emotionally destroyed by in the best way. Watch Every Year after now streaming only on Prime.
- [00:41]
Jay Skeets
No web design experience? No problem WIX Harmony makes it easy to create a professional website. Just describe what you want and it builds the entire site with the business tools you need. Plus an AI agent named Aria is there to help with ideas or tasks along the way. With over 20 years of innovation, WIX continues to lead in website technology. Try it for free@wix.com that's wix.com you're
- [01:10]
Commercial Announcer
locked into a lot of things you can't change. Weather, traffic. Hey, stay in your lane. Your wireless carrier's latest price hike. But you can unlock a better way. Unlock the savings at Boost Mobile and save up to $600 a year. Switch to the $25 a month unlimited wireless plan. No contracts, no price hikes and you keep your phone. Stop being locked into their games. Unlock the savings@boostmobile. Based on average annual single line of payment of AT&T Verizon and T Mobile customers, compared to 12 months on the Boost Mobile Unlimited Wireless plan as of January 2026. For full offer details, visit boostmobile.com this Father's Day when you ship UPS Air at the UPS Store, your items arrive on time or your money back guaranteed at no extra cost. It's like the father of all shipping services. It shows up to the airport way too early just to play it safe. It's overprotective about all the things that truly matter. And it's always prompt, especially to be with family. Make it your first choice to celebrate your dad. Ship UPS Air with our Money Back Guarantee Tea exclusively at the UPS store US retail locations. Visit the upsstore.com airshipping for full details. Terms and conditions apply.
- [02:16]
Jay Skeets
Good morning, sweet world, and welcome to the no Dunks podcast presented by FanDuel. It's Monday, June 15th, 2026. I'm Jay Skeets here in the classic factory and alongside me, as always, Tas Melis.
- [02:28]
Tas Melis
Podcast listeners. This is for you.
- [02:30]
Jay Skeets
Next to him is my Top shot hot boy Trey Kirby Ayo. Hey, yo. And over yonder, making the magic happen. Super producer JD. Hello. There he is. Hello to everybody on YouTube. Podcast listeners. Hello as well. Everybody hit the like button. Subscribe five star ratings and reviews. I just want to get this out of the way right now. Today's or, excuse me, this week's. No dunk schedule. Not five days this week. We're going today, Wednesday and Friday. Now we will be available for emergency podcasts as well if any big name or two is traded. But that's the plan right now. Got today's podcast back on Wednesday. Maybe hitting the beach. So get your questions in Friday we'll have the drop. Also, this is fun. We got a wedgie Supercut dropping tomorrow. We've compiled all 74 wedgies from the regular season and one in the postseason, one in the Finals there. Put them all together. Fun little video reliving all of the wedgies with the calls too, which is fun.
- [03:28]
Tas Melis
How many times broadcasters actually use the word wedgie? Very impressive.
- [03:33]
Jay Skeets
We can crunch the numbers.
- [03:34]
Tas Melis
It gets higher.
- [03:34]
Sponsor Voice
It's a high.
- [03:35]
Tas Melis
Percentage increases every single season.
- [03:37]
Jay Skeets
Yep. So we will drop that tomorrow at 10am so you can come check that out later. In today's podcast. We're talking Giannis.
- [03:46]
Trey Kirby
Yeah, baby.
- [03:47]
Jay Skeets
Oh, yeah. We've got a new, I guess, sort of new Giannis. Trade rumor. Bill Simmons really kicking it off. We'll get into that and whether there's any validity to Giannis going to the Celtics. But, but, but, but the New York Knicks did the impossible over the weekend. They won their first championship since 1973. That was a big deal. We jumped on Sunday here in the classic factory to do a podcast. Go check that one out. Recapping game five, talking about the finals. The parade is set for Thursday. That's going to be. That's going to be. Must see TV slash social media. I think that one in New York. Hopefully they got good weather there. You know, they're always fun. But I feel like this one, I don't know, maybe I'm overhyping it. I'm excited for this one. So we'll see and we'll talk about it, I'm sure on the Friday's podcast. But before we say goodbye to this regular season and this season, NBA Finals winners and losers, I thought we could do here. Obvious winner, New York Knicks, obviously San Antonio Spurs. But there's a lot more we can dig into. Yeah, TK you get us started here. We'll do a couple rounds of this from both sides. Who's your big winner from the Finals.
- [04:52]
Trey Kirby
Deep cut as well. Jalen Brunson, for me, is one of the big winners from this NBA Finals. He was the unanimous Finals MVP, finished at almost 33 points a game, four rebounds, four and a half assists. Averaged 11 per fourth quarter as well. And that's really where he won Finals MVP if you ask me. But the reason I say he is the biggest winner here, not a deep cut at all. But this is one of the most valuable single titles that a player could win, legacy wise. Jalen Brunson winning a ring for the Knicks is More important than LeBron going to Miami and winning two. More important than Kevin Durant going to the Golden State warriors and winning two. Being the first guy to New York, being the first guy to lead the Knicks to a title in the 2000s in 53 years, that matters a whole bunch. It's up there with Dirk Nowitzki sticking it out for his entire career in Dallas and finally getting over the hump in 2011. This will maybe go down as a bigger deal historically because it is the Knicks, but I mean, we've been talking since the Knicks made the Finals. Where does this put Jalen Brunson in the realm of Knicks players all time if he's third at worst? Pretty awesome to be the third best player for a team like the Knicks, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. So Jalen Brunson an easy winner.
- [06:13]
Jay Skeets
I think it's interesting those two names you used as comparisons there in LeBron and KD once upon a time or many times being linked to the New York Knicks as the savior. Could they go and finally get 100%?
- [06:24]
Trey Kirby
Why I bring him up? Yeah, LeBron. Everybody thought he was going to New York in 2010.
- [06:27]
Jay Skeets
Yep.
- [06:28]
Tas Melis
Yep. Yeah.
- [06:29]
Trey Kirby
Katie, don't you regret not coming to the Knicks was a hilarious joke that was kind of like early in the run of the Jalen Brunson area of the Bing Bong era. So both of those guys had a chance to go to New York. If they go to New York and win only one title there and it's the only title in their career, it would matter more, I think, than the ones they got after those free agency moves. Look, LeBron's in 2016 is a different category as well. That's more like what Brunson did for sure. But both LeBron and KD had a chance to go to the Knicks and do what Brunson did. They decided not to. Brunson did it. He's awesome.
- [07:01]
Tas Melis
Yeah, Lebron's was cool in that he went back to Cleveland to do exactly what he needed to do. And that one definitely usurps his first two in Miami for him. Yeah, no, there's no doubt about that. So, yeah, this was admirable in so many ways for Jalen Brunson, including that he got tons of admiration from the opponent, Victor Wembanyama. When he talked post game, he basically said, what I'm going to work on postseason is to look like that guy, Jalen Brunson, essentially. He, he quote, said he wanted to maintain control of the game at all times. That's what really stands out about Jalen Brunson, for example, you know, noting that guy by name, saying that guy over there, that's what I want to be like essentially. You know, you talked about working harder, being more durable, keep a fresh mind and all that, but he said there's too many moments. It doesn't, doesn't come from bad intentions, but there are too many moments when I'm passive, I don't have control over the game. And he wants to be like Jalen Brunson. Jalen Brunson has his opponents, the guys he defeats wants to be like him. He's got kids, I'm sure trying to have that dribble package, bouncing it like for the last few weeks, just being able to maintain that, those dribbles, the mental toughness. That's why it's a special couple weeks. Also, as you said, he went and he got that MVP in game five essentially because some people were going to give it to others after game four and we're going to say, oh, oh gee, Anobi. So a minor winner I think is all the media voters who don't have to look stupid and think, oh, maybe I'll vote for somebody else. When Jalen Brunson was the guy who got them to three 1. He should have won it after four games and he obviously stamped. It made it clear after game five.
- [08:40]
Jay Skeets
Yeah. In game one, Brunson scored 13 of his 30 points with five and nine shooting in the fourth quarter. That was huge in that victory. In game two, he knocked down the game tying shot with under 40 seconds to go. And then the game winning free throw off of the Wembanyama soda sort of brain fart there running into him. Game four, Brunson made six of eight shots from the 8:23 mark of the third quarter to the 122 mark of the fourth quarter. That's the span where they, the Knicks cut a 23 point deficit to a one point lead for them. So he helped and spearheaded the largest comeback we've ever seen in finals history. And then game five. Yeah, a masterpiece. 45 points high efficiency at that stamps the highest final scoring average by a point guard in history. 32.6 points per game. I know, it's a little. It's pretty remarkable. So, yeah, Jalen Brunson is a massive, massive winner here. And my favorite quote about him is from Mike Brown himself. Brunson is one of the toughest motherfuckers I've ever been around. I think that's what Wemby's getting at. I need to be that. And why. Why can't he be that? He's only 22 years old. It's not like Brunson is a young guy here. He's experienced.
