Finding The Cap & CFP Changes?

Summary

PTI Podcast Episode Summary: "Finding The Cap & CFP Changes?"

Release Date: February 19, 2025

In this engaging episode of PTI, hosts Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon delve into a variety of hot-button sports topics, ranging from college football playoff expansions to baseball's salary cap debates, and from intense MLS game weather conditions to insightful NBA analyses with special guest Kendrick Perkins. Below is a detailed summary capturing all the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

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1. Introduction and Theme Overview

The episode kicks off with a playful exchange between Wilbon and Kornheiser celebrating National Prevent Plagiarism Day. This light-hearted banter sets the stage for a candid and spirited discussion ahead.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wilbon [00:31]: “Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. It's National Prevent Plagiarism Day. Tony, have you ever plagiarized anything?”
• Tony Kornheiser [00:39]: “I'm Tony Cornhot. It's National Prevent Plagiarism Day. Wilbon, have you ever plagiarized anything?”

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2. College Football Playoff (CFP) Expansion

The primary focus shifts to the impending changes in the College Football Playoff system. Tony and Mike discuss the SEC and Big Ten conferences' plans to secure four guaranteed slots each in an expanded playoff system comprising 14 or 16 teams, set to commence the year following the current season.

Key Points:

• Mike Wilbon's Critique: Wilbon voices strong opposition, highlighting concerns over exclusion, loss of regional rivalries, and the dilution of what he cherishes about college football. He emphasizes that increasing the number of teams disrupts the sport's traditional balance and integrity.

  Notable Quote:

  • Mike Wilbon [01:44]: “I hate what this is doing. [...] When you cut out fan bases, you cut out regions of the country, not just conferences.”

• Tony Kornheiser's Perspective: Kornheiser acknowledges the financial inevitability behind expanding the playoff but also recognizes the fan passion tied to traditional formats. He points out that while expansion might seem overblown, it's driven by the economic incentives inherent in collegiate sports.

  Notable Quote:

  • Tony Kornheiser [03:01]: “This isn't Hoosiers, okay? [...] It's going to go to 14, it's going to go to 16 because of money. It's going to do it.”

Conclusion: While both hosts express skepticism about the expansion's impact, they agree on its likelihood driven by financial motivations.

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3. Baseball Salary Cap Debate

The conversation transitions to Major League Baseball's ongoing debate over implementing a salary cap to address payroll disparities among teams.

Key Points:

• Tony Kornheiser's Stance: Kornheiser advocates for a salary cap to promote competitive balance within the league. However, he acknowledges the significant resistance from players, as such a cap would limit their earning potential.

  Notable Quote:

  • Tony Kornheiser [05:13]: “I like a salary cap in baseball. [...] The players are not going to voluntarily go for a salary cap.”

• Mike Wilbon's Analysis: Wilbon highlights the challenges of instituting a salary cap, drawing comparisons to other sports leagues like the NHL and NBA. He argues that while the NHL suffered under a stringent cap, the NBA found a balance, though MLB's unique dynamics make a cap implementation complex.

  Notable Quote:

  • Mike Wilbon [06:24]: “The union has more power than all the other player unions combined, times 50. So that's not going away.”

Conclusion: The hosts conclude that while a salary cap could theoretically enhance competitive balance, the entrenched power of the MLB Players Association makes its adoption unlikely in the near future.

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4. MLS Game Weather Concerns

A pressing issue is raised regarding the MLS match between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City, scheduled under extremely cold conditions with game-time temperatures of 4°F and wind chills dipping below -10°F.

Key Points:

• Tony Kornheiser's Critique: Kornheiser vehemently opposes playing soccer in such frigid weather, especially since the players must wear shorts, contrasting sharply with the hardy attire of football players.

  Notable Quote:

  • Tony Kornheiser [08:44]: “This is soccer. This is guys running around in shorts. If I was told this morning that this game was originally scheduled for last night and was postponed because of snow [...] put them all in a plane and go to Miami.”

