Is Being the Face of the NBA Worth the Criticism?

Summary

Podcast Summary: PTI – "Is Being the Face of the NBA Worth the Criticism?"

Episode Information:

• Title: Is Being the Face of the NBA Worth the Criticism?
• Host/Authors: Tony Kornheiser, Michael Wilbon
• Release Date: March 1, 2025

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1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of PTI, hosts Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon delve into the multifaceted topic of being the face of the NBA, examining the inherent criticisms and pressures that come with such a prominent role. Alongside this central theme, the episode navigates through various other sports highlights, including remarkable feats in golf, pivotal NFL trades, and notable player updates.

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2. LeBron James and the Burden of Being the NBA's Face

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into LeBron James' role as the face of the NBA and the accompanying scrutiny from media and fans alike.

• LeBron's Performance Highlights:

  • Tony Kornheiser highlights LeBron's impressive game statistics: "LeBron also won, scoring 33 and grabbing 17 rebounds" (01:16).

• Criticism of Being the Face:

  • The hosts reference a statement by former player Channing Frye, who criticized the excessive scrutiny and idolization surrounding current players compared to legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
  • LeBron's Stance: LeBron sided with Frye, questioning the desire to be the league's face amidst constant media bashing:

    "Channing Frey said it the other day. It's unfortunate, but like, why do you want to be the face of the league when all the people that cover our game and talk about our game on a day to day basis bleep on everybody." (01:16)

• Mike Wilbon's Analysis:

  • Wilbon offers a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the layers of manipulation through social media and the inevitable criticism that comes with immense success:

    "We live in a world that is largely negative, having nothing to do with sports... There's criticism that comes with that." (02:19)

  • He emphasizes LeBron's earned praise and the vast financial rewards that accompany being a top athlete:

    "LeBron has earned every shred of it. And nobody's better, by the way, in media post game than LeBron maybe ever." (06:06)

• Tony's Take on NBA Popularity:

  • Kornheiser questions the prevalence of NBA-focused media and lucrative broadcasting deals, countering Frye's point by suggesting that the league's popularity indicates widespread appreciation:

    "I mean, to me you wouldn't do that unless somebody liked the product in its current form." (05:16)

• Conclusion on NBA Face Role:

  • Both hosts agree that while being the face of the league comes with significant pressures, it also brings substantial financial and reputational benefits. They suggest that players must navigate these challenges to maintain their status and influence.

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3. Remarkable Feats in Golf: Dale Whitnell's Unbelievable Round

Transitioning from basketball, the hosts highlight an extraordinary achievement in golf.

• Dale Whitnell’s Historic Performance:

  • Tony Kornheiser reports on Whitnell's astounding round in Durban, South Africa:

    "English golfer Dale Whitnell had two holes in one. That's not all. He also had an eagle on a par five. So that's six under in three holes." (10:29)

  • Mike Wilbon expresses skepticism over the feat's plausibility, joking about the improbability of witnessing such an event:

    "I need video because it doesn't make sense to me." (11:08)

• Discussion on the Odds:

  • The hosts discuss the statistical unlikelihood of Whitnell’s accomplishment:

    "The odds of making two holes in one in the same round are estimated at 67 million to one." (10:29)

• Conclusion:

  • Both agree that Whitnell's performance is almost surreal within the golfing world, leaving listeners fascinated by the rare occurrence.

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4. NFL Updates and Insights

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to current NFL happenings, featuring expert analysis from ESPN NFL Insider Dan Graziano.

a. Matthew Stafford's Deal with the Rams

• Tony Kornheiser introduces the topic concerning the Rams' restructured deal with quarterback Matthew Stafford.