- [09:42]
Tas Melis
Yeah. And I guess that's what Wemby was saying. I. I don't know. Yeah, yeah. No, no, but when he. When he said ajame in French, when he said basically, see guys never. He said ajame. He said it in French. I think that's what he was saying. If I'm gonna speculate, it's basically, I'm gonna be a whole new person because I'm going to train myself differently this summer. I assume it's not like I'm never playing basketball again or I don't want
- [10:08]
Jay Skeets
to see you, and that's what he meant, or.
- [10:10]
Tas Melis
Or I hate all of you. And so I'm going to be so happy to not see you for the next three months. Which, you know, he, you know, went through whatever he went through these last few weeks and had some ups and downs with all the shoving and pushing and hitting that he did it on the floor. But I think that's what it is. I think I'm assuming. Right.
- [10:26]
Jay Skeets
The one thing we. He promised we would find out about was the whole concussion incident early in the playoffs. Remember, he said, I'll tell you. I'll tell you after this is all over. So maybe we'll. We'll hear from him again. Okay. Jalen Brunson, I'm glad we're starting there. An obvious A plus winner from the Finals. Who else you got? Or what else you got?
- [10:44]
Tas Melis
Well, Leon Rose leading the Knicks front office. Lots of love for that guy. Everybody who started in this NBA Finals, he went and got. He acquired. None of those were draftees, as we talked about after game five. So lots of credit to him. And maybe subsequently, in a small way, the other GMs, the other guys leading front offices can say, hey, you see what they did. Jalen Brunson took that pay cut so they could boost their lineups around him. We got to do that. And so, you know, there's a minor winner.
- [11:20]
Jay Skeets
Hire a bunch of dads.
- [11:22]
Trey Kirby
You gotta scout college teams of good friends.
- [11:25]
Tas Melis
Yeah, good friends. Pay cuts, you know, we kind of skip over. We know that huge deal that he got initially to come from Dallas to New York, but then when he signed the extension also took a pay cut so they could sign everybody else and go get a cat and that kind of thing. So everybody in front offices, I mean, Leon Roses goes from agent to leading a front office, to acquiring everybody he had to acquire and he's admired around the league.
- [11:49]
Jay Skeets
It was pretty amazing. Incredible roster building here. Obviously the signing of Jalen Brunson, but then like you said, getting Cat from the Wolves, OG from the Raptors, Bridges from the Nets, them picks, and then Josh Hart even from the Blazers in a, you know, that was like a four team deal where Josh Hart found his way to New York and then all these other little pieces as well
- [12:07]
Trey Kirby
to Mitchell Robinson is the only guy he didn't fire.
- [12:09]
Jay Skeets
Yeah, yeah.
- [12:10]
Tas Melis
And Mike. And Mike Brown. Mike Brown, which is huge because everybody was concerned. Tom Thibodeau just took us to the conference finals. You're firing him? Well, he definitely played guys in fewer minutes this past season. No one among the Knicks was top 10 in minutes played this past season. Bench minutes went up. Brunson dribbles went up. Excuse me. Went up, went down a little bit. Like he passed the ball a little bit more. And obviously it increased in the playoffs. Obviously his training staff, keeping all his guys healthy. The whole thing. The whole thing, obviously.
- [12:41]
Jay Skeets
Yeah. I think he, Mike Brown seems like the ultimate players coach to me. Like they love him, they like him. He's like, he's silly in a good way. It's tough to imagine Thibodeau is an incredible coach, but it is tough to imagine this squad as this roster is currently constructed, led by him doing some of the stuff we saw over the last couple of weeks. It just is. And a part of it is, of course, does he sort of run guys into the ground a little too much in the regular season because tips coaches every game like it is maybe a game seven and loses sight sometimes of the big picture. But Mike Brown was an awesome, awesome hire here. And you know, I guess thanks to the Sacramento Kings too for firing him. So he was available to be hired. Thank you, Sacramento. So, yeah, Leon Rose and Mike Brown I had on my list here especially that part where they. Yeah, Rose didn't inherit a single starter on this team. And to do that is pretty quick work here too. And look, Dolan for staying the hell out of the way, I guess too, which we wondered, is that ever possible with this guy? He can't help himself. Maybe the best thing that happened was building the sphere. He just got all distracted by the big screen and the technology and all these all over the world. He's building. He just left the building to the pros here in terms of basketball. So good winner.
- [13:50]
Tas Melis
Yeah, that stat was surprising. The one that I mentioned after game five. That they are the first team in NBA history to have five guys run out there that they didn't draft in a clinching game to start to start a game. Surprising. Yeah, a little surprising. But kudos to Leon rose.
- [14:08]
Trey Kirby
Other winners OG Anunoby the hand of OG on the tip average 20 a game during the playoffs. Shooting 56% from the field, 49 from three plus giving you six rebounds, a steal and a half and a block every single night. He actually missed time during this postseason. Like that's pretty easy to forget. But he was out with a hamstring, which was a problem for OG during last playoffs or maybe a couple of playoffs ago. But we've seen times where OG makes it to the playoffs and isn't able to continue playing in the postseason. Instead he raised his game, had a run at finals mvp, made the biggest play in Nick's modern history. At the very least, it's just cool to see him like actually get a chance to show what he's allegedly been saying behind the scenes since Toronto. I want a bigger role. I can go out there and score a whole bunch of points. I can do it with the ball in my hand. He's actually doing 20 per game during the playoffs. Had the huge game in game four, plus the game winning tip, plus the defensive play to even set up the tip. This was like the guy that everyone's saying just he's a winning player. You know he's going to make something happen if he's ever able to stay healthy. He finally was thanks to Leon Rose's training staff. And he was one of the biggest difference makers I think in the entire Finals.
- [15:24]
Jay Skeets
I'll go Mikhail Bridges as another winner here too because you know there is the whole. He probably never has to hear about the five first round picks sort of ever again because he's a champion and they're hanging the banner. So that's huge for him. You get that monkey off your back he also did have a good Game five. I know, like, it was all Brunson, but he did chip in 14 points, desperately needed points, so that helped get them across the line. His other big game in the finals was game two, where they won. Obviously, that was the Wemby throwing it away and all the antics at the end, but he scored 20 points. Mikhail Bridges did in that game, hit four threes. And I just think we keep saying early in the postseason, wow, they were down 2:1. And what happened? Cat. They started going through Catmore. Huge narrative. Huge change for the Knicks when they started ripping off the win streak. But around that same time, too, was Mikhail Bridges, who was getting benched. Who once again, everybody's going, oh, my God, we traded how many picks for this guy? He's not doing anything. Anything. After those couple games where he got very few minutes, he got unlocked, too. I mean, he was lights out in the Philadelphia series. No, they swept him and it was not really a problem at all. He was incredible. That continued. And so he also avenges his 2:0 finals lead once upon a time with the Phoenix Suns. So I'll give Bridges a little love here. I think, you know, at the end of the day, we'll have a lot of other guys remembered ahead of him. But he played his part and I think does get forgotten a little bit in the turnaround in the postseason for the Knicks, because it was mainly Cat where they started running through that and the offense started humming, but he actually started attacking, started to have some confidence in his shot and played a part, too.
- [16:52]
Tas Melis
Yeah, he was dead for a while. It was a little Fran, Fred Van Vliet esque from the Toronto Raptors days. He wasn't there and. And Mike Brown had to bench him. He literally benched him in the Atlanta Series, but he came back out and was. Yeah, 8 for 19 from 3 in this series. Good numbers.
- [17:08]
Jay Skeets
Wow.
- [17:09]
Tas Melis
You know, just two real games where he contributed offensively, but those points were totally needed. And I think that's why Josh hart. I mention 8 for 19 because Josh Hart, surprisingly, even though they left him open, he did bang home some. He was 8 for 20 in this series, so 40% surprising, you know. Yeah, he. He was literally couldn't score four games, but then was able to chip in like McEl Bridges did.
- [17:30]
Jay Skeets
Any other winners? I have one more. I got a ton. Go ahead.
- [17:33]
Trey Kirby
Cat's a winner for sure. His play tailed off after Game 2 when he was getting Finals MVP chatter. But the way he played through two games allowed the Knicks to build a 2, 0 lead on the road. That was huge. Him out playing Wemby for a couple of games.
- [17:45]
Tas Melis
He was the MVP for two days.
- [17:46]
Jay Skeets
A rough game. 3, 4, and 5 for Cat.
- [17:48]
Tas Melis
Who cares?
- [17:48]
Jay Skeets
Yeah, who cares?
- [17:49]
Trey Kirby
Yeah, it's like. Like Bridges didn't. He had a couple of good games, too. Yeah, Hart had a couple of good games, too. Brunson and OG Showed up for every single game, but they got enough good performances in enough games from the three other starters that have put them over the edge. So those are my Knicks winners. The entire starting lineup pretty much. You know, and their coach, other Knicks side winners. I would throw in the Baja Men. Biggest moment for the Baja men in 25 years, easily.
