Are the Warriors Playoff Threats?

Summary

PTI Podcast Summary: “Are the Warriors Playoff Threats?”

Release Date: April 15, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser & Mike Wilbon
Duration: Approximately 24 minutes

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1. Opening Banter: Tax Day Troubles (00:31 - 01:05)

The episode kicks off with light-hearted exchanges between Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon about Tax Day. Mike humorously questions Tony about his tax filings, leading to a playful debate about their methods:

• Mike Wilbon [00:31]: "It is tax day. Tony, did you pay your taxes?"

• Tony Kornheiser [00:37]: "Wait again to pay him again."

Their conversation highlights Tony’s meticulous approach to tax submissions, emphasizing his lack of reliance on an accountant.

2. Western Conference Playoff Showdown: Memphis vs. Golden State (01:04 - 04:31)

The primary focus shifts to the impending Western Conference play-in game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors. Both hosts dissect the teams' performances and playoff prospects.

• Mike Wilbon [01:42]: "It's not great. It might be a six."

Mike expresses skepticism about the Warriors’ chances, citing their recent home losses and key player injuries:

• Mike Wilbon [02:10]: "They’ve lost three games at home down the stretch, including one to San Antonio."

Tony counters by backing the Warriors, stressing the importance of star players:

• Tony Kornheiser [02:39]: "I like Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry over Ja Morant because Jimmy Butler has been to NBA Finals."

The discussion highlights the Warriors' reliance on Curry and Butler versus Memphis's depth, led by Ja Morant. Despite Memphis's defensive prowess and depth, Tony remains confident in Golden State’s ability to secure the win.

3. NFL Draft Speculations: Giants Eyeing Shador Sanders (04:40 - 07:02)

Transitioning to NFL news, the conversation centers on the New York Giants' reported interest in Shedor Sanders, raising questions about their true intentions.

• Tony Kornheiser [05:15]: "I feel this way. This guy does not meet their immediate needs."

Tony critiques the Giants' drafting strategy, suggesting they favor immediate wins over long-term prospects. He references past draft busts like Daniel Jones and Zach Wilson to underscore his doubts about Shedor Sanders meeting the team's urgent requirements.

Mike contemplates potential trades and the Giants' strategic positioning:

• Mike Wilbon [05:46]: "If you're talking about winning now, you better get some damn players."

The hosts debate the balance between acquiring promising rookies versus ensuring immediate team performance.

4. WNBA Draft Picks: Paige Beckers vs. Dominique Malanga (07:12 - 10:00)

The discussion shifts to the WNBA draft, focusing on the top picks: Paige Beckers and Dominique Malanga.

• Mike Wilbon [07:49]: "I want to see her. I mean first of all, Tony is not just dunking."

Mike advocates for Malanga’s potential, highlighting her complete game and dynamic playstyle.

• Tony Kornheiser [09:28]: "We have seen Paige Beckers for what seems like 10 years now."

Tony favors Beckers due to his familiarity with her proven track record, contrasting it with Malanga’s relative unknown status.

The debate underscores the classic versus the potential debate in drafts: proven talent versus untapped potential.

5. Play-In Play: Hawks vs. Magic (10:05 - 13:12)

In a toss-up segment, Tony and Mike evaluate the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic as the more compelling team in the play-in tournament.

• Tony Kornheiser [12:01]: "I do not find either of these teams compelling. I am positive they cannot win an NBA championship."

Both hosts express low expectations for both teams’ playoff success, citing lackluster performances and limited championship potential.

Mike remains somewhat hopeful about Atlanta’s young talent:

• Mike Wilbon [13:09]: "They have got some terrific young players, too."

However, the overall consensus leans towards indifference towards both teams’ playoff aspirations.

6. Golf Majors Showdown: Rory McIlroy vs. Scottie Scheffler (13:12 - 15:58)

The conversation shifts to golf, debating who will secure more majors in the future: Rory McIlroy or Scottie Scheffler.