• Dan Graziano's Insights:

  • Graziano explains the implications for teams previously interested in Stafford, touching upon Aaron Rodgers' potential moves if Stafford remains with the Rams:

    "I think the Giants are going to look into it... The Raiders, I think, will pivot to probably Sam Darnold or Russell Wilson." (12:49)

• Impact on Aaron Rodgers:

  • Discussing Rodgers, Graziano speculates on his potential destinations, mentioning the Giants and questioning whether Rodgers might choose to retire:

    "I think they’ve explored that possibility... He might decide he doesn't want to play anymore." (12:49)

b. Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns Standoff

• Report on Garrett:

  • Graziano addresses the reported tension between Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns regarding contract extensions:

    "Cleveland is still a hard no, they are not dealing him." (14:06)

• Potential Outcomes:

  • He predicts a prolonged standoff that could "drag out and get pretty ugly," especially with salary cap implications post-June 1:

    "Cap wise, trading in before June 1, this CAP number would go up from 19 million to 36 million if they traded him." (14:06)

• Future Projections:

  • Graziano anticipates that Cleveland may eventually have to accept trade talks if Garrett remains unsatisfied:

    "So I think this could drag out and I think it could get pretty ugly." (14:06)

c. Travis Hunter's Two-Way Prospects

• Discussion on Hunter:

  • The conversation shifts to Travis Hunter, a highly touted prospect who wishes to play both offense and defense in the NFL.

• Graziano’s Perspective:

  • While teams are intrigued by Hunter’s versatility, there is apprehension about the demands of playing two positions at the professional level:

    "Teams would be hesitant to use him as a full time wide receiver... but I also don't think if you draft him that you'd be foolish enough to just ignore that part of his game." (15:23)

• Long-Term Outlook:

  • Graziano believes Hunter will eventually play two ways but may not be a primary starter on both sides initially:

    "I think he'll get to play two ways in the NFL, but it's not going to be like he's not going to be like one of your starting outside wide receivers if he's your starting cornerback." (15:23)

d. Abdul Carter’s Draft Prospects Amid Injury Concerns

• Injury Report:

  • Abdul Carter, a top draft pick candidate, has a stress reaction in his right foot but has been cleared for his pro day.

• Graziano’s Analysis:

  • He assesses that the injury is not likely to significantly impact Carter's draft stock if he demonstrates full recovery:

    "I don't think it will for a couple of reasons... So I think you take Carter thinking or picking, whatever, 1, 2, 3, 4." (16:36)

• Franchise Impact:

  • Emphasizing Carter's potential, Graziano argues that teams should see him as a franchise-changing talent once healthy:

    "We're going to get a generational franchise changing guy once he's healthy." (16:36)

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5. Reggie Bush’s 40th Birthday and Heisman Trophy Saga

Celebrating Reggie Bush's 40th birthday, the hosts reflect on his storied career and his journey to reclaiming the Heisman Trophy.

• Bush’s Legacy:

  • Kornheiser recounts Bush's pivotal role in USC's national championship and his creation of the "Bush Push" technique:

    "Bush was on USC's undisputed national championship team in 2004 and became the originator of the Bush push." (18:05)

• Heisman Controversy and Redemption:

  • Bush's Heisman Trophy was initially revoked due to improper benefits but was returned after years of public discourse and advocacy:

    "Bush got his Heisman back last year." (18:09)

• Commercial Humor:

  • Reflecting on Bush’s appearance in commercials where he humorously addresses having to return the Heisman:

    "He made fun of having to give back the Heisman in television commercials, holding up a hamburger and saying, you can't take this away from me." (18:05)

• Mike Wilbon's Reflection:

  • Wilbon expresses a sentiment that Bush's full potential was never entirely realized post-USC:

    "We never really got it." (19:05)

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6. Anthony Edwards’ Suspension

The hosts discuss the suspension of Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards due to repeated technical fouls.