- [18:13]
Jay Skeets
Well, this is so funny, the timing there. Oh, man, I'm drawing a blank on this comedian's name. Have you seen the clips going around the guy that's like. It's like every word he says, there's like a shotgun and the lights go crazy, and it's like, really over the top. His whole bit is something with the Baja Men. And he tells, like in his show, like, do you know how many Baja Men there are? Oh, I have.
- [18:33]
Trey Kirby
I actually saw this clip and he brings out the Baja Men.
- [18:36]
Jay Skeets
Apparently there's like 8, 18 total. But is there any, like. Anyway, it's like, that's the whole bit. But yeah, the guy comes out. So the Baja Men are having an incredible moment.
- [18:44]
Trey Kirby
They're having a great run right now. Hopefully they get to go to the parade on Thursday. That'd be really cool to see. All 18 of them. Mariska Hargitay, big time winner. She's the biggest winner of all the celeb fans for me.
- [18:56]
Tas Melis
She's a real one.
- [18:57]
Trey Kirby
Yeah, she's a real one. She was there during the bad times, and she was there for game four, celebrating with Taylor Swift. Now, look, Taylor Swift, I think, gets a minor winner here. I'm also giving a minor winner to homemade T shirts. Those are very cool. You saw Knicks fans start making them for their selves for Game five as well. But seeing Mariska Hargitay, like, immediately go hug Jalen Brunson and Rick Brunson after this Game 4 comeback, she felt like their mom, or I guess Rick Brunson's wife. So that was very, very funny to me that she was, like, the first person there to congratulate them. I would also say Wu Tang Clan. Oh, big winner. Down by 29.
- [19:32]
Jay Skeets
Turn it around.
- [19:33]
Trey Kirby
Perform the halftime of game four. And the Riz God, the year of risk. God, continues. Right?
- [19:39]
Jay Skeets
Explain the risk. God, for those that don't know, who
- [19:41]
Trey Kirby
doesn't know the risk?
- [19:42]
Jay Skeets
Oh, come on.
- [19:43]
Trey Kirby
He was on what? Every episode of Survivor, the past 26 episodes of Survivor. He came on no dunks and he told us that the Knicks were gonna win the finals. He said OG Anunoby was going to be the finals. Totally get that. Right. But at least he picked the second best player and I don't think he got the exact score right for game one. But he told us the Knicks were
- [20:02]
Jay Skeets
going to win game one. Yep.
- [20:03]
Trey Kirby
He was cooking.
- [20:03]
Jay Skeets
He was cooking.
- [20:04]
Tas Melis
Yeah. Back to Marissa, just for one sec. Shout out to her because she's never on her phone. And she, she is a true real one in that she's been there forever and she's just there because she loves the game. She's not as much as we give. You know, we talk about the celebrities in New York. There's a lot of them and so a lot of them who just showed up for a game or two are there. She's been there forever and she doesn't.
- [20:28]
Jay Skeets
Did you not know about her too? She's like got a one woman Broadway show, I guess. And that one game where they were all wearing the game four with Taylor Swift and the crew. She like, she sprinted from her show because the traffic was crazy. She apparently ran as soon as her show ended to the arena to get there as quick as possible. Yeah, she's a real one.
- [20:52]
Trey Kirby
She's dedicated.
- [20:53]
Jay Skeets
Absolutely.
- [20:55]
Podcast Advertiser
Based on the best selling novel from Carly Fortune, the new prime original series Every Year after follows Sam and Percy across six summers as they take a second chance at a love that never really let go. If you love a slow burn. Friends to lovers, romance that stays with you. This is absolutely your next obsession. It captures that feeling of long summer days where everything is golden and unhurried and one person just means more to you than you know how to say. It's the kind of story that brings up memories, like a place you return every summer or someone you think about every time a certain song plays. There's that quiet tension, the what if and the emotional pull that builds over time and really sticks with you whether you've read the book or are coming in fresh. It's the kind of series you won't want to stop watching. Watch Every Year after now streaming only on Prime.
- [21:48]
Sponsor Voice
Unlock the savings at Boost Mobile and save up to $600 a year. I've been scouting these big carriers for a minute now and I've seen them pull the same play a thousand times. They promise you the world then hit you with a price hike right when the game gets tight. But boost mobile, their $25 a month unlimited wireless plan, is the most consistent player on the floor. No contracts, no price hikes. Unlock the Savings today@boostmobile.com Unlock based on average annual single line payment of AT&T Verizon and T Mobile customers, compared to 12 months of the Boost Mobile Unlimited Wireless plan as of January 2026. For full offer details, visit boostmobile.com whether
- [22:19]
Trey Kirby
you're dressing it up or down, staying cozy indoors or layering up on the go, Vuori's loungewear pieces prove that comfort and elevated style can go hand in hand. Or better yet, leg in leg. Because you know the core shorts come through in the clutch when it's playoff time. Whether you're getting a pump in or relaxing on the couch, the core shorts will hold you down. From training to commuting in style errands to workouts, Vuori is built for comfort, performance and everyday wear. Incredibly versatile and comfortable, Vuori is an investment in your happiness. For our listeners, they're offering 20% off your first purchase. So get yourself some of the most comfortable and versatile clothing on the planet@vuori.com nodunks that's v u o r I.com no dunk get 20% off your first purchase@vuori.com no dunks and discover the versatility of Vuori. Clothing exclusions apply. Visit the website for full terms and conditions.
- [23:20]
Sponsor Voice
Hey, what up, y'? All? Summer moves like a great jam session. You start with one idea, one direction, and then it shifts. Somebody calls. Energy changes. You take a detour. That's the beauty of it. For me, summer's always been about discovery. New sounds, new places, new people, new ideas. You start one place, end up somewhere completely different. And somehow that's exactly where you're supposed to be. I've always had my spots along the way. Starbucks has been one of those constants. Before a session, on the way to a gig, and between conversations that turn into something bigger than you expected. It's part of that movement, part of that rhythm. The summer's got its own soundtrack, too. You can almost hear it without trying. Life's happening all around you. That feeling of staying open to whatever's next. Sometimes it's the smallest things that lock you into that moment. What you're holding, what you're sipping. The new Tropical Butterfly Refresher from Starbucks. Guava and passion fruit flavors with mango pineapple flavored pearls. Cold, colorful, alive. Feels like something made for the Day that's still unfolding. And that's the thing, sometimes one small stop changes the whole mood of your day. Start your summer rhythm with Starbucks. Try the new Tropical Butterfly refresher from Starbucks.
- [24:36]
Jay Skeets
I have another huge winner. Abc, espn, the NBA. You know, Silver. This was a well watched Finals. I think we're waiting on Game 5's ratings here as of Monday morning. But through the first four games, the 26 Finals averaged nearly 20 million viewers on ABC, ESPN. It became the most watched since the Finals moved to ABC and ESPN to those networks in 2002. So that's encouraging. There's apparently big growth among younger viewers too from like the 12 to 17 and the 18 to 24 age groups. They skyrocketed. It was just a great matchup. You had the nation's largest media market in New York and then you had this generational. Gotta see this guy play in Victor Wembanyama and the very young team on the. Come up there and knocking off the champs. Defending champs in okc. So they gotta be happy with this. These are pretty damn good numbers for the NBA Finals.
- [25:32]
Tas Melis
Absolutely.
- [25:32]
Jay Skeets
And again, we'll wait to find out how game five went. Yeah.
- [25:35]
Tas Melis
Where are the numbers?
- [25:36]
Jay Skeets
I don't know.
- [25:36]
Tas Melis
It's been days.
- [25:37]
Jay Skeets
Yeah, they don't work on the weekend. Nielsen takes off the weekend. Any other winners or we want to talk?
- [25:43]
Trey Kirby
Yeah, I got spurs winners. Dylan Harper, clearly a winner for the Spurs. Biggest winner for the Spurs, I would say 18 points, six rebounds, three assists per game. Shot 49 from the field, only 28 from three. I don't know. Remember him making any catch and shoot threes, but if he had the ball in his hands, he could shoot threes. Only six total turnovers for Dylan Harper and everybody leaves this series saying, why didn't this guy play more? Yeah, why was he coming off the bench? There's also the weird interview with Devin Vassell where he's like, Harper wasn't happy with his role or his minutes. So that was kind of surprising to hear. Maybe he's just talking about early in the season. Who knows what's going on.
- [26:19]
Tas Melis
I know because I listened to it too. He mentions the G League. He was going down to the G League. And so then he kind of just throws in that he was a little upset. But yeah, the end of game five was. Was tough to watch. And that dear And Fox was missing. And we'll get to losers. I'm sure dear Fox will be won.
- [26:33]
Jay Skeets
Well, yeah.
- [26:34]
Commercial Announcer
Yeah.