• Tony Kornheiser [14:40]: "I think it's possible Scheffler will win like seven."

Tony posits Scheffler as the more consistent and long-term major contender, while acknowledging McIlroy’s recent successes.

• Mike Wilbon [15:29]: "I think Rory can go really four more majors."

The debate covers the longevity and current form of both golfers, with Tony advocating for Scheffler’s sustained performance potential.

7. Trade Controversies: Nico Harrison and Luka Doncic (16:10 - 16:36)

Returning to basketball, the hosts discuss Nico Harrison’s controversial trade of Luka Doncic.

• Tony Kornheiser [16:23]: "I will be fired. And I think he will be fired."

Tony is adamant that Harrison will face consequences for the trade décision, while Mike remains more reserved:

• Mike Wilbon [16:25]: "I wasn't supportive. I wouldn't have made that trade."

Despite differing views, both agree that the trade has significant implications for the Mavericks’ future.

8. Sports Legends and Anniversaries (17:00 - 20:54)

Tony and Mike pay tribute to sports legends and commemorate significant anniversaries:

• Dara Torres' 58th Birthday [17:14]: Celebrating her remarkable Olympic swimming career spanning five different Games.

  • Mike Wilbon [18:47]: "There's not nearly enough talk about Derek Torres being one of the great athletes."

• Jackie Robinson's Anniversary [20:01]: Honoring Robinson’s groundbreaking MLB debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the racial barrier in baseball.

  • Tony Kornheiser [20:54]: "I think this is the most important single event that ever happened in sports in the United States of America."

9. Rapid Fire Sports News (20:54 - 23:54)

The hosts quickly cover a series of sports news updates:

• Joe Dumars Takes Over the Pelicans [22:32]:

  • Mike Wilbon [23:14]: "It's a great fit. Joe Dumars built a championship team with the Pistons."

• Damian Lillard’s Playoff Status [22:26]:

  • Tony Kornheiser [22:32]: "Damian Lillard will reportedly miss the start of the NBA playoffs due to his blood clot."

• Lionel Messi's World Cup Plans [22:32]:

  • Mike Wilbon [22:32]: "Luis Suarez says Lionel Messi wants to play for Argentina in next year's World Cup."

• Rockets' Chris Bryant Injury [23:34]:

  • Mike Wilbon [23:35]: "Rockets' Chris Bryant is on the 10-day DL with lumbar degenerative disc disease."

• Canadian Rookie Ivan Demidov’s NHL Debut [23:42]:

  • Tony Kornheiser [23:51]: "Canadian teenage rookie Ivan Demidov had a goal and an assist in his debut."

10. Closing Remarks (23:54 - End)

As the episode wraps up, Tony and Mike share final thoughts and tease future discussions:

• Tony Kornheiser [23:57]: "Come on, we're out of time. We'll try and do better the next time."

• Mike Wilbon [23:57]: "Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Tony Kornheiser [20:54]: "I think this is the most important single event that ever happened in sports in the United States of America."

• Mike Wilbon [07:49]: "I want to see her. I mean first of all, Tony is not just dunking."

• Tony Kornheiser [16:23]: "I will be fired. And I think he will be fired."

---

This episode of PTI offers a comprehensive look into the current sports landscape, blending in-depth analysis with the hosts' signature banter. From playoff predictions and draft speculations to honoring sports legends, Kornheiser and Wilbon provide listeners with insightful commentary on the most pressing sports topics of the day.

Transcript

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[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. It is tax day. Tony, did you pay your taxes?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Tony Kornheiser. Wait again to pay him again.

[Mike Wilbon]

See, it's this yearly thing.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So you know what I do? I don't know if you do this because I don't think you actually pay taxes by yourself. I don't think you take the envelope down to the post office.

[Mike Wilbon]

Never.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I go to the post office, I get return receipt requested so that if they don't get there, I don't want to pay extra interest. I can prove I sent them on time.

[Mike Wilbon]

Don't you have an accountant?

[Tony Kornheiser]

No.