• Mike Wilbon's Agreement: Wilbon concurs, emphasizing the unnecessary risks posed by such cold weather on players' safety and the integrity of the game.

  Notable Quote:

  • Mike Wilbon [08:44]: “This is too cold.”

Conclusion: Both hosts agree that the game should be postponed or relocated to a warmer venue to ensure player safety and maintain the quality of play.

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5. NBA Insights with Kendrick Perkins

Kendrick Perkins, ESPN’s NBA analyst, joins the discussion to provide deep dives into current NBA scenarios, particularly focusing on the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors.

a. Lakers' Championship Prospects

Key Points:

• Impact of Missing Mark Williams: Perkins explains that the Lakers' absence of a key player, Mark Williams, significantly hampers their defensive and offensive capabilities, limiting their championship potential.

  Notable Quote:

  • Kendrick Perkins [12:35]: “This is an organization that are built on championships. [...] the lack of interior presence that they have.”

b. All-Star Game Analysis

The discussion moves to LeBron James missing his first All-Star game in 20 years and the broader critique of the event's format.

Key Points:

• LeBron's Absence: Perkins is not upset with LeBron for missing the game due to injury but criticizes the communication regarding his absence and the overall entertainment-centric setup of the All-Star festivities.

  Notable Quote:

  • Kendrick Perkins [13:39]: “I will say it was an appetizer for us. And I wasn't mad because guys actually went out there and competed higher than what they did the last two to three years.”

c. Draymond Green's Warriors Prediction

Perkins addresses Draymond Green’s bold prediction that the Golden State Warriors could win the championship, expressing skepticism.

Key Points:

• Perkins' Doubt: While acknowledging Draymond's optimism, Perkins doubts the Warriors' championship viability, citing defensive shortcomings and overreliance on veteran players.

  Notable Quote:

  • Kendrick Perkins [15:35]: “I know they're not going to win the championship. Their ceiling is a first round exit.”

• Optimism for Oklahoma City Thunder: Perkins shares a positive outlook on the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighting their defensive prowess and home-court advantage as key factors for potential success.

  Notable Quote:

  • Kendrick Perkins [17:16]: “It's a reason that they're number one defensively in the NBA is because those guys slide their puppies.”

Conclusion: While appreciative of the Warriors' veteran presence, Perkins remains unconvinced about their championship prospects and shifts his optimism towards the emerging Thunder franchise.

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6. Spotlights on Players and Coaches

a. Nikola Jokić's Stellar Performance

The hosts celebrate Nikola Jokić's 23rd birthday and his remarkable achievements in his tenth NBA season, positioning him as one of the most skilled centers in the league.

Key Points:

• Jokić's Stats and Accolades: With impressive averages in scoring, rebounding, and assists, coupled with one championship ring and three MVP titles, Jokić is lauded as a standout performer.

  Notable Quote:

  • Tony Kornheiser [21:16]: “Jokic may be the most skilled center ever. He shoots, he rebounds, he passes on an elite level.”

b. J.B. Bickerstaff's Coaching Anniversary

The episode marks the five-year anniversary of J.B. Bickerstaff taking over as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, now successfully leading the Detroit Pistons to a significant improvement.

Key Points:

• Turnaround Success: Under Bickerstaff’s leadership, the Pistons have doubled their previous season's win total, positioning themselves as playoff contenders.

  Notable Quote:

  • Mike Wilbon [22:09]: “They’re in position to make the playoffs. Defenses, by the way, shout out to his dad, Bernie Bickerstaff, a pretty damn good coach himself.”

c. Tiger Woods' Golf Mishap

A humorous segment covers Tiger Woods' nearly 100-yard miscalculation during a TGL competition, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to digital golf formats.

Key Points:

• Mistake Analysis: Woods' error stems from misinterpreting the displayed distance, a common oversight when relying on digital screens rather than traditional course markers.

  Notable Quote:

  • Tony Kornheiser [22:25]: “He overcooked the wedge. Anyway, hitting it 117.”