• Details of the Suspension:

  • Edwards has been suspended for violating conduct rules after accumulating multiple technical fouls, specifically citing his recent ejection for throwing a ball into the crowd:

    "Edwards responded to last night's third quarter ejection by throwing a ball into the crowd on his way to the locker room." (19:38)

• Impact on the Timberwolves:

  • Mike Wilbon highlights the potential playoff implications without Edwards:

    "The Timberwolves, I think Tony can still do some damage in the playoffs because they know what it feels like to go through last year and get to the conference final. But not without Anthony Edwards." (20:18)

• Tony’s Take:

  • Emphasizes the need for Edwards to stay engaged and reduce infractions to maintain the team's competitive edge:

    "You gotta have him out there whole engaged and not getting teased every night." (20:18)

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7. Joel Embiid’s Season Shutdown

A significant update regarding Philadelphia 76ers' star Joel Embiid is covered.

• Injury Status:

  • The 76ers have announced that Joel Embiid will be shut down for the remainder of the NBA season due to ongoing health concerns:

    "The 76ers announced today Joel Embiid will be shut down for the rest of the season." (20:38)

• Hosts' Reactions:

  • Tony Kornheiser seeks Wilbon’s opinion on the decision, while Wilbon agrees it's a necessary albeit unfortunate move:

    "Is that the right call?" (20:38) "The only call, Tony. It's been coming for a while now. Sadly, this is where they end up." (20:44)

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8. Additional Sports Highlights

Beyond the main topics, the episode touches on various other sports news and anecdotes.

a. Sixers' Marketing Moves and Other Teams:

• Bill Belichick and Hard Knocks:

  • A brief, humorous speculation about Bill Belichick appearing on HBO's "Hard Knocks":

    "Could we see Bill Belichick in North Carolina on Hard Knocks? Really?" (17:40)

• Sonny Bill’s Speculative Ventures:

  • A lighthearted jab at the possibility of Belichick expanding his coaching repertoire:

    "That surprises me." (21:11)

b. Zion Williamson’s Performance:

• Triple Double Achievement:

  • Tony Kornheiser mentions Zion Williamson’s first career triple-double in a win over the Suns:

    "Zion had his first career triple double in a win over the Suns. Do you find that significant?" (21:11)

• Wilbon’s Assessment:

  • Highlights Zion's sporadic yet spectacular performances and their impact on underperforming teams like the Suns:

    "When Zion's out there, Tony, he's spectacular to watch." (21:22)

c. Women's College Basketball:

• Top Teams Competing:

  • The anticipation around the upcoming game between USC and UCLA, ranked number two and four respectively:

    "Women's college hoops, number four, USC at number two, UCLA tomorrow." (21:44)

• Wilbon’s Personal Plans:

  • Wilbon shares his excitement about attending the USC vs. UCLA matchup in LA:

    "I got a ticket. I'm going to LA to see that game." (21:49)

d. Reggie Bush and Mike Vrabel’s Career Milestones:

• Mike Vrabel’s Coaching Journey:

  • Tony Kornheiser marks the anniversary of Vrabel’s trade to the Chiefs and his subsequent coaching career, culminating in his return to coaching the Patriots:

    "Vrabel has come full circle as he takes over coaching New England." (19:05)

• Reggie Bush’s Career Recap:

  • A reflection on Bush's impactful yet tumultuous career, particularly his role in television commercials and ultimate Heisman reinstatement.

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9. Closing Remarks

As the episode nears its conclusion, Kornheiser and Wilbon offer final thoughts on the discussed topics, emphasizing the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of professional sports.

• Kornheiser's Farewell:

  "Have a great weekend, knuckleheads." (22:00)

• Wilbon's Sign-Off:

  "I'm Mike Wilbon." (22:04)

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mike Wilbon:

  "LeBron has earned every shred of it. And nobody's better... in media post game than LeBron maybe ever." (06:06)

• Tony Kornheiser:

  "Why do you want to be the face of the league when all the people that cover our game... bleep on everybody." (01:16)

• Dan Graziano:

  "If Travis Hunter is off the board that you'd be foolish enough to just ignore that part of his game." (15:23)

• Mike Wilbon:

  "I got a ticket. I'm going to LA to see that game." (21:49)

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Conclusion:

This episode of PTI provides a comprehensive exploration of the pressures associated with being a leading figure in the NBA, using LeBron James as a focal point for broader discussions on athlete media relationships and social media influence. Additionally, the episode offers insightful commentary on remarkable individual performances across multiple sports, strategic NFL decisions, and significant player developments, all enriched by the hosts' engaging and informative dialogue.