[Mike Wilbon]

Those in the United States of America?

[Tony Kornheiser]

No, I do it myself.

[Mike Wilbon]

You're crazy.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Really?

[Mike Wilbon]

Math major?

[Tony Kornheiser]

You were an English major. An English major. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, the Giants will work out Shador Sanders. Paige Beckers goes first in the WNBA draft. And Wilbond's boy, Nico Harrison says he has no regrets about Luka Dodo, the worst trade of all time. But we begin today with tonight's Western Conference play in game Memphis at Golden State. Head to head this season, the warriors have beaten the Grizzlies three of four. John Morant played in two of those games, winning one, losing one. Jimmy Butler only played in one of those games for the warriors, and the warriors won it. Wilbon, what is your level of confidence that the warriors will win tonight?

[Mike Wilbon]

It's not great. It might be a six. No, it's just not great because they've lost three games at home down the stretch, including one to San Antonio. If they win that game. They're not even in this predicament, and yet they've got an extra game with Steph Curry with his thumb banged up and Jimmy Butler with a thigh contusion. And you just. Maybe they peaked at that game a week ago Thursday in Los Angeles when they beat the Lakers.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So are.

[Mike Wilbon]

Are you or was Steph Curry had like 52? No, I said six. You asked me the confidence. I said six. So I believe I think the warriors will win. But I'm just saying the Warriors, Tony, is not like a week ago there was this wave of you believe, you.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Think, you think, you believe.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm not sure. I'm not certain.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Tell me when you're done. Oh, yeah, I'm totally certain. First of all.

[Mike Wilbon]

You're totally certain.

[Tony Kornheiser]

First of all, Golden State does not have to win this game. If they lose this game, they get to play one more game.

[Mike Wilbon]

Then they'd be in the eighth spot and have to be okay.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They get to play one more game and winner take all. And it is as well at home. I like the Warriors. I'm going to tell you what I like Steve Kerr over some guy who has coached nine games in the league and is four and five after those nine. I like Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry over Ja Morant because Jimmy Butler has been to NBA Finals. Steph Curry Been to multiple one multiple. John Moran, not so much. Seven and 12 in playoff games. I am interested in your pick because I'd like to remind you and anybody who is watching us that within the last month you have said on air that you believe Oklahoma City and Memphis are going to.

[Mike Wilbon]

Last month. That was back in January.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Be the final team for the West Conference. So I assume more accurate. I assume you have to pick Memphis. No.

[Mike Wilbon]

And that was back in January before they did things like fire the head coach to which you referred and before Ja started either throwing grenades or taking a rifle, which he could be suspended for.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So you're on Golden State because the.

[Mike Wilbon]

Commissioner didn't say pretty please, you're on Golden State. I think Golden State's gonna win. The question is confidence level. Yes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, I'm high.

[Mike Wilbon]

Do not see those games they lost.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I understand they have lost their last three at home.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They have also never won a play in game. They're O3, Owen3. So it's trending against them. But I believe in Golden State over Memphis. I do. I believe they will win the game.

[Mike Wilbon]

First of all, John Morant when he's out there and engaged and not worried about throwing grenades. John Morant is a great player, Tony. And he's got support from Jaren Jackson Jr. Who's a defensive player of the year. He's got Desmond Bane. They've got. Look, Memphis is much deeper than Golden State.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Are they as good as Butler and Curry?

[Mike Wilbon]

No.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's all.

[Mike Wilbon]

But I tell you what, that's it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Witnesses excused.

[Mike Wilbon]

Was San Antonio as good as those guys? Oh, you stopped chirping, didn't you? Okay.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No. I said the witness was excused.

[Mike Wilbon]

Move to the NFL draft speculation. The New York Giants, who hold the third pick, will reportedly hold a private workout on Thursday with Colorado quarterback Shedor Sanders. That's just one week before the actual draft. The Giants will separately work out Alabama's Jalen Milroe and Louisville's Tyler Schuck. Tone, the Giants already signed Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson this offseason. So does the team's interest in Sanders, the alleged interest, seem sincere to you or just like a bluff to lure a team, anybody, into trading up?