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7. Final Sports News Highlights

• Kansas vs. BYU Upset: A significant upset as the 23rd-ranked Kansas team suffers a 34-point defeat against BYU, marking coach Bill Self's worst loss at Kansas.

  Notable Quote:

  • Tony Kornheiser [23:22]: “Bill Self's worst defeat at Kansas. Unbelievable.”

• Deion Sanders' Recruiting Strategy: Deion Sanders refrains from making recruiting visits for the second consecutive year, with Kornheiser questioning the impact of this strategy.

  Notable Quote:

  • Tony Kornheiser [23:28]: “They know who Deion is. They can see him the first day of practice.”

• Kevin Durant's Stance on Warriors: Durant clarifies his lack of animosity towards the Warriors, explaining his reluctance to be traded mid-season as a rational decision.

  Notable Quote:

  • Mike Wilbon [23:45]: “Kevin Durant says he has nothing against the Warriors.”

• Proposed Changes to College Hoops Format: Jay Bilas suggests converting men's college basketball to 10-minute quarters, a proposal met with skepticism by Kornheiser.

  Notable Quote:

  • Tony Kornheiser [23:58]: “Jay Bilas says this. They’re dookies. The dookie conspiracy.”

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8. Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Tony and Mike share final thoughts on the discussed topics, hinting at upcoming segments and maintaining their trademark humor.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wilbon [24:33]: “Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads.”

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Final Thoughts: This episode of PTI masterfully balances in-depth sports analysis with entertaining banter, providing listeners with comprehensive insights into current sports controversies and highlights. From the complexities of college football playoff expansions and baseball’s financial dynamics to the nitty-gritty of NBA team strategies and memorable sports anecdotes, Kornheiser and Wilbon deliver a rich and engaging discourse suitable for both avid fans and casual listeners alike.

Transcript

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[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. It's National Prevent Plagiarism Day. Tony, have you ever plagiarized anything?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm Tony Cornhot. It's National Prevent Plagiarism Day. Wilbon, have you ever plagiarized anything?

[Mike Wilbon]

No.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's a clever beginning.

[Mike Wilbon]

I have not.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's a clever beginning.

[Mike Wilbon]

Ever plagiarism. Even accused of plagiarizing anything.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That is the, that's the cardinal sin.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, it is.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's cardinal sin in news in our world, like it is. And we both know people who have done it.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, we do. No, we do not.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Good kids.

[Mike Wilbon]

Not good.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, baseball considers a salary cap. Soccer steps into single digit temperatures tonight. And Kendrick Perkins joins us for five good minutes. But we begin today with the College Football Playoff and report that the SEC and the Big Ten are going to confer on a plan where they would each get four guaranteed slots in an expanded playoff of 14 or 16 teams. This would start the year after this year. Wilbon, the Big Ten is your account.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Is this deserved, given the status of the Big Ten in the sec, or would this take too much out of the unexpected?

[Mike Wilbon]

In college football, my focus is entirely somewhere else. It just, it leads toward the ruination of what I appreciate about college football. Having followed it all my life, having covered it half my life. I hate what this is doing. And yes, I'm a trustee at a university in one of those conferences that is at the big kid table. Okay. It's the golden child table. To be in the Big Ten or the sec. And I'm grateful for that. But now I'm sure I'm going to make people who deal with me in the Big Ten cringe. Tony. I don't like exclusion when it comes to sport. I want inclusion. And when you cut out fan bases, you cut out regions of the, of the country, not just conferences because you can absorb those teams under another umbrella. I get that The USC and UCLA and Washington, Oregon can be in the Big Ten. And you sort of don't exclude what you do exclude. You exclude rivalries. You eliminate them. You eliminate. You chop down when you do this, a big part of what college football really is, and I find it loathsome. So I'm not gonna deal with whether it's deserved. I don't know. It just. It distracts in a major way from college football.