Transcript

[Mike Wilbon]

In case you didn't know, these young men are driven, quite remarkable, magnificent and unmistakable. These are the prodigies, the savants, the ones we've been waiting for. And they are not asking for you to pass the baton. They are methodically planning the perfect moment to take it. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here, and they want you to know one thing. You can't stop my drive. Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. It's National Tooth Fairy Day. Tony, when you were a kid, what kind of coin did the tooth fairy leave under your pillow?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Tony Kornheiser coin. In those days, we used shells. And how many coins?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, I was not a tooth fairy guy. You know, that didn't resonate with me. No tooth fairies.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So did you not get any money when you were a kid?

[Dan Graziano]

No.

[Mike Wilbon]

A quarter or a half dollar? No, I don't rem have that happening. Maybe it's just.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay. Is it possible. Is it possible your brother Don stole the money?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay. Went in the pillow.

[Mike Wilbon]

He's a banker.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Stole the money.

[Mike Wilbon]

Look what his life turned out. He's a banker. He probably took the money and deposited. There you go.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, Shador Sanders is confident. Anthony Edwards is suspended. And Dan Graziano fills us in on the ramifications of Matthew Stafford staying with the Rams. But we begin today with LeBron James. Steph Curry made noise last night with 56 points and a win. LeBron also won, scoring 33 and grabbing 17 rebounds. But it was LeBron's post game comments that made the biggest headline. The talk turned to being the face of the NBA. Now, earlier in the week, former player Channing Frye was pointedly dismissive of being the face of the league, saying there was far too much criticism of current star players and far too much idolatry of former stars, particularly Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. LeBron sided with Frey, a former teammate, saying, quote, Channing Frey said it the other day. It's unfortunate, but like, why do you want to be the face of the league when all the people that cover our game and talk about our game on a day to day basis bleep on everybody, unquote. Wilbourne, do you agree with LeBron?

[Mike Wilbon]

Mostly, no. But there's a lot of layers here and there's some stuff I might agree with him. And I watched Channing Frye have this rant and it was insightful. And I disagree with Channing, who I know and like tremendously. And if I was sitting with channing and or LeBron, I would say. Hold on for a second. First of all, we live in a world now in which those guys, and particularly LeBron, they know how to use and manipulate social media. But it goes both ways. It cuts both ways, and that's where a great part of the negativity is. All right, so you engage in this. We live in a world that is largely negative, having nothing to do with sports. That's the world we live in, and you live in it. And in LeBron's case, though, when you've been praised justifiably, you've earned the praise and the hundreds of millions of dollars that have started since you were 8 years old. When you put a crown on your head, do you actually believe that the rest of us are just in your kingdom to serve you? Sorry. There's criticism that comes with that. There's comparison that comes with that. I don't know that LeBron feels this way because I haven't asked him. I'd like to ask him, is he referring to the constant comparisons of Michael Jordan? Because if he doesn't like that, too damn bad. The comparison, the constant attention, that's how you get all that money. It doesn't come from fannies and seats. It comes from attention and eyeballs and viewership and. And listenership and all of that. Tony. And I just wonder, really, do you think that we're supposed to just be there in public relations terms? We're not on your payroll. We're not there just to praise you, Even though that's what I think celebrities of every generation think at the height of their powers. By the way, real quickly, Draymond Green criticized the game and was, quote, unquote, negative about the style of the game. Where's that coming from? A player, a colleague, a friend of his. So there's so many layers to this, Tony. I could go on forever. Let me. Shut up.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm not gonna talk much. Cuz I'd rather hear from you, because you are, you know, you think Michael Jordan is by far the greatest player I live. I want to get to that from you. I want to get to that from you. But I would just say that this came as news to me. I really wasn't aware. I watched this network a lot, and other than one or two people that you and I both like a lot who are great reporters, I don't hear a lot of criticism of the league at all. And I would say that if Channing Fry is right, that all there is is negativity out there, then I guess I wonder why are there so many shows devoted to the NBA and why are there networks willing to pay billions of dollars to put the NBA on? I mean, to me you wouldn't do that unless somebody liked the product in its current form. I'll just take 25 seconds here to say another part of this criticism. Do people like you and I like players from yesteryear? Sure we do.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And we like Wilt and we like Russell and we like Julius Erving and Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan and Larry Bird and people like that. But don't we also like players of now? Yes, I think that Steph Curry and LeBron James are historically important great players. I think that Giannis and Jokic are getting to that point and maybe down the road Wembanyama and Gilgeous Alexander are going to be like that. And my advice, I think is sort of similar to yours. If Channing's fly's point is, you know, that they get all this criticism. Do you just want to be praised and never criticized? Then you know what? Don't turn on television and get off social media.