[Tony Kornheiser]

So I'm not going to question the sincerity of this. I have no reason to particularly question it. But I will say, as you know, I feel this way. This guy does not meet their immediate needs. Okay? The Giants are a lousy team. They won three games this past season. It's impossible for us to believe that the coach and the general manager will get another year if they. Another bad year. So they have to win now. They have to win now. That's why you don't get a rookie quarterback and turnover team to a rookie quarterback.

[Mike Wilbon]

You mean like the Commanders just did, successfully?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Much better. He was a much better.

[Mike Wilbon]

You don't know how good this guy's going to be.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's not going to be that good, Shador, because nobody's been that good. He's not going to be that good. They have to win now. That's why you get Russell Wilson. That's why you get Jameis Winston.

[Mike Wilbon]

I understand why they did.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Look, you may think that Shador Sanders is your future, right? But if you're the coach in the gym, your future is right now because you won't have another year. Now, what has happened with Derek Carr means that New Orleans needs a quarterback. Okay? So they could chase Aaron Rodgers. They could try to trade for Kirk Cousins, stop with Roger, or they could draft one of those shows. But they're sitting at nine. So the logical trade partner is the Giants at three. That's the logical trade partner.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's what I think. Giants. And I can't get the pass rusher out of Penn State. If I trade down, who am I going to get? If you're talking about winning now, you better get some damn players.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay.

[Mike Wilbon]

Okay. And you got another kid from Colorado who may be the greatest prospect.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He may not last of all time. He may not last to three.

[Mike Wilbon]

He may not.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No.

[Mike Wilbon]

See, but then that means you got the. You got the kid from Penn State.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

Who's going to be.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But do you agree that taking a rookie quarterback when Your jobs are on the line. You have to win now again.

[Mike Wilbon]

Okay.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's one in a million. Jaden Daniels is one in a million.

[Mike Wilbon]

But they. We just saw it. We saw it 50 yards from this studio.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Did you win the Heisman as well?

[Mike Wilbon]

He won the Heisman. He won the Heisman.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I mean look, I don't know how good Chidor Sanders is going to be, but I will tell you this. The Giants thought Daniel Jones was going to be real good. Didn't work out. The jets next door thought Zach Wilson would be really good. It didn't work out because right now the medal lands in the last few years is a burial grounds for quarterbacks. It is. It's bad. Let's move to the top of the WNBA draft. Paige Beckers went first to Dallas as expected. The next pick was 19 year old French woman, 6'six Dominique Malanga to Seattle. Malanga played in the French league this past season, turned pro when she was 15. She has dunked in games there. Wilb, on which pick are you more excited to watch, Beckers or Malanga?

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, I've seen Beckers for four years and she's going to be great right away my feeling about Paige Beckers is steps into the league is great. Dallas goes from picking first to the playoffs. That's my expectation based on other did that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Indiana did that with Caitlin Clark. Right. Went to the playoffs.

[Mike Wilbon]

So I want to see Malanga. I mean first of all, Tony is not just dunking. If you watch enough of this video which we've been able to watch the last few days, she's got a complete game and she seems to have this infectious personality which allows for her to do great things. I want to see her. Maybe it's overstated, but maybe not 6'six with that kind of talent. Tony, it doesn't just seem like she'll be oh, one of the best inside players in the league. It seems like she could be the best very early on.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, look, I'm going to agree essentially with all the points that you're making. We have seen Paige Beckers for what seems like 10 years now. Yeah, four years ago she was the college player of the year when she was 19. Now she's 23. We just saw her lead UConn to a national championship. We have seen her, we know her. We don't know anything about Melange. She has a complete unknown. The first sentence on all the stories says that she's 66 and from France. And the second sentence says she dunks in games. So now she's being compared to Victor Wembanyama. Which is completely understandable cuz she's French. If she was Serbian, she'd be compared to Jokic. Okay, that's what that is about. But in terms of excitement, since you've seen one and you haven't seen the.