- [26:34]
Trey Kirby
So we can, we can save a little Harper for then as well, but I think he's definitely, definitely a winner. He came out looking great. From this to the point where everybody's like, the more we get from Dylan Harper, the better it would have been for the Spurs. I think Devin Vassell and Julian Champagne also get to be winners. 47% from three for Vassell, 41% from three for Champagne. This was their first taste of the playoffs and to me, those two guys proved that they can be rotation members on a championship team. I do think the spurs in the grand scheme of things could upgrade specifically the Champagne spot, get somebody with a little bit more size. Because I thought as the playoffs went on, you saw the limitations with Champagne. Like he's a good fourth best perimeter defender, but if he's out there on the court, he's going to get hunted. And he was offering zero resistance against Brunson. It's great to say everybody could use an OGN and OBI type, but the spurs could definitely like get somebody bigger and bulkier. But I still was impressed with Champagne and to me, like he would be at the very least in a seven man rotation for a finals game because he was proving it out there. Like he was up and down with his three point shooting. He'd make five and a half and then zero. But still, if he's making five in a game, that's great. So those two guys are winners for me.
- [27:40]
Jay Skeets
I mean like, I mean we'll get into Fox for sure. Like not a great series for him and you know, maybe because of the high ankle sprain and all that and he has excuses, but the spurs did lead the NBA finals. Finals for 72% of the damn finals. So they were the better team for nearly three quarters of it. Just obviously couldn't close the door in a lot of cases. And maybe that's just the inexperience and the Wemby factor of like he's got to go take his lumps and stuff like that. But yeah, a lot of those guys did play really well.
- [28:10]
Tas Melis
Absolutely.
- [28:10]
Jay Skeets
And ahead of schedule because like nobody had them really going all the way to the finals to begin with and
- [28:15]
Tas Melis
they had never been there. And I know we always think about the experience factor and whether that was enough. And you mentioned Champagne, he was so good in first halves and then he would drop off in the second halves and is that just not playing enough? Maybe, but they need height, that is for sure. And we'll get to more Dylan Harper because you know, I'm just going back to my Dylan Harper notes after game five because it was just awesome how he was able to take advantage of who was in front of him. He was giving it to Deuce who was too tiny, but he was also catching it off Wemby doubles. But he was also driving after everybody, so. Yeah, he was. He made his name known the most outside of. I want Vinyama for the Spurs.
- [28:51]
Jay Skeets
Yeah. Okay. Well, let's do, let's do losers. Do we start with Dearon Fox as the most obvious biggest loser of the NBA Finals?
- [29:00]
Tas Melis
Yeah. Yeah, he was rough and rough to close out game five where those shots were, where they're falling. They were so short as some of them and they're open and so he just wasn't himself. You mentioned the high ankle sprain. Easily could have been a problem.
- [29:17]
Jay Skeets
I mean, he struggled for a couple rounds of the playoffs here.
- [29:19]
Tas Melis
He did.
- [29:20]
Jay Skeets
It wasn't like he just sort of completely fell off in the finals. He had moments where it looked like maybe Fox was back. Yeah, I mean game seven, right. Against OKC was a. Was a good year in Fox game.
- [29:31]
Tas Melis
But you combine that with the guy who's behind you playing so awesome.
- [29:34]
Jay Skeets
That's the thing.
- [29:35]
Tas Melis
Here's the question.
- [29:36]
Jay Skeets
And you combine it with the fact that your extension is about to kick in and you're going to be paid, you know, four years, 230 million, let's call it. Yeah. Now, you know there are people today going trade him, get him out of here. He's going to hold you back. Got to go to Harper Moore. I do not think the spurs are going to overreact to this, to him having a bad Finals. I just don't think that's the way that organization is run. Do you have an opinion on what they should do with the Aaron Fox here?
- [30:03]
Trey Kirby
Well, they should trade him, but every other team watched the finals as well. So that's the problem.
- [30:07]
Jay Skeets
You're trading him at the lowest possible.
- [30:08]
Trey Kirby
Yeah. You're trading him as his extension kicks in, he gets more expensive and his values at the lowest. Not the ideal time to be trading him and. But it's just not going to make sense to have Fox, Harper and Castle.
- [30:19]
Tas Melis
Yeah, I think, I think if they do keep them, you close games with one of Harper or Fox because it just. Harper's just thrown on the back burner while Fox tries to make plays and Harper's not doing it. And so if, you know they have a taller guy playing alongside, whether it's Harper and Stefan Castle, you know, plus your, your Vasel and a big guy, then it's, it's, it's easier to do defensively and it just makes more sense. I mean, it is weird to say Fox won't close games at times, but I think that's what it has to be like going through a guy a little bit more often that that. That seemed to be the end of the game and how it didn't work out. Now it's a lot on to on Harper's shoulders to say, hey, you're now the guy playing 30 minutes a game closing games, but he looks like the
- [31:12]
Jay Skeets
guy that should be playing.
- [31:13]
Tas Melis
Yeah.
- [31:14]
Jay Skeets
And they 30 minutes a game, they
- [31:15]
Tas Melis
just take away too much from each other on the floor. So.
- [31:18]
Jay Skeets
And you know, it's one thing that Fox went over four in, in the closeout game and struggled down the stretch like, okay, he missed shots.
- [31:25]
Sponsor Voice
That sucks.
- [31:25]
Jay Skeets
Don't get me wrong. But it really is that boneheaded play and decision at the end of game four where he should not have taken a layup with OG chasing him down. He should have dribbled out and kept the ball and got fouled and shoot the free throws. And they have a much better chance than to survive the crazy comeback and go back, obviously two two to San Antonio for a best of three with home court advantage. Like that's. That's sort of inexcusable from the one guy who is your vet. And no, he hasn't had a lot of postseason, you know, runs either. But you've been around the block and I'm sure he regrets it. I know he's thinking, I beat him to it. I'm the fastest guy in the league. I'm getting there. I'll just take the two points. What are you talking about?
- [32:04]
Tas Melis
But, but OG wasn't that far.
- [32:06]
Jay Skeets
No, that's the weird thing.
- [32:08]
Tas Melis
He was right there and you mentioned Cat as a winner and you're just taking me through all the plays. Game 4 where the spurs could have won this thing. Cat's fingertip stop of the castle gameplay dunk. That would have been an alley oop dunk for sure to end it. He just looked like he was right on path. So I just want to make sure I haven't already forgotten that because one day I probably will. But Cats Stiller will make you never forget. Oh, I can't wait to watch that.
- [32:34]
Jay Skeets
Yeah. Other losers. Wemby, go on.
- [32:38]
Trey Kirby
I think he's going to feel like more of a loser in the moment right now on Monday after winning the championship when we look back at his first finals appearance, if he makes more. But at 22 years old, he went for 26 a game, 11 rebounds, two assists, the steel and 3.6 blocks. Like that's a pretty decent performance for your first time in the NBA finals. But he wasn't the best player the majority of the time. He was the best player in a game once they needed at least four to be able to win the title. He wore down over games. He was exposed as not having a go to move or an in between game in these fourth quarters. And he had two massive failures, the butt pass and the missed free throws in game four. He can also throw in. He missed nine free throws during the entirety of the finals. That's not very many. Five of them were in fourth quarters. It did feel a little quakey at times for Victor Wembanyama. So look, I will. I think this guy could go down in history as the greatest of all time. This was not a greatest of all time performance in the finals. This was a slightly scared 22 year old. And I didn't think that that was going to be the case for him. But a minor loser for Victor Wembanyama.
- [33:42]
Tas Melis
Yeah, if he was paired with somebody running the show, ball handling, maybe it's different, you know, just who's doing it in a better way. Because I mean, we talk about Harper, we talk about Fox, I mean, Stefog Castle literally has to also develop a go to move move because he was lacking that. And if you look at the numbers, there's a lot of games not good where he wasn't there. So it's not just about getting fouled, it's about being able to find that balance. So there's that. But why Wemby was sitting at times may have been like, like you were talking about why he sat early in the second quarter of game five. Maybe because he isn't number one, having played all these games before, but number two, just not durable enough. And he did talk about that after game five. He said, I, I've got to be more durable, essentially. And that's part of it, I guess. I mean, and maybe that's why free throws were missed in the fourth quarter. I mean, that's probably just nerves. More, more likely than actual not being able to shoot a free throw. But fourth quarters were bad.
- [34:39]
Jay Skeets
He's also going to need to learn how to like control his temper a little bit here too. I mean, these, these teams and these players, they know the best way to try and rattle him is to be physical with him, get under his skin. And he showed a couple times, at least that he snapped, especially the Nas Reed elbow. Which was blatantly like, get the hell off me and clock them. And a couple other incidences too. And I don't see that that's going to stop because he's a freak and he's amazing and that's what teams are just going to. They're going to implement such things. And he has to obviously handle that better. And I think he will. Like, to me, this is the best thing for the league to happen. Wemby and the spurs not winning this year. And I said that when we headed into this final. It's like, I think it's way more exciting for him to like be stopped here and not just anointed the goat of all. Like, oh my God, he's got one. He's going to win 10 of these. It's way better. He's got to like figure it out. And he's talking about it and as a team and they're super young. I like it. I like this like, wow. Now this is. Now this is really scary to me. If he really. She will take this to heart and how he has to get better and as the team has to get better. So I think it's great for the league that he didn't get it right now. That's my personal opinion.