[Tony Kornheiser]

To me, yeah, I'm gonna. I'm gonna deal with the question because I don't have that allegiance that you have. Where I went to school, didn't even have a football team. So I've come to college football late in my life. I want to dispel the notion that there's anything unexpected in college football. By week five of week six, everybody knows who the good teams are. This isn't Hoosiers, okay? Every once in a while, a team, a little engine that could team comes around. Like last year, Boise State and Indiana, they got their doors blown off in the playoffs. It did not work at all in terms of whether or not the SEC and the Big Ten should get all these seats at the table. Let's look back at the Final Four in this most recent season. So there's Penn State, there's Ohio State, there's Texas, and there's Notre Dame. There's three teams from these big conferences and Notre Dame, which would be, as you well know, the number one draft choice for each of those conferences. If Notre Dame ever said, we're in full time, we're going to go full time with a conference. So I don't. I don't mind it. I think it's a reasonable thing to do. But much like you, I think 12 teams proved that that was too many teams because there were routes in the first round, routes in the second round, and we are helpless here. It's going to go to 14, it's going to go to 16 because of money. It's going to do it.

[Mike Wilbon]

Let me just point out, Tony, one of those teams you mentioned, it got their doors blown off. Who you're hinting didn't deserve to be there is a Big Ten team. Indiana's in the Big Ten.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Indiana don't know what you need.

[Mike Wilbon]

More is not better, necessarily. Let's move to baseball, where commissioner Rob Manfred says that payroll disparity is at the top of his list of concerns. The Dodgers are spending far more than any other team. But Manfred said they're just doing what the system allows. And he added, quote, if I'm Going to be critical of somebody. It's going to be the system. Close quote. Some owners are pushing for a salary cap. Tony, would you like to see a cap or do you like it when one team has the ability to outspin the others?

[Tony Kornheiser]

All right, so if you put the question that way, I'm going to say I would like to see a salary cap in baseball. I like baseball. I like competitive balance. At least theoretically, a salary cap could give you that. But the players are not going to voluntarily go for a salary cap. Because if you have a salary cap, Mike, you don't get a Juan Soto contract. And every single person in the major leagues is hoping that they get hit by lightning and that they get that miracle contract as well. So the players are not. They're just simply not going to give that up. This is a question about the Dodgers. Does the Dodgers spending bother us to such a degree that we want to do away with it? It's not just the Dodgers. It's the Yankees over the years. It's the Red Sox, it's the Phillies, it's the Cubs, it's the Padres, it's the Mets, it's the Houston sometimes. It's even the Texas Rangers sometimes. And that's the group that wins the World Series. And it suggests a correlation between spending a lot of money and winning. That the correlations here, occasionally, it's not that way. Kansas City. Kansas City won the World Series in 2015. Milwaukee gets into the playoffs every year. Tampa Bay, I think, made the World Series a couple of times. But mostly, Mike, the teams that spend the most money get in. Yes.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, Tony, it's interesting. Salary cap. I. And then you're right about the players. And that union has more power than all the other player unions combined, times 50. So that's not going away. Not going to adopt that easily. I look at it, I think the NHL has been diminished by a salary cap because it's too punitive to the teams that win immediately. And you prevent, essentially a dynasty. And you almost legislate in a certain kind of parody. You could say the NBA's worked because the NBA starting lineup, my God, you got to have three players in that starting lineup who make at least 30 million a year or you don't have a squad, not really Oklahoma City. They'll get there and they'll have to dismantle when they get there. They're not there yet. They're the exception. But, Tony, so. So it's worked for the NBA. I don't think it's worked as well for the NHL, other than the owners, not for the, not for the fans. I don't think it has works in football. It seems to work in football. But parody was already existing in pro football. It didn't change the makeup man baseball. It would change the very way business is done. But the whining that is coming from some of the other owners, the Yankees, a guy named Steinbrenner, a guy whose surname is Steinbrenner's. Whining is so unseemly. And the Red Sox can do what they want. The Cubs don't spin because they don't have to because there's no pressure on them in a civic way to do it. So, you know, I don't know.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't mind when the Dodgers spend a lot of money and have great success because it shows that they are managed very well. I liked the Yankees and Dodgers in the World Series. I thought that was really good. And I root for a team that doesn't spend any money. The Washington Nationals are 24th in the standings in terms of payroll. So we move on. We move now to a weather story where the question will be how cold is too cold? Inter Miami of the MLS is scheduled to play Sporting Kansas City of the MLS in a special CONCACAF Champions cup game tonight. There's not an MLS games different thing. Tonight's weather forecast for Kansas City is for game time temperatures to be 4 degrees and a wind chill between minus 9 and minus 11. Inter Miami says its great star Lionel Messi is 100% available. WILBON how cold is too cold?