[Mike Wilbon]

Other, you got to be intrigued to see. Of course I'm intrigued to see what this guy is going to do. Having picked Haley Van Lith and a Slovenian shooter, I care about my own team.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No, and I understand that, by the.

[Mike Wilbon]

Way, the Mystics had a draft. They did.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You're the only one who knows this. They got 15 people.

[Mike Wilbon]

Because like a lot of people I watch.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I mean, you want. I would say, and you would agree with this, the better bet long term is Paige Becker's.

[Mike Wilbon]

I gotta see her. I gotta see Manga first.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, but you want to. You want to see her? Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

You want to see.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's take a break. Coming up, are the Hawks or the Magic the more compelling team in tonight's.

[Mike Wilbon]

Other play in game and Rory just won the Masters. But will Scottie Scheffler win more majors moving forward? Toss up.

[Tony Kornheiser]

When did France become the basketball capital of the world? Have they won any Olympic gold medals? I don't think so.

[Mike Wilbon]

Here's what they've got.

[Tony Kornheiser]

What do they got? They got the first two NBA picks from last year.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'll tell you what. They got some players who make the MVP award. First of all, they've already won.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Time for toss up. Two men enter, one man leaves, finishes the show, then attends a 6pm Group dinner that threatens to push his bedtime past 8pm what's first? Toss up in tonight's other play. In which team do you find More compelling. The Hawks or the Magic. So to me, as you well know, the key word is compelling. I don't find either of these teams compelling. I am positive they cannot win an NBA championship.

[Mike Wilbon]

Not this year.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm not certain they can win even one round of the playoffs.

[Mike Wilbon]

No, not this year.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You know, maybe Orlando can, because Orlando has Bankara, Wright and Vog, but I don't really think so. Is Trae Young still on Atlanta?

[Advertisement Voice]

Yes.

[Mike Wilbon]

He led the league in assists.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You know where I'm going with this? Where I'm going with this is that the top of the east is much better than the bottom of the east, whereas that's not necessarily true in the West. So I believe in the play in format. I believe it's an exciting concept. But I cannot bring myself to be excited about Atlanta or Orlando. So I will likely not watch the game and watch the Nats instead.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm sure that's really thrilling.

[Tony Kornheiser]

People really are hanging out with. Oh, like they care about the Chicago sky that you just talked about. Really?

[Mike Wilbon]

I care about the stuff.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, I care about the Angel. Reese, thank you.

[Mike Wilbon]

And Hayley Van Leeuwen, thank you. Thank you very much. Van Carroll and Wagner, you mentioned. Yeah, Atlanta's got some terrific young players, too. Reese Sachet, who you wanted, as opposed to the Frenchman. Sar, you got.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

And then Dyson Daniels is, I mean, a player of. A young player of some consequence.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Compelling. Compelling.

[Mike Wilbon]

I said consequence.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, compelling.

[Mike Wilbon]

And then Jalen Johnson is out, sadly, because he got hurt. They still got Clint Capella. I mean, the team that's more compelling is probably Atlanta or closer to it. But Bon Caro and Wagner, I want to see them. I want to see one game.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You get to see at least one game.

[Mike Wilbon]

See one game. The question is, can that team then at least push? What is the. The. The number seven?

[Tony Kornheiser]

But you agree. You agree that the top of the east is much better than the bottom of the light years. Okay, what's next? Toss up who will win more majors going forward, Rory McElroy or Scotty Scheffler. Okay, so I don't want to be, as people say, a prisoner of the moment. I watched as you watched what I thought was the most thrilling golf tournament I've ever seen, Rory McIlroy winning the Masters. And I believe that by getting the Masters monkey off his back, and I said this the other day, he will win multiple majors. I think he will win multiple Masters, But. There's always a but. He's 35, so his reasonable window 7 years 7 years to 10 years. Scotty Scheffler's 28, so his reasonable window is 12 to 15 years. If you went to one of these golf tournaments and talked to people who make a living doing commentary and analysis of golf, 95% of them would tell you Scottie Scheffler is the best player in the world, okay? He just had a blah tournament, the masters and finished fourth. I love Rory McIlroy, I'm rooting for him. The safer long term bet here is Scheffler.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, but I don't know about that. Scheffler's won two majors, both the Masters.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

He was out majored a year ago by Xander Schauffle. So there's a guy, there's a peer of his.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Xander Schoffle's got two also.