- [35:42]
Tas Melis
Yeah, we probably won't see him this summer all that much, but I'm sure somebody will and should be making him just like videos of him meditating. Even if it's not. They're not real. They'll be AI. But I mean what he basically said was I got to keep a fresh mind and maintain control of the game at all times. Which basically means stop hitting guys and yes. Just lock in type of thing. So he will be doing what he's got to do.
- [36:05]
Trey Kirby
I mean he can Oz Reed elbow. That's the problem flagrant wise. You can't throw one like that. That gives you two points.
- [36:11]
Jay Skeets
Yep.
- [36:11]
Trey Kirby
The accidentally hitting guys in the face, which is gonna happen for Wendy. He's seven foot five. He's gonna hit guys in the face. It's just going to happen. He's going to pick up the little ones a lot. You can't get the twos.
- [36:20]
Tas Melis
The twos are not allowed.
- [36:23]
Jay Skeets
And he.
- [36:23]
Trey Kirby
And he can meditate.
- [36:24]
Tas Melis
Got a suspension from that as well. Not just boost the flag. Flagrant point.
- [36:28]
Jay Skeets
Yes, it's a good point. He can meditate all he wants and that's fine. And he will good do you but. And you said it, Trey. He desperately needs a go to move. He. That has to be like one of the main things he works on, whatever it is, like is it a skyhook? Is it, you know, is it just more of a comfortable jumper which you can get at any time. It's got. He has to get something because that was obvious. Obviously missing from his repertoire here where when you get into these third and fourth quarters and we just need a bucket first off, you're not a point guard so we got to get you the ball first and where are we getting it to you and where are you comfortable? So like that's what he has to add. I mean the guy should add this guy Hook of all the guys. It would be awesome. But yeah, we haven't seen that in a while.
- [37:11]
Trey Kirby
You say we're not going to see him. I think we are. We saw every single thing Wemby did last summer and then we got an article all about what he did last summer. Heading into the playoffs. He does like to have his training broadcast to the league. He's a little stage managed. There's absolutely no.
- [37:27]
Jay Skeets
Also tough to disappear when you're 7 5.
- [37:29]
Trey Kirby
Exactly. Yeah, this guy. But like go train with Hakeem. Go train with Dirk Nowitzki. Go train honestly with lamarcus Aldridge. That guy's a spurgeon. He loves a mid range jumper. That would be the perfect guy for me. Want me to lose from? To learn from, I think.
- [37:44]
Jay Skeets
Don't do that. Hey, Taylor, Marcus. I want to learn how to lose more. Can we. Can you get me on your books? Learn from. Yeah. Or Duncan, of course too. I'm sure he's talked to, but yeah,
- [37:56]
Tas Melis
yeah, we shall see. It'll be different, I think than last year where he was on camera at all times. I mean he said, he said ajame. He's basically saying, I'm done, I'm not coming back. Come on, you're French Canadian. Learn a word.
- [38:12]
Jay Skeets
What do you mean he's away? He's not going to be away.
- [38:14]
Tas Melis
What do you mean he's not going to be away? Just because there's.
- [38:17]
Jay Skeets
I mean there's no Summer Olympic, there's no basketball this summer for like international. So. Yeah, that part will help us not be top of mind.
- [38:24]
Tas Melis
Yeah, yeah. He's going to do all those sort of the tanks where he's just all by himself. I'm not just. I'm not saying he's going to bed. He obviously has to do things where he has to to become a better basketball player. But I don't think it's just going to be filmed as much, that's all.
- [38:36]
Jay Skeets
Okay.
- [38:37]
Tas Melis
And he does definitely doesn't want to talk to the media like, like, like Timmy Duncan. I mean he's kind of, he had enough I think at this point. But he's obviously good with the media either way, whatever. He's going to be a better basketball player come.
- [38:49]
Jay Skeets
Yes. He's 22 years old, he's not even close to his prime yet and he's already the best defensive player in the league maybe of all time on that end. But a lot of growth still on the other end and you know, I think we're all expecting, oh, spurs will be back. Why wouldn't they be back? Wemby, Castle, Harper. Look at the ages of these guys. Yes, but we've done that before with teams too. We definitely did that with the, the young Thunder once upon a time.
- [39:12]
Trey Kirby
We did that with my Thunder last year.
- [39:13]
Jay Skeets
Well, yeah, yeah, them too. Also. The Thunder probably would have beat the spurs if they were healthy. And then, you know, then it would have been like. That would have been the correct amount of growth for the spurs in year one in the postseason. But they jumped it. They beat the, they beat the Thunder, injuries or not. Any other losers?
- [39:30]
Trey Kirby
Yeah, a lot of them. Kellen Johnson, big time loser, looks like an 82 game player, not a 16 game player in the Draymond parlance. Regular season, Kelton Johnson, 13 a game on 51% shooting. In the playoffs he averaged seven per game on 41% shooting, had 22 total points in the finals.
- [39:49]
Jay Skeets
Keldon Johnson is going to be a difficult. Hey, he won six man of the year. Trivia question like 20 years from now. I think we're going to struggle with that one.
- [39:56]
Tas Melis
Yep.
- [39:57]
Jay Skeets
In part because of like. Yeah, he really was a disappearing act in the finals and the postseason for chunks of it.
- [40:05]
Trey Kirby
He didn't. How many even double digit games did he have in the playoffs?
- [40:09]
Tas Melis
Very few, I would have to imagine.
- [40:10]
Trey Kirby
I can't really. There was never really like a big Keldon Johnson game.
- [40:14]
Jay Skeets
The thing you're going to remember most is like any like pregame him, you know, yelling at Wemby in their, their little hype up as they push each other and yell at each other and stuff like that.
- [40:23]
Tas Melis
Yeah, there was that 20 point game against Minnesota.
- [40:26]
Trey Kirby
He destroyed Minnesota in the blowout for sure. 21. He had seven double digit games out of 23. He just, he just didn't look like a playoff guy. That's all other losers trump. Nick's lost one game in two months and it was the one where the ultimate vibe ruiner showed up that's incredible. That's actually hilarious. Tough break for that guy. But at least the UFC card went off without a single hitch. Oh, wait a second. The biggest star retired on the stool and they were delayed for an hour. Nonetheless, he takes an L. Sga, I think maybe gets a small L here. Everybody's better than Jalen Brunson until it comes time to be better than Jalen Brunson. SGA was not better than Jalen Brunson against the Spurs. I mean, Brunson was much more effective against the very same defense.
- [41:15]
Jay Skeets
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [41:16]
Trey Kirby
And it's because he's got a three pointer. Brunson 14 for 36 and five games. SGA went 8 for 28 in seven games.
- [41:22]
Jay Skeets
We said that, we talked about that.
- [41:24]
Trey Kirby
And that's probably. Actually, if I'm thinking about like the signature shot for Brunson from the finals, it's probably in game four when he hits that step back over Wemby.
- [41:32]
Jay Skeets
That was huge.
- [41:32]
Trey Kirby
That was huge. Didn't even. I think that didn't even tie the score or get him within one. I think it was a four point game. Got him within one. So that was big time. So, yeah, I mean, those are guys that go about scoring in similar ways. They like to play in the mid range, crafty, trying to draw free throws. And Brunson was better at it than SGA was in a similar scenario. And then a couple other quick losers. The Brooklyn Nets. How is anybody ever going to be a fan of this team? I saw Fred Katz writing up how the Knicks are the only team that runs unopposed in New York City. There is literally another basketball team that plays in New York city. They had 50 years to convert anybody to be Nets fans. Couldn't do it.
- [42:11]
Jay Skeets
No.
- [42:12]
Trey Kirby
And now everybody's going to be Knicks fans.
- [42:14]
Jay Skeets
Oh, yeah. The whole. A whole other generation.
- [42:16]
Trey Kirby
Exactly.
- [42:17]
Jay Skeets
Yeah, exactly. That's a great point. Because all the other sports, like there are Mets fans to Yankees fans.
- [42:22]
Trey Kirby
Yep.
- [42:22]
Jay Skeets
Yeah. And even jets fans.
- [42:24]
Trey Kirby
Jets fans, the Giants fans, Islanders and Rangers.
- [42:27]
Jay Skeets
Yeah. Yeah. That's crazy.
- [42:30]
Trey Kirby
Nets are a loser. The guy who picked every single series. Right. Except for the Finals.
- [42:34]
Commercial Announcer
Yeah.
- [42:35]
Trey Kirby
That sucks for that guy.
- [42:36]
Jay Skeets
Damn. Did we ever find out if he would have won a million dollars?
- [42:40]
Trey Kirby
It was on the website. But I don't know if. I don't know. I don't know what the deal is with that.
- [42:45]
Jay Skeets
Yeah. Should have taken the Knicks tough.