[Mike Wilbon]

This is too cold. It's too cold. And this comes from somebody who grew up in those very temperatures. And so I know what it feels like. I've been frost bitten once in my life and it was walking from the car to the press box in Green Bay at Lambeau Field. I know what that feels like. Here's the thing, Tony. This is not football where you can say weather enhances the product. Weather has no role. It's. It has no place in professional football. F U T B O L It has no place. First of all, when it's that cold, you're going to get ice forming somewhere and a player could injure himself seriously and be out for forever with that kind of danger. No. Move the damn game to South Florida. You can still play it. Just put it there. Should have been done already.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We're in 100% agreement about this. Everybody remembers the Ice bowl in the NFL. Everybody remembers that game in Cincinnati where the wind chill was minus 45 or something. Like that. Everybody remembers that. That's in the lore of football. In football, there's no such thing as too cold. This is soccer. This is guys running around in shorts. If I was told this morning that this game was originally scheduled for last night and was postponed because of snow last night, if you can postpone it once, you. You can postpone it again. They're each supposed to have a home game in this format. Play this one in Miami. Put them all in a plane and go to Miami. Right. And then play in Kansas City when it's hospitable. Mike, this thing ends. This particular tournament ends on June 1st.

[Mike Wilbon]

So what?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Stop it.

[Mike Wilbon]

78 degrees. Put it in the water.

[Tony Kornheiser]

This is too cold. There is memorable and there is stupid. Don't be stupid. Let's take a break. Coming up, the Lakers are back on the court. Tonight we will ask Kendrick Perkins how far they can go without more help inside.

[Mike Wilbon]

We'll also ask him about Draymond's prediction that the Dubs will win a title this year. Tony, you mentioned those games. No one remembers. You say. Oh, everybody remembers. No, no one remembers those icy games except you and me. No one. Cause people don't study history. They don't read it. They're not aware of it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

This is so cool.

[Mike Wilbon]

If it didn't happen on TikTok or get up at first date this morning, they have no idea.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

The NBA starts back up tonight, which makes it a perfect time for a visit with our great friend From NBA Today, ESPN's NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins. Perk let's start with this. The Lakers are back on the court tonight hosting the Hornets. Maybe it's not much of a game, I don't know. Obviously they have Luka and they have LeBron, but how big of a blow is it to the Lakers that they don't have Mark Williams?

[Kendrick Perkins]

Oh, it's a huge blow because look, this laker team with LeBron and Luka are not just not here just to win a regular season game against the Hornets. Hell, it's not just even getting to the postseason. This is an organization that are built on championships. And in order to win a championship, you got to have a legit big in that middle that's going to anchor the defense and be a live threat at the rim for Luka and LeBron. We saw last year with the Dallas Mavericks how much success Luka had with two legit lob threats in Derrick Lively and Daniel Gafford. Right now it's a reason why I have the Lakers ceilings at a conference finals and that's pushing it is because the lack of interior presence that they have.

[Mike Wilbon]

Kendre, let's zero in for a second on LeBron James, who missed his first All Star game in 20 years. And I wonder what you thought of that and in general, the All Star format, What did you think of All Star Sunday?