[Mike Wilbon]

Get off, get off social media, Tony. And that is the point of this.

[Tony Kornheiser]

When you are the face of the league, the result is a billion dollars worth of contracts.

[Mike Wilbon]

And Ant man, by the way, is trying to be the face of the league because he's got to be commercial in the world and he should do it and he should get the money cuz he's earning it. And one thing last thing about LeBron. LeBron, nobody's been praised as much as LeBron justifiably the last 20 years. He's earned it. He's earned every shred of it. And nobody's better, by the way, in media post game than LeBron maybe ever. LeBron been doing this for 45 years. LeBron may be the best ever at it. So I'd like to talk to him some more and hear some specifics and things that he might be.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But you're a Jordan guy. You're a Jordan.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes. Michael Jordan's the greatest player ever. And if LeBron can't stand it that everybody doesn't have that opinion, too damn bad. Sorry we're not obliged. We're not. And that conversation about Jordan and LeBron, I was at Prime 112 in Miami the other night. Who's the rapper? Slim Thug I think is his name. I didn't even know him. He stopped me and you know what he said? Hey Mike, we gotta talk about something. LeBron or Jordan? I go, really? Really. It's 1:00 in the morning on a Friday night on Miami Beach. We gotta have this conversation. And you know what we did. You know what else? Levitard it's good for the league.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Why you out at that hour? Too out. It's too late. Don't be late five hours.

[Mike Wilbon]

Like you, Shadour Sanders has a message for NFL teams considering drafting him. The Colorado quarterback told reporters at the combine. Quote if you ain't trying to change the franchise or culture, don't get me. I've done it over and over and over. Nothing can faze me. No pressure, no situation, these cameras, nothing fazes me. I grew up with it. Close quote. Tone how does Shedeur's comment sound to you?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, I like his confidence. It doesn't surprise me at all. His father is Deion Sanders. He grew up with that sort of confidence. And the truth of the matter is that in the two places he's been, while he's been the quarterback, he has improved the team. I was a little bit surprised to hear him, you know, say that stuff about if you don't want me to change the culture and you don't want me to change the results, get off me, don't draft me. Because, I mean, I wonder, does that mean, well, what if a pretty good team that only needed a quarterback to be really good drafted you? Would you not want to go? And I'm thinking of Pittsburgh. I mean, a good quarterback goes in there, and that is a contending team right now. But I mean, by and large, I think his confidence is reflective of people at that position. I'll bet that Cam Ward has that same kind of confidence. I'll bet that Jaden Daniels and Bo Nix have that same kind of confidence. Because I think that it's possible that great quarterbacks need to have unnatural confidence. Don't tell me you don't think that Tom Brady and Peyton Manning had that kind of confidence.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony, I agree. Amen to everything you said. I'll steal a thought from Uber producer Matt Kelleher, who said to me this morning we were first talking about this topic, you have that kind of confidence as soon as you get drafted and walk in the league, until Chris Jones knocks you out on the fourth play of your rookie season and the ball is eight yards somewhere being scooped and scored by the other team. You have that confidence until that happens. And that's. And it's fine because you should. To play that position.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You.