- [42:47]
Trey Kirby
And Jimmy Butler Wiggins got a title. Cat got a title. Sure. They were not the number one guy. And Jimmy took his team to the finals twice. Yeah, but they're the only team to go to the finals twice in the past nine years and not win it. So Jimmy Butler, you got to be a little bit of a loser.
- [43:03]
Jay Skeets
And, and like Wiggins did play very, very well in the warriors championship run. Obviously, Curry was the man, but Wiggins was really good.
- [43:11]
Tas Melis
Yeah. Arguably the second best cat we went
- [43:13]
Jay Skeets
through, obviously an incredible postseason. Things turned around when they started going through him. So. Yeah, they were, they were instrumental. There was that funny photo. I saw it. It's, it's, it's young. A younger Wiggins, a younger cat and a younger Jimmy Butler. I remember that has a whole story.
- [43:27]
Trey Kirby
Yep.
- [43:27]
Jay Skeets
He took the scrubs and beat them in a practice. Get these bums out of here. Can't win with these guys. Well, they ended up winning. Yeah. That's a good one. You got any other ones?
- [43:36]
Tas Melis
No.
- [43:36]
Jay Skeets
All right.
- [43:37]
Tas Melis
This was great.
- [43:38]
Jay Skeets
Winners and losers from the NBA Finals. You tell us what we missed there. Lots to pick from still. Let us know in the comments. Let us know in the stream Team or on Spotify. We'll take a quick break. When we come back, it's Giannis trade season.
- [43:52]
Podcast Advertiser
Based on the best selling novel from Carly Fortune, the new prime original series every year after follows Sam and Percy across six summers as they take a second chance at a love that never really let go. If you love a slow burn. Friends to lovers, romance that stays with you, this is absolutely your next obsession. It captures that feeling of long summer days where everything is golden and unhurried and one person just means more to you than you know how to say. It's the kind of story that brings up memories, like a place you return every summer or someone you think about every time a certain song plays. There's that quiet tension, the what if, and the emotional pull that builds over time and really sticks with you. Whether you've read the book or are coming in fresh, it's the kind of series you won't want to stop watching. Watch every Year after now streaming only on Prime.
- [44:45]
Commercial Announcer
You're locked into a lot of things you can't change. Weather, traffic. Hey, stay in your lane. Your wireless carrier's latest price hike. But you can unlock a better way. Unlock the savings at Boost Mobile and save up to $600 a switch to the $25 a month unlimited wireless plan. No contracts, no price hikes, and you keep your phone. Stop being locked into their games. Unlock the savings@boostmobile.com Unlock based on average annual single line of payment of AT&T, Verizon and T Mobile customers compared to 12 months on the Boost Mobile Unlimited Wireless plan as of January 2026. For full offer details, visit boostmobile.com whether
- [45:17]
Trey Kirby
you're dressing it up or down, staying cozy indoors or layering up on the go, Viori's loungewear pieces prove that comfort and elevated style can go hand in hand or better yet, leg in leg. Because you know the core shorts come through in the clutch when it's playoff time. Whether you're getting a pump in or relaxing on the couch, the core shorts will hold you down. From training to commuting in style errands to workouts, Vuori is built for comfort, performance and everyday wear. Incredibly versatile and comfortable, Vuori is an investment in your happiness. For our listeners, they're offering 20% off your first purchase, so get yourself some of the most comfortable and versatile clothing on The Planet at Vuori.com nodunks that's V-U-O-R-I.com nodunks get 20% off your first purchase at Vuori.com nodunks and discover the versatility of Vuori. Clothing exclusions apply. Visit the website for full terms and conditions.
- [46:18]
Sponsor Voice
Hey, what up y'? All? Summer moves like a great jam session. You start with one idea, one direction, and then it shifts. Somebody calls. Energy changes. You take a detour. That's the beauty of it. For me, summer's always been about discovery. New sounds, new places, new people, new ideas. You start one place, end up somewhere completely different, and somehow that's exactly where you're supposed to be. I've always had my spots along the way. Starbucks has been one of those constants. Before a session, on the way to a gig, and between conversations that turn into something bigger than you expected. It's part of that movement, part of that rhythm. The summer's got its own soundtrack, too. You can almost hear it without trying. Life's happening all around you. That feeling of staying open to whatever's next. Sometimes it's the smallest things that lock you into that moment. What you're holding, what you're sipping. The new Tropical Butterfly Refresher from Starbucks. Guava and passion fruit flavors with Mango Pineapple flavored pearls. Cold, colorful, alive. Feels like something made for the day that's still unfolding. And that's the thing. Sometimes one small stop changes the whole mood of your day. Start your summer rhythm with Starbucks. Try the new Tropical Butterfly Refresher from Starbucks.
- [47:35]
Trey Kirby
The biggest stage in world soccer is here, and every goal changes everything. And now FanDuel is giving you a reason to Root for every single one. Introducing every goal page. Bet on a match and get bonus bets for every goal scored in that match. One of the favorites, Spain, gets going today.
- [47:56]
Jay Skeets
Today an hour, hour and a bit.
- [47:58]
Trey Kirby
That's right here in Atlanta.
- [47:59]
Jay Skeets
That's right, yeah.
- [48:00]
Trey Kirby
No Lamina Mall. No odds for this guy to score a goal even though he's the best striker on the Spanish national team. Apparently he's coming off the bench even though he's fully healthy. So give me Pedri at a plus 125 to score or assist. Okay, maybe it's Pedri, I don't know. But I like the way he plays in the midfield with his passing, so I would love to see an assist. More goals means more bonus bets. All you have to do is turn on your token. Visit FanDuel.com to get started. Now, let there be goals.
- [48:31]
Jay Skeets
There was a lot of goals in the Germany match yesterday.
- [48:34]
Trey Kirby
There was a lot of goals in the Germany match.
- [48:35]
Jay Skeets
I think it was 7:1.
- [48:36]
Tas Melis
Yep.
- [48:38]
Jay Skeets
Let there be goals, they said. And there was or is anybody going down to a World cup game here in atl. I was looking at ticket prices. They're still quite expensive.
- [48:48]
Trey Kirby
Yeah, they're very expensive. I would love somebody to offer me a free ticket.
- [48:51]
Jay Skeets
I know. So would I. Yeah. Like, even the worst game here in Atlanta, the tickets are only $500.
- [49:00]
Trey Kirby
Yeah.
- [49:01]
Jay Skeets
Right now that's upper bowl. That's fine. Okay, whatever. But yeah, it's still. Still a pretty penny.
- [49:07]
Tas Melis
Wait till the last second.
- [49:08]
Trey Kirby
Maybe I guess Saudi Arabia use Pakistan or something like that.
- [49:11]
Jay Skeets
It's like.
- [49:11]
Trey Kirby
It's like cheap game here.
- [49:12]
Jay Skeets
Like that. Yeah. Yep. I had my eye on it. I got World cup fever. It's here. I'm like, should I go? The answer is yes, we should go. But yeah, I'm not gonna go for that much.
- [49:23]
Tas Melis
Yeah, I don't.
- [49:24]
Trey Kirby
I don't care that much. I'd rather go to a team US party, which I will be doing.
- [49:28]
Jay Skeets
There you go. For sure.
- [49:29]
Trey Kirby
What do you think about these hydration breaks?
- [49:30]
Jay Skeets
Yeah, it's just another commercial. Great stuff.
- [49:32]
Trey Kirby
It's literally just an ad break.
- [49:34]
Sponsor Voice
Yeah.
- [49:34]
Jay Skeets
It's ridiculous.
- [49:35]
Commercial Announcer
Yeah.
- [49:35]
Trey Kirby
They play in quarters now.
- [49:36]
Jay Skeets
Yeah, they do. They do. And they go away too. Commercial. That's my favorite part. If you wanted to sell me on, like, oh, it's a hydration break. Brought to you by Powerade. But we stay here with the team and we talk. You know, we see the field and all that. That's one thing. They just like. Yeah, they just cut away. Get a Couple commercials in. Come on back.
- [49:53]
Trey Kirby
Yeah, yeah.
- [49:54]
Tas Melis
I remember when I advocated for basketball as the shortest of the major sports. You know, outside of soccer, people would say, hey, hey, what about soccer? We play 45 minutes straight now. They don't. So sad.
- [50:07]
Jay Skeets
Yeah, so sad. So sad. Have you seen the. I'm sure you have. I do like this addition to the. The referee cam. Oh, yeah, this thing looks amazing.
- [50:16]
Trey Kirby
These guys are on it because I'm like, they get a great shot of every goal.
- [50:20]
Jay Skeets
I know.
- [50:21]
Trey Kirby
These are the best refs in the world.
- [50:23]
Tas Melis
I think, like, it's pretty cool to watch. The quality could be better.
- [50:27]
Jay Skeets
I thought. It's not bad though. It's on a guy's head.
- [50:29]
Trey Kirby
It's on the guy's head.
- [50:30]
Tas Melis
Yeah, but it's not, you know, it's not hd, but it's cool.
- [50:33]
Jay Skeets
I mean, it's pretty amazing.
- [50:35]
Tas Melis
It's awesome.
- [50:36]
Jay Skeets
It'll get better. You're right. It will get better.
- [50:38]
Trey Kirby
How do you like the technology they use for offsides? I know you're a little worried about the NBA introducing a lot of technology for their calls and the AI, but like, apparently they got sensors in the ball so they can tell guys are off sides. That's amazing.
- [50:51]
Jay Skeets
I love it.
- [50:51]
Trey Kirby
That little thing they put up with, like the cube ends at where the guy's shoulder is or whatever. I like that.
- [50:57]
Tas Melis
That's neat.
- [50:58]
Jay Skeets
Yeah, we love soccer.
- [51:00]
Trey Kirby
Soccer's great.
- [51:02]
Jay Skeets
All right, let's get into this. According to the ringers, Bill Simmons, the Celtics reportedly made an offer to the Bucks for Giannis last week. Boston has dove in to use Bill Simmons term here on the Greek freak sweepstakes. This was a change in tune for Simmons, though, who had previously reported that he heard Boston wasn't involved in trading for Giannis. Simmons said he doesn't know what changed the Celtics minds, but that they are now involved in trying to deal for the two time mvp. I will add he didn't know what that deal looks like. But everybody, tas assumes if they are in the mix here, the Celtics for Yanis, then Jalen Brown's got to be going either just back to Milwaukee or rerouted to a third team and then more picks and players going potentially to the Milwaukee Bucks. So this is the new exciting part here, I guess. A lot of Giannis to Miami talk which we've gone through, but maybe the Celtics are making a play. Do you buy any of this? Or is this like, is this maybe Milwaukee just trying to like drum up more from the Miami Heat, these type of rumors?
- [52:07]
Tas Melis
I'm starting to buy the three way deal with Boston a little bit more rather than Milwaukee just taking back Jaylen Brown. Because then it starts to resemble a team looking forward to the future. Getting young players from a team like Atlanta, potentially moving Jaylen Brown to Atlanta, that sort of makes more sense. Along with some picks or even the Pelicans, young players and picks coming back. Ira Winderman reporting that as two possibilities. Yeah, but the other side is, does Yanis want to go to Boston? I mean, it's a far bigger market than Milwaukee, obviously, but it ain't Miami. And we could say Yanis, we could say Giannis is a loser of the NBA Finals because of the Knicks win. They don't need Yanis anymore. So that's a part of it. But it's not just the size of the market. They want a championship two years ago in 2024. Does he want to be part of that team? Does he want to pull a Durant esque type of thing? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe it's, he's totally fine with that. But I think this is a three team. I think that, you know, we put a deal together for, strictly for Jalen Brown. Hugo Gonzalez, it's Ugo Gonzalez. And a 2027 first round pick on May 15th put that together. Maybe a second round pick, maybe a second first round pick. But is that what the Milwaukee Bucks want to be? I think that's a fair question. Maybe they want to get a third team involved to get more younger players. Yeah, because Jalen Brown, as good as he is, he's not Super Young at 29 right now. You know, you're going to be 30 soon. And so. So then what is the horizon for the Milwaukee Bucks? How good are they going to be? I think that instead of getting also picks from the Celtics, which ain't going to be very good picks, you turn around and give it Jalen Brown to like a Hawks or Pelicans, you get younger, better picks. So that's where I see, I see some resemblance there of a, a deal that could happen.
- [54:03]
Trey Kirby
Yeah, I agree that if Boston gets involved in the Giannis deal, Jalen Brown will go to a third team. Doesn't make sense for him to go to Milwaukee. And all the reporting seems to make it out that the Bucks want picks more so than they want players. But my reaction was the same as you, Skeets. It was like, I thought Boston was out of this. Yeah, that's what Simmons said. That's what Windhorse said. That's what Zach Lowe said. But then we get the news that the Heat are in the lead here and you look at their package and you're like, I think that great Tyler Hero. Kalo where? And then some sort of combo of Hawkez, Larson and Yaka Chonas, plus their picks like that could be beat by quite a few teams outside of Miami. Like, the Celtics obviously could throw in Jalen Brown. The Magic could offer Paolo Bonchero if they really want to get in the mix. The Timberwolves could offer Jaden McDaniels. I don't know where you put him compared to Tyler Hero. McDaniels is more of a finishing piece to me. Perhaps. Nonetheless, there are teams that could beat the Heat. All the reporting, though, does say Giannis wants to go to Boston because they can pull off the trade and still have a good team.
- [55:04]
Jay Skeets
Yeah. Yeah.
- [55:05]
Trey Kirby
So that's interesting to me. But it feels like a leverage play from the Bucks here, driving up the offers because they're like, we could trade for Tyler Hero anytime we want. They could have traded for Tyler Hero last summer. They could have traded for Tyler Hero at the deadline. They obviously don't want Tyler Hero that much. That's like a fallback deal to me is what Miami is offering. So I do buy the. Boston is maybe kicking around the Jalen Brown of it all, and I don't necessarily know if that's what Milwaukee wants, but they want players of Jalen Brown's caliber to be benched so that they can get a better player back or be able to ship that guy out for more picks.
- [55:43]
Jay Skeets
Yeah, I agree with you that it just feels like this Miami Heat deal has been here for a while and the Bucks are like, what? This is all they're offering. It's really sort of all they can offer for being truthful, too, but they're just hoping. And it's a last ditch sort of effort here as we get closer to the draft, which does seem to be one of their, like, I don't know, deadlines that they have in mind here because they want to make said picks if they're getting 20, 26 draft picks of, like, anything better? Anything better? Anybody? Celtics, you don't want Giannis? Boston, you don't want Giannis. Are you crazy? Look at those Jaylen Brown twitch streams, man. He's already. Once out of there, he wants his own team. Like, they're like, yeah, trying to drum this up here. Maybe a third team involved. You guys went through them, I guess. The Blazers are one of these potential third teams, too, where Jalen Brown is rerouted and you know, that would allow maybe Milwaukee to get their own picks back and stuff like that in a prospect or two, but that's what we're doing here. I think ultimately still this ends with him going to Miami. I just don't. I don't know because, like, how many of these teams are lining up for Giannis, too, with his. With his age and his contract and his unfortunate injury history, which we've gone over a million times, we don't need to beat a dead horse, but the guy is going to be eligible here for a $275 million contract extension, and he unfortunately has just not been healthy for the last couple of years. It's a hell of a gamble. Like. Like, what do you. Like, let's just look at it from the Celtics side of things. Jalen Brown out, obviously a young player or two. And then draft capital. Are you doing it? No brainer. The upgrade is Giannis over Jalen or like, how much of an upgrade is that to you of where they are, their current careers? Is it.
- [57:24]
Tas Melis
It's a fair question. It's scary. With Giannis's health, it's. It's legitimately scary. Yeah. I think that's an internal question for them. The Jalen Brown not want to be here. It's sure. Even though he went on Twitch and blah, blah, blah. You know, this was my favorite season. Even though we literally got bounced in the first round. I think that's an internal question for them. If he still wants to be there. You probably hang on to what you got because this may have just be too late for the Milwaukee Bucks to get a good package back for giannisankou. Maybe they waited too long. Another year with a calf injury banking on a year before that. With a calf injury banking on a year before that, where he was out in the playoffs. So there's just too much of that happening. So it's a. It's a fair question. Giannis or Jalen Brown? That's a fair question. If John Brown wants to be there, I think. I think you stick with it. You stick with the Jalen Brown.
- [58:18]
Trey Kirby
I would trade him. Giannis is clearly the better player than Jalen Brown. It's just the injuries that are the risk. But you know what else is a risk is bringing back Tatum and Brown and losing the same way that they have lost the past couple of years. And that's what Brad Stevens said in his end of season press conference was like, we can't keep doing this. We need to put pressure on the rim. Yes, that's Literally what Giannis does, he is the rim for the, for the most part. I don't know if it raises the Celtics to the Knicks level, but I think throwing Giannis onto a Celtics team makes it an interesting matchup for New York and gives them the Celtics a lot more on the inside, which they haven't really had since peak poor Zingus health. You know, and I think you look at the way that their center rotation fell apart in the playoffs with Keda and Garza and Vuch not even being able to get on the court. Giannis is a pretty good center upgrade there, even if that's only his second position on the Celtics. So there's definitely worries about his age and the way he's able to stay healthy, but I think the ceiling is higher with this version of the Celtics not comparing them to 2024 when they were loaded with an all star. Basically every position.
- [59:30]
Jay Skeets
Yeah.
- [59:31]
Tas Melis
Yeah. The other question with Giannis is do I need to sign a. A max extension as part of this trade? Because then you're literally adding we're talking five years of Giannis. Right. It's the one, plus the four of a lot of money for a guy who hasn't been able to sustain it. So it's a fair question.