[Kendrick Perkins]

Well, when it comes down to Braun, am I mad at Braun at the age of 40 for missing the All Star Game because he has some, you know, ankles. Ankles and feet injury? No, I'm not mad at that. It's not what he did, it's how he did it. I felt like he could have gave the league and everybody earlier notice that he wasn't going to be participating. That way they could have had somebody else fill in for him. Like a guy like Norman Powell, who's balling right now for the Clippers and who is deserving to be an All Star. Now, when I look at the format, was it perfect? Absolutely not. Did I want to see Kevin Hart out there telling jokes for an hour and a half? Absolutely not. Did I want to see the TNT crew dressed up in life jackets with fishing poles? Absolutely not. But I will say it was an appetizer for us. And I wasn't mad because guys actually went out there and competed higher than what they did the last two to three years. Guys, those OGs were not going to lose to the rising stars. Right? We saw the rising stars bring out the competitive spirit out of them on the defensive side of Things. So is it things that they could fix? Absolutely. But it's just the start. We have to remember the All Star Game has been at the bottom. The only way it could go is up.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony, I think we should have. We should nominate Perk as like the commissioner of All Star improvement. I think that would do it right there. Perk could get to the center of it. Let me ask you about. We want to know about the warriors and Draymond saying that his dubs could win the title this year. I love it as a talking point, Perk, but is it realistic? Does Draymond, you think, really believe that or is he trying to rally his guys with this? Now the bell lap in the final third of the season at hand.

[Kendrick Perkins]

I honestly believe that Draymond Green, he does believe that the warriors could win the championship, but that doesn't mean he's speaking the gospel, because I don't believe they could win the championship. Matter of fact, I know they're not going to win the championship. Their ceiling is a first round exit. Now, shout out to Joe lacob and shout out to Mike Dunleavy, because what they have done by getting Jimmy Butler was get. Was give Draymond Green and Steph Curry joy and belief again, right? Because we have to remember this. Over this past season, it's times we look at that bench and we saw defeat on Steph Curry face. I mean, he had one foot in the grave and the other on the banana peel. That's how defeated he was. He was ready to tap out. Now Jimmy comes and he has given them life. So should Draymond Green believe that they could win a championship? Absolutely. Do I believe that they're going to win the championship? Hell, no. And last thing, I wish the Oklahoma City Thunder would speak out like this and say, hey, you know what? We're actually trying to go win a championship. Instead of saying, we're just trying to improve and take it day by day. I love it when the guy speaks out and he speaks out for his team goals. That's what Draymond's supposed to say.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well said. Well said about that. We'll get you out of here on this. And as Mike said, we're entering the bell lap now. However many games are left, they all matter for a change. Which teams in each conference. If you don't have Golden State in the Western Conference finals, who do you have in the Western Conference finals? Who do you have in the Eastern Conference finals?

[Kendrick Perkins]

Well, in the East, I got the defending champs until somebody else showed me otherwise. There's no way I could go against them and I know Cleveland is boxing. The Knicks are going to get Mitchell Robinson back. The Bucs, they did some great moves at the trade deadline, bringing in Kyle Kuzma as a third option and bringing Kevin Porter Jr. In for the guy to come in off the bench. But they still got to show me they could beat the best starting five in basketball, which is the Boston Celtics. Now in the West, I'm going with the team that's number one. I'm going with Oklahoma City Thunder. They check all boxes. If you want a guy that could be the best player against any other superstar in the league in the seven game series, you have that. In sga. If you want the bigs to anchor your defense, you have that Nyzel Hardenstein and Chet Holmgren, who I believe is the white Kevin Garnett, you have perimeter shooting and Isaiah Joe and the kid Aaron Wiggins, you have a bonafide second option in Jalen Williams who could carry his weight and average 20 to 25 in the series. So when you look at it, it's a reason that they're number one defensively in the NBA is because those guys slide their puppies. That team is real. And last but not least, having home court advantage in the city of Oklahoma in that arena, that does wonders for a young group. I'm telling you, I played in that arena. That crowd is electrifying and it's a hard place to win in, especially in the post season.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Thank you Perk. Pleasure to have you as always. Thank you.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Appreciate y'all legends.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's take one last break. Still to come, Deion does not go on a recruiting visit for a second straight year.