[Mike Wilbon]

He's got two. He's got the same number as Scheffle.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

So I mean, look, Scheffler had a great season last year. What do you have? Seven wins? He had a great year, okay? But the comparison of it with Tiger is irresponsibly stupid.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Did I do that?

[Mike Wilbon]

And when I heard you didn't. But when I heard people do it on camera, I wanted to slap the taste out of their mouths for even mentioning Tiger Woods. And I'll bet with Rory, cuz I think that Rory can go really four more majors. And I don't think this Scheffler is going to necessarily win four more majors.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Really, I don't. I think he's the best player, okay? And I think his average game is good enough to win certain tournaments, maybe not majors, okay? And I, and I love Rory, you know, and I think he's going to win multiples, but I think it's possible Scheffler will win like seven.

[Mike Wilbon]

Ray, there are people that were the best player in their time. We thought a player like Adam Scott, who wasn't what, short time won.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I believe that was a short win.

[Mike Wilbon]

Justin Rose has won one.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yes, a long time.

[Mike Wilbon]

It's hard to win with multiples.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, we'll see. That's why we make these bets. That's it. Let's take one last break. Coming up, Mavs GM Niko Harrison stands by his trade of Luka Doncic. Get off this. Get off it.

[Mike Wilbon]

And as old man Lionel Messi really planning to play in one more World Cup, I should have mentioned, are you.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Still supportive of Nico Harrison and that trade? Are you still supportive of that?

[Mike Wilbon]

I wasn't Supportive. I wouldn't have made that trade.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Would you fire him?

[Mike Wilbon]

No.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Really?

[Mike Wilbon]

No.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No. Your best asset is gone. You wouldn't fire him?

[Mike Wilbon]

Okay. Let's see how the season plays out. See what happens.

[Tony Kornheiser]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy time, people. Happy 58th birthday. Dara Torres. Torres was on the United States Olympic swim team in five different Olympics. She was in Los Angeles in 1984 when she was 17 years old. She was in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. She was in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. She was in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and in 2008 in Beijing. Torres became the oldest American swimmer to make our olympic team. At 41, Torres won four Olympics gold medals, all in relays, either the 4x100 freestyle or the 4x100 medley. She won bronze in 2000 in the 50 free, the 100 free, and the 100 butterfly. She won silver in 2008 at 41 years old in the 50 free. In all, Tori's won 12 Olympic medals, four gold, four silver, four bronze.

[Mike Wilbon]

Given the depth and breadth of her success, there's not nearly enough talk about Derek Torres being one of the great athletes in the history of American athletes, there's not nearly enough talk.

[Tony Kornheiser]

When swimming started in her age group, people quit. By 19, they were out. They were done.

[Mike Wilbon]

They were.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy anniversary, Chad Pennington. On this day, 25 years ago, the Marshall quarterback became the first quarterback taken in the 2000 NFL Draft Pennington went 18th overall to the New York jets, as always desperate for a quarterback. Following Pennington as quarterback selections were Giovanni Carmozzi, Chris Redmond, T. Martin, Mark Bulger and Spurgeon Wynn.

[Mike Wilbon]

Wow.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Bulger was the only one of this group to make the Pro bowl, which he did twice, of course. The next quarterback selected, draft pick, 199. Made 15 Pro Bowls. He won seven Super Bowls, five times. Was named Super Bowl MVP. Yeah. Tom Brady.

[Mike Wilbon]

Brady does so much stuff now. I mean, he's on games, you know, I love hearing Brady and he and Jim Gray have. They're about to open up a museum.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Is that right?