- [59:51]
Jay Skeets
Yeah. For those that don't know, Giannis is going to make $58.5 million next season and has a $62.8 million player option for 2728. But he's eligible this offseason for this $275 million extension.
- [60:05]
Tas Melis
It's six months after he's traded, right?
- [60:08]
Jay Skeets
I think so.
- [60:08]
Tas Melis
So, yes. So he could sign it with Milwaukee in October.
- [60:12]
Jay Skeets
Yep.
- [60:13]
Tas Melis
But he has to wait six months after being traded to sign it with that team. So I guess there's the injury. If he gets injured, then you don't have to sign to the extension in a bad way. But.
- [60:24]
Jay Skeets
But do you agree if Giannis is like on board with I guess, either of these, Miami or Boston, and we sort of have an idea of what the return would be and the players going out and what would be left on said rosters, do you think? Yeah, of course. It'd be a no brainer to go to Boston if you're honest, for your chances to win that second title compared to what would be left in Miami.
- [60:44]
Tas Melis
Oh, no question.
- [60:44]
Jay Skeets
Okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [60:46]
Tas Melis
You're playing beside Tatum. The only thing that Miami is not trading is bam. At a bio. That's who you'd be playing with with Giannis, are they a top three or Four team needs. Yeah, yeah. But still within. That's a fair question. With Indiana coming up with, with the Knicks 3, 4. That's where they would be. Yeah. It's not, it's not incredible. It's not incredible.
- [61:11]
Jay Skeets
And you agree with that obviously, that for his best chances in the immediate future to win another title.
- [61:16]
Trey Kirby
Yeah, I think like, yes. I mean the Heat haven't won a playoff series in a while. Always in the play in tournament. I think if they add Giannis and they have to trade away all these support pieces around them, obviously they would be able to get good veterans who are, you know, towards the end of their career being in Miami getting to play with Bam and Giannis. So they'll be able to fill out their team. But. But they seem like, like task is saying maybe, maybe a third seed. I don't know. Like the Knicks would be ahead of them. I would take the current Celtics, like if, if they stick with Brown and Tatum, that team's going to be good. When Jason Tatum's healthy for a whole season. Detroit just won 60 games. Yeah, the Cavs are going to bring everybody. Well, who knows what the Cavs are going to do, but they're at least a good regular season.
- [61:58]
Jay Skeets
The Magic could be healthy, maybe.
- [61:59]
Trey Kirby
Yeah, exactly. So I just, I don't necessarily think that just Giannis plus Bam, plus whatever random vets they get probably is like a home court first round team.
- [62:11]
Jay Skeets
Well, let's hear from everybody out there how tired of you are the honest trade rumors. Does this happen? Does this happen this week or before? Obviously the draft night is on. Is it on Tuesday next week? It is, yeah. We plan on doing a live watch party here from the Classic Factory for the actual draft. So come ticket with us on Tuesday night. But yeah. Does it go down then? You know, it does feel like it's coming soon. If, if we believe Jimmy Haslam here and this idea that they would want said picks and, and select players with said picks from the 26 draft to be a lot of future picks. I get that.
- [62:43]
Tas Melis
But yeah, yeah, we know they're doing it.
- [62:46]
Jay Skeets
They're trading them. Even, even Tasmalis believes Giannis is being
- [62:49]
Tas Melis
stuck around the year. He just said, I'm sticking around this year. It happened. Now he's gone. Now it is interesting to think about what the packages were four months ago or a year ago when all those Knicks rumors were hot. Right, right. And Leon Rose did not pull the trigger in New York. So you know he's going to be excited when the trade happens. He'd Be like, yeah, I didn't do that. Good move, obviously.
- [63:14]
Jay Skeets
Jesus, that'd be the ballsiest move of all time. Win the championship and go. You know what? Let's trade for Giannis now.
- [63:20]
Tas Melis
Why not?
- [63:21]
Jay Skeets
Oh, geez, you were really flirting. You know, they've won this thing off. Friendship and family. And he's like your family, your friends. Let's get out of here. We're going to get yacht Us, man. That'd be ballsy.
- [63:33]
Trey Kirby
Ballsy. He's got the title nobody would question. I know. Well, he was right.
- [63:37]
Jay Skeets
He's got the Midas touch, man. He's got the Midas touch. Okay, let's call it there fun little Monday show for you again. Go check out Sunday's podcast. We did do a podcast Yesterday recapping Game 5 and the Knicks championship and all that. If you didn't catch that, otherwise, we're back on Wednesday. Unless Giannis gets traded here, we will be around for emergency podcast back on Wednesday. Probably hitting the beach. So send in your questions, no dunks Inc. That's inc.mail.com. you can drop them in the YouTube comments as well. Giannis related, draft related, finals related, obviously. Any of these teams projecting as we go into the off season, let us know and probably we'll talk maybe a little bit more Spurs, I guess, on that show. Otherwise, thanks for joining us. Till then, Clipper bro, you heard it here first. Have a great time.
- [64:21]
Trey Kirby
Turn up.
- [64:21]
Jay Skeets
Love you guys.
- [64:22]
Sponsor Voice
Awesome.
- [64:23]
Tas Melis
Thanks for joining us. And remember, check out some wedgies on YouTube tomorrow. We don't have it yet. I mean, we do, but we don't. But we do. Anyway. Wedgies on YouTube brace the day people.
- [64:38]
Trey Kirby
Whether you're dressing it up or down, staying cozy indoors or layering up on the go, Viori's loungewear pieces prove that comfort and elevated style can go hand in hand. Or better yet, leg in leg. Because you know the core shorts come through in the clutch when it's playoff time. Whether you're getting a pump in or relaxing on the couch, the core shorts will hold you down from training to commuting in style errands to workouts. Vuori is built for comfort, performance and everyday wear. Incredibly versatile and comfortable, Vuori is an investment in your happy happiness. For our listeners, they're offering 20 off your first purchase, so get yourself some of the most comfortable and versatile clothing on The Planet at Vuori.com nodunks that's V-U-O-R-I.com nodunks get 20 off your first purchase at Vuori.com no Dunks and discover the versatility of Vuori. Clothing exclusions apply. Visit the Website Website for full terms and conditions.
- [65:40]
Sponsor Voice
What's up y'?
- [65:41]
Tas Melis
All?
- [65:42]
Sponsor Voice
Summer's got a different tempo. Everything's a little looser, brighter. One plan turns into another. You hear something, you stay a little longer. Next thing you know, you're somewhere you didn't plan to be. It's those in between moments. That's where the ideas hit. Conversations stretch out. Little memories sneak up on you. Sometimes it's just about what's in your hand. That color. That chill. The new Tropical Butterfly Refresher from Starbucks. Guava and passion fruit flavors with Mango Pineapple flavored pearls. Yeah, that feels like summer before you even taste it. Funny how one small stop becomes the best part of the day. Start your summer rhythm with Starbucks. Try the new Tropical Butterfly Refresher from Starbucks.
- [66:29]
Tas Melis
Chime is changing the way people bank Keeping it simple no one needs complicated banks. They offer these the most rewarding Fee free banking. This is fee free banking built for you, not the 1%. Listen to this. Chime is rated five stars by USA Today for customer service. Real Humans 24. Seven Chime members can benefit from up to 11 $50 in annual rewards. Fee free. You're not just switching banks, you're upgrading to America's number one choice for banking with a Chime checking account where you can get 5% cash back on Chime Card. In a category of choice like gas or groceries, you get savings that grows faster with a 3.75% APY that's nine times higher than the national average. My younger self would have benefited from this. Plus you get premium travel perks like airport lounge access and 24.7Travel Concierge included in your Chime Card.
- [67:27]
Sponsor Voice
Wow.
- [67:28]
Tas Melis
Chime is not just smarter banking. It is the most rewarding way to bank join the millions who are already banking fee free today. Head to chime.com nodunks that is chime.com no dunks. It only takes a few minutes to sign up.
- [67:43]
Commercial Announcer
Chime is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services from MyPay and Chimecard provided by Chimes Bank Partners. Optional products and services may have fees or charges. Stated annual percentage yield on cash back for Chime prime only, no minimum balance required. Checking account ranking based on a J.D. power survey published October 20, 2025. For more information on APY rates, my Pay Spot Me and travel perks go to Chime.com disclosures Life's Better with Drive My Way from American Family Insurance because we know it's more than just a car. It's your escape pod, your adventure mobile, your memory maker, and we help protect the dreams that drive you. Personalize what you pay for auto insurance and you can save between 10 and 35%. American Family Insurance Get a quote and find an agent@amfam.com Products, pricing and availability
- [68:21]
Trey Kirby
vary based on the way you purchase insurance and by state. Unsafe driving behaviors may increase your rate. American Family Mutual Insurance Company SI and its operating companies 6000American Parkway, Madison, Wisconsin
- [68:29]
Commercial Announcer
this is an iHeart podcast.
- [68:31]
Podcast Advertiser
Guaranteed human.