[Mike Wilbon]

You better have it. You have to have it. I don't even want to draft you if you Don't. But it doesn't mean that the great quarterbacks, most of them, most of them have had a comeuppance early on in their careers. It didn't go as smoothly as Shador Sanders seems to think. But it's okay. And that's one reason why I'll give a whole show to what LeBron James says, particularly in his 20th year, would have done it in his third year. But a quarterback just coming out of college doesn't faze me as much what he has to say yet. Shador in three to five years maybe. So not yet. Not now.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. Yeah. There's the bell. I would have said more. We'll move. Let's move to golf, cuz this story's cool. Today on the DP World Tour, playing in Durban, South Africa, English golfer Dale Whitnell had two holes in one. That's not all. He also had an eagle on a par five. So that's six under in three holes. Whitnell finished his round at 63, nine under. The odds of making two holes in one in the same round are estimated at. Hello. 67 million to one. Wilbon. What is the word for what Whitnell did?

[Mike Wilbon]

I can't even understand it. It's incomprehensible. How many aces do you have? Zero. You got zero, I got one, I have zero, I got one. Between the two of us we got one. And I. I couldn't even see mine cuz it was hitting a blinding sunshine in Arizona. I couldn't even see it go in the hole. Maybe, maybe Chipmunk picked the ball up and dropped it in for all I know.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't even know Javelina.

[Mike Wilbon]

Javelina did, but javelina, that would be, that would be a better story. But Tony, it, it doesn't even. As much golf as we both play and have played and will play. Does this not seem incredulous to you? Like I need video because it doesn't make sense to me.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay. So my word is Vandermeer. Cuz nobody is going to beat this thing.

[Mike Wilbon]

No.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You know, I don't even find myself believing it much like you don't believe it.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, I don't.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Maybe someone will tie it. There have been three guys on the PGA Tour over time who had two holes in one on the same course. But to me it's like Johnny Vandermeer. That's the situation is one of those guys is Brian Harmon, who as you know, won the US Junior at our place at Columbia Country Club. You know, but I mean it's Amazing. There was a guy, just let me get this in. Frank Bensel Jr. Last year. He's a club pro. Last year at the Senior Open, he had holes in one back to back at Newport Country Club in Rhode Island. But did he have an Eagle? I want to know if he had an eagle.

[Mike Wilbon]

Five under, three holes. Are you kidding?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I heard he had 74, you know, and didn't make the cut. Let's take a break. Coming up, what does the Rams deal with Matthew Stafford mean for the teams who wanted him? We're going to ask Dan Graziano.

[Mike Wilbon]

We're also going to ask him how teams feel about the prospect of Travis Hunter playing both ways in the NFL.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Wilbourne's favorite event is taking place in Indianapolis this week, the NFL Combine. That's where we find ESPN NFL Insider. Dan Graziano, let's start with this. The Rams and Matthew Stafford have agreed to a restructured deal. What does this mean for the teams that were interested in Stafford? And can I add, parenthetically, what it might mean for Aaron Rodgers, who was sort of rumored to be ready to go there if that job was vacant?

[Dan Graziano]

Yeah, I think they had been in contact to see if it's touchy with Rodgers because the jets haven't even actually released him yet. But obviously I think he's kind of been poking around. I think he's on the list that the Giants will look into now. I'm not sure that's necessarily where they go, but I think they, they've explored that possibility along with some others. So I'd watch him there and I, you know, the Raiders, I think kind of will pivot to probably Sam Darnold or Russell Wilson. I think the Russell Wilson, Pete Carroll relationship has been repaired somewhat, from what I understand. So I think that's a possibility. Rodgers, I'm trying to think without the Rams. That was such a sweet option for him. Right. The Rams. I think Tennessee is kind of out there as a team that they don't draft. One might, might go that route. But I think the Giants are going to at least look into it. And whether he wants to go there is another question. Right. Like he might decide he doesn't want to play anymore. We haven't heard that officially yet.

[Mike Wilbon]

Aaron Rodgers poking around like this, not exactly becoming. Let's go to Cleveland, Dan. Where cleveland.com reported yesterday that Myles Garrett is not interested in an extension with the Browns, but the Browns are pretty adamant, saying they're not dealing him. So we got a game of chicken going on here. What do you think is going to happen.

[Dan Graziano]

I think it's going to take a while and possibly get over. I was talking to a couple executives with teams that you know would have an interest in Miles Garrett if you were available. And they're telling me Cleveland is still a hard no, they are not dealing him. They're not talking about what it would take to get him, none of that. So cap wise, trading in before June 1, this CAP number would go up from 19 million to 36 million if they traded him. So that if they do something, they probably have to wait till after June 1, which is tough because now you're getting 20, 26 draft picks instead of 20 and you don't know how good those picks are going to be. You just traded the team Miles Garrett, they're probably going to be better as a result. So I think this could. Cleveland's going to have to get to a point where they are convinced Myles Garrett is not going to play for them. And I don't know how he can convince them of that until training camp or maybe the regular season arrives and he doesn't show up to work. So I think this could drag out and I think it could get pretty ugly.

[Mike Wilbon]

My favorite player going into this whole off season and through this off season will not be a quarterback, Dan. It will not be a pass rusher. It's Travis Hunter, the two way phenom who says he wants to play both ways in the NFL. I know you're talking to a lot of teams. Do you run across anybody that's actually interested in him doing that or trying.

[Dan Graziano]

That to a point? And I think there are most teams that I've talked to see him as a guy they would use as a defensive back, like as a starting defensive back and then find packages to use him on offense. And the reason is not because of his abilities as a wide receiver. The reason is a lot of these teams kind of figure you're not going to be able to play 130 snaps a game, you know, in the NFL and hold up remarkable that he did it in college. But I think, you know, you're looking at a long term investment here. You want to protect that a little bit. So I think teams would be hesitant to use him as a full time wide receiver. But I also don't think if you draft him that you'd be foolish enough to just ignore that part of his game. So I think he'll get to play two ways in the NFL, but it's not going to be like he's not going to be like one of Your starting outside wide receivers if he's your starting cornerback.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, Bond, that's exactly what you and I were saying yesterday. I'm glad Dan agrees with that. Let's get you out of here on this. Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter is potentially the top pick. He says he's at about 90% with a stress reaction in his right foot. Doctors have cleared him for a pro day. Do you see this as affecting his draft standing?

[Dan Graziano]

I don't think it will for a couple of reasons. One, it doesn't sound like the injury is something that that's going to, you know, follow him his whole career. I'm sure teams will dig into that more and obviously greater concerns come up than maybe. But when you look at this draft, you know, not every draft is the same in terms of overall quality. Right. So there are, there are two players I think, in the first round that people look at and say, you know, they could be difference makers, they could be, you know, franchise changer level guys. And it's Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter. So if you are going to pivot off of Abdul Carter because of the foot, where are you going? Right. If Travis Hunter is off the board, you're going to move to somebody who's, who's not remotely the same level of prospect. So I think you, as long as you make your piece with the health, I think you take Carter thinking or picking, whatever, 1, 2, 3, 4. We're going to get a generational franchise changing guy once he's healthy. So I don't think it knocks him down the board.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Dan, what a pleasure to have a Georgetown guy on this show talking about football. Which Georgetown done really well?

[Dan Graziano]

Too many Syracuse guys on the show. Thanks for having me, guys.

[Mike Wilbon]

Appreciate it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's take one last break. Still to come, could we see Bill Belichick in North Carolina on Hard Knocks? Really?

[Mike Wilbon]

One can hope.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Really.

[Mike Wilbon]

The Sixers, apparently they've decided what to do with Joel Embiid. Tony, I know you're hanging on every word of that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, just tell me, is he going to play more than 20 games the rest of this year? Probably not. Pardon the Interruption is brought to you.

[Dan Graziano]

By ESPN Tournament Challenge.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Play the number one bracket game. Happy time, people. Happy 40th birthday on Sunday. Reggie Bush, the last in a long line of great running backs from USC, a line that includes O.J. simpson, Mike Garrett, Charles White, Marcus Allen, Anthony Davis. Busch was on USC's undisputed national championship team in 2004 and became the originator of the Bush push. Busch won the Heisman in 2005, had it taken away when it was learned his family received improper benefits. In recent years, Busch made fun of having to give back the Heisman in television commercials, holding up a hamburger and saying, you can't take this away from me. No worries now. Busch got his Heisman back last year.

[Mike Wilbon]

He did Tony, but it never seemed like we saw the full potential realized like this. There was some more to come for Reggie Bush based on what we saw at usc and we never really got it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Not so Happy anniversary Mike Vrabel. On this day 16 years ago, the Patriots traded away their veteran linebacker along with backup quarterback Matt Castle to the Chiefs for a second round pick that turned out to be safety Patrick Cheung. Vrabel played two seasons in Kansas City before retiring as a player and later becoming a coach. Vrabel had spent eight seasons with the Patriots, was first team All Pro in 2007 and played on three Super bowl winners in New England. Vrabel was 54 and 45 as head coach of the Tennessee Titans and now has come full circle as he takes over coaching New England.

[Mike Wilbon]

Better to be the same second guy following the legend instead of the guy instantly trying to follow the legend, right? You agree with that?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Totally agree, 100% on that. Happy trails to tonight's game for Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves star is suspended for tonight's game in Utah after picking up two technical fouls in last night's loss to the lakers, giving him 16 on the season. Edwards responded to last night's third quarter ejection by throwing a ball into the crowd on his way to the locker room. Edwards will also sit out a game for every two additional Techs he picks up. Back in January, Edwards vowed to get no more technical fouls, but has since earned seven.

[Mike Wilbon]

He's at four since the break, which was a minute and a half ago. Look, the Timberwolves, I think Tony can still do some damage in the playoffs because they know what it feels like to go through last year and get to the conference final. But not without Anthony Edwards. You gotta have him out there whole engaged and not getting teased every night.

[Tony Kornheiser]

One omission. The 76ers announced today Joel Embiid will be shut down for the rest of the season. Wilbon, is that the right call?

[Mike Wilbon]

The only call tone. It's been coming for a while now. Sadly, this is where they end up. Hate to see it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

All right, let's go to the big finish. The Predators snap the Jets 11 game winning streak. And you predicted that.

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, the back to backs pile up on you. They're back and forth. Fourth, the Capitals for best record in the NHL. That's more important. Bill Belichick in North Carolina are considering doing an off season. Hard Knocks on hbo. You like that?

[Tony Kornheiser]

That surprises me. I know it's college. I know you gotta sell. I get that. But that surprises me. Zion had his first career triple double in a win over the Suns. Do you find that significant?

[Mike Wilbon]

When Zion's out there, Tony, he's spectacular to watch. It's just you don't know how often he's going to be there. And it's significant for the Suns, who just stink. Cavaliers at Celtics, Nuggets at Pistons, both tonight. Which is more intriguing to you?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I think it's Boston and Cleveland. I mean, they're 12 in a conference. I think it's that one.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Last one. Women's college hoops, number four, USC at number two, ucla tomorrow. Who you got?

[Mike Wilbon]

I got a ticket. I'm going to LA to see that game. That seems like just a big event between two teams. And UCLA has to try to get some get back.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Good for you. We're out of time. We'll try and do better the next time. I'm Tony Kornheim.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm Mike Lobon. Have a great weekend, knuckleheads. And now your sports team. This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, Monetary magicians. These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary.

[Tony Kornheiser]

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