Luka VS. The Mavs & New NFL Rule?

Summary

Podcast Summary: PTI Episode - "Luka VS. The Mavs & New NFL Rule?"

Release Date: February 25, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon
Description: Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon face off in the nation's capital discussing the day's hottest sports topics.

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1. NBA Showdown: Luka Doncic Faces Former Team

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the highly anticipated NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. This matchup marks the first encounter between Luka Doncic and the Mavericks since he was traded after six and a half seasons—a move widely regarded as one of the biggest NBA trades in recent memory.

Tony Kornheiser (01:40):
“The only person affiliated with Dallas who has any motivation in this game is their general manager, Nico Harrison... So the answer, as you said, is going to be Luka Doncic. He's going to have the greatest moment.”

Michael Wilbon (01:26):
“Luka needs to win the damn game. Luka needs to have the game like he had the previous game and he had 30 something...”

The hosts debate who holds more motivation—Doncic or the Mavericks. While Tony believes Doncic is set to deliver a standout performance without significant backing from his former teammates, Michael emphasizes Luka's personal drive to prove himself, highlighting his recent impressive performances.

They also touch on the absence of Anthony Davis in the Lakers lineup, discussing how his presence could alter the game's dynamics. Tony humorously forecasts that Luka might be so elevated in performance that it could lead to injuries, underscoring his confidence in Doncic’s capabilities.

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2. NFL Rule Review: The Tush Push Controversy

Transitioning to the NFL, Kornheiser and Wilbon delve into the contentious topic of the Tush Push—a play that has stirred debate across the league. The New England Patriots' effective use of the play contrasts with opposition teams' growing concerns about its safety and impact on the game’s integrity.

Michael Wilbon (04:26):
“The Eagles have used the play to great effect, but the Packers have proposed banning it.”

Tony Kornheiser (05:03):
“My feeling about this play is different than that. Aesthetically, it bothers me. It looks like rugby and not football.”

The conversation highlights the Packers' stance led by President Mark Murphy and Head Coach Sean McDermott, who cites health and safety as primary reasons for opposing the play. Tony challenges this viewpoint, suggesting that the opposition teams simply aren't as proficient at executing the Tush Push as the Eagles.

They debate whether the play should be banned, with Tony advocating for better coaching and player execution rather than outright prohibition. Chemical issues such as player injuries are discussed, but both hosts ultimately lean towards maintaining the play while improving its application.

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3. Baseball Spotlight: Mookie Betts’ Return to Shortstop

Shifting to Major League Baseball, the hosts focus on Mookie Betts’ ambition to reclaim his roots at shortstop with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Betts, who has previously played multiple positions, is determined to return to the demanding shortstop role after struggling with performance in the outfield.

Tony Kornheiser (08:38):
“Mookie Betts is saying, put me at the more stressful position rather than going into an easy position. Second most important defensive position.”

Michael Wilbon (09:14):
“I don’t know that he's right. You only prove yourself right if he goes through this season and he's better than average.”

The dialogue explores whether the Dodgers are better off allowing Betts to pursue shortstop or if they should position him elsewhere to maximize his contributions. Tony supports Betts’ dedication and work ethic, noting his offseason efforts to improve his defensive skills. Michael expresses cautious optimism, emphasizing that Betts needs to sustain his improvement throughout the season to justify the transition.

They consider the Dodgers' strategy and whether the team is banking on Betts’ potential to enhance their defensive lineup without seeking additional shortstop talent, highlighting the gamble involved in relying heavily on a single player's development.

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4. NBA Insights: Timberwolves’ Resurgence vs. Thunder’s Struggles

The conversation shifts to the NBA again, comparing the Minnesota Timberwolves' impressive 25-point comeback victory to the Oklahoma City Thunder's recent downturn. Tony highlights a pivotal defensive play by Anthony Edwards, underpinning Minnesota's potential as a formidable team despite recent trades.

Tony Kornheiser (12:55):
“Anthony Edwards blocked Shay Gilgeous Alexander... It is the best defensive play I have seen this year.”

Michael Wilbon (14:13):
“I would take OKC.”

They assess Minnesota's strengths, including returning key players like Julius Randle and a star duo of SGA and Edwards, juxtaposed against Oklahoma City's inconsistency and inability to maintain leads. The hosts agree that Minnesota possesses the depth and talent to rise, while the Thunder continue to exhibit vulnerabilities that hinder their competitiveness.

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5. NFL Focus: Travis Kelce's Future with the Chiefs

Revisiting NFL topics, Kornheiser and Wilbon discuss the Kansas City Chiefs' tight end, Travis Kelce, and his upcoming contract decision. With rumors surrounding Kelce's potential retirement, the hosts analyze the implications for the Chiefs.

Tony Kornheiser (21:38):
“The Chiefs say the tight end has indicated to them he will return for his 13th season.”

Michael Wilbon (22:16):
“Don't you think he's got one more season left in him? We can have an eight or nine touchdown season.”

The dialogue covers the Chiefs' optimism about Kelce's return and his enduring performance despite a recent dip. They speculate on Kelce's potential impact