[Mike Wilbon]

And Tiger suffers what he called one of the most embarrassing moments of his golf career. That might be overstated. If you think that is really golf.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You didn't watch it right. I watched it live.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

See full [e-mail] have a time people. Happy 30th birthday Nikola Jokic the Denver big man is in his 10th NBA season after the Nuggets drafted him in the second round 2014 out of Serbia. Jokic may be the most skilled center ever. He shoots, he rebounds, he passes on an elite level. Currently he's third in the league in scoring 29.8 points per game, fourth in the league in rebounding 12.6 a game, second in the league in assists 10.2 per game. Jokic has one championship ring and three MVPs, setting himself apart from the other great contemporary foreign born big men, Giannis Antetokounmpho and Joel Embiid.

[Mike Wilbon]

How many championships? The question is, does Jokic have to win at least one more, maybe two before you start mentioning him in conversations with like Kareem and Wilt, it just seems sacrilege. But at some point he's that good. He really is.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Got to win at least three, Mike.

[Mike Wilbon]

Got to win at least three. I agree.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy anniversary, J.B. bickerstaff. On this day five years ago, Bickerstaff was promoted to interim head coach of the Cavaliers when John Beeline resigned after 54 games. Within a month, the Cavaliers took the interim tag off. Bickerstaff held that job until he was fired after last season. Even after a 4834 record. When Detroit fired Monte Williams, Bickerstaff took over the Pistons, who had only won 14 games last season. Bickerstaff has already doubled that. Pistons are 29 and 26. They hadn't won more than 23 games the last five seasons.

[Mike Wilbon]

They're in position to make the playoffs. Defenses, by the way, shout out to his dad, Bernie Bickerstaff, a pretty damn good coach himself. You and I have known him for at least 40 years. And he wears a championship ring. From what, the 78 bullets? One of your favorite teams?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yep. The Boule. Happy trails to choosing the right club for Tiger Woods. In last night's TGL competition, Woods asked for the distance and he heard 99. Only to end up nearly 100 yards short of the pin. Cause the actual distance was 199 yards. His teammates cackled. Tiger later called it one of the most embarrassing moments of his golfing career. But the mistake was understandable. Most caddies leave out the hundred number because it's obvious on a course. But at tgl, Tiger's looking at a screen, not an actual course. He overcooked the wedge Anyway, hitting it 117.

[Mike Wilbon]

I love golf. You know how much I love golf. I can't. I can't sign up for this. I mean, Tuesday nights I got FBI night. Come on now. I just. It's time. We're going to get real golf. We're starting to get it incrementally. That'll be fine. I can wait.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I watch it. It's like. It's like background wallpaper music. You know what I mean? I watch it. I laughed at that. I thought that was funny. Let's go to the big finish.

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's do it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

23Rd ranked Kansas fell by 34 and BYU.

[Mike Wilbon]

Was that significant enough that I saw the deficit when it was 20 and turned on to watch the decimation. Bill Self's worst defeat at Kansas. Unbelievable. For a second straight year, Deion made no recruiting visits. Does that matter?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't think it matters. They know who Deion is. They can see him the first day of practice. It's all the transfer portal anyway. Kevin Durant says he has nothing against the Warriors. He just didn't want to get traded in the middle of the season. Does that make sense to you?

[Mike Wilbon]

It makes perfect sense, yes. I'm glad he said that. Jay Billis suggests converting men's college hoops to 10 minute quarters. We heard that from Adam Silver about the NBA. Do you like that?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. So Adam Silver says this and Jay Bilis says this. They're dookies. The dookie conspiracy. Last one, Arkansas. Number one, Auburn tonight. You smell an upset.

[Mike Wilbon]

A little bit like 10%, but not really. Auburn's gonna stay in control. Stay number one.

[Tony Kornheiser]

10%. You're not snowing anything. You're not. We're out of time, Sniffing. We'll try and do better the next time. Happy birthday, Jody.

[Mike Wilbon]

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

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