[Mike Wilbon]

Sports memorabilia, among other things. Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He should put his uniforms in there.

[Mike Wilbon]

That would be. We'll go to see that, of course. Take up a whole floor. Happy anniversary, Jackie Robinson. This is posthumous, of course, but on this day, 78 years ago, Jackie Robinson broke baseball's racial barrier when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Baseball celebrates this milestone across the league today, and rightfully so. Nearly 80 years later, this resonates as one of the most important events of the 20th century. Jackie Robinson is one of the most significant people in the history of sports and the history of this.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So, as you know, I think this is the most important single event that ever happened in sports in the United States of America. And maybe I feel it a little bit more deeply being from New York because I know that's, you know, that's where it happened in Brooklyn. I don't think you can say enough or write enough about how important that is.

[Mike Wilbon]

You cannot be in total agreement on that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy trails to Nico Harrison. Professing any lament about trading away Luka Doncic. The Mavs general manager told a select group of Dallas based media this morning he has no regrets about trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, adding that many successful decisions he has made have been initially met with skepticism. Like trading for Kyrie Irving. Harrison added, our philosophy is that defense wins championships and we are built on defense. He also said he sees himself finishing out his contract, which has three years remaining. The Mavs take on the Kings in the play in tomorrow night.

[Mike Wilbon]

What else is he supposed to say? I regret the deal a month after making it, or two months. Listen, don't tell me the owner wasn't front and center, the new Dallas Mavericks owner on this. I think Nico could be just absorbing a lot of the slings and arrows for the owner, which is part of his job.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I said that the day it happened. He will be fired and it will be quick. And I think it will be fired. I think he will be fired. We'd also like to note the passing of Don Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck passed away Monday at the age of 70. The tight end played nine seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Patriots, though he won a Super bowl with the 1983 Raiders. But Don Hasselbeck was perhaps best known as the father of former NFL quarterbacks Matt and Tim Hasselbeck, both of whom have been terrific contributors to this program. And we send the Hasselbeck family our condolences. One addition on tonight's Hawks magic game that I know you're going to watch, and I'm not. Clint Capella out with a ligament strain. You want to go to the big finish?

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's do it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Damian Lillard will reportedly miss the start of the NBA playoffs due to his blood clot. Your thoughts?

[Mike Wilbon]

The feeling is that Dame may be back later in this first round or in the playoffs. I don't know if Milwaukee can get through the first round without Dame Lillard. Dane Lillard's a great, great, great, great player. Best of health. First of all, Luis Suarez says Lionel Messi wants to play for Argentina in next year's World Cup. Does that make sense?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Makes sense on a lot of levels. First of all, he's a great player. 39, and it's the World Cup. But he's also based in Miami now. And this World cup is going to be in Mexico, the United States and Canada. So he would bring something to it, specifically that he wouldn't bring some other part of the world, I would think. Hall of Famer Joe Dumars finalizing a deal to run the Pelicans. Is that a good fit?

[Mike Wilbon]

It's a great fit. Joe Dumars is a native of Louisiana and Joe Dumars built a championship team in 2004, the Pistons. And they didn't have what you would call my apologies to my buddies Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton. They didn't have a player you would say is transcendent. Right.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Great coach.

[Mike Wilbon]

Joe Dumars had a great coach.

[Tony Kornheiser]

A great coach.

[Mike Wilbon]

The Rockets. He's put Chris Bryant on the 10 day DL with lumbar degenerative disc disease. Your reaction?

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's great. With the Cards. I haven't thought of them in years. Last one, Canadian teenage rookie Ivan Demidov had a goal in an assist. His debut. You're impressed, aren't you?

[Mike Wilbon]

Sure, but they lost in the Blackhawks. Canadians aren't in the playoffs yet.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Come on, we're out of time. We'll try and do better the next time. I'm Tony Cornheim.

[Mike Wilbon]

And I'm Mike Wilbon. Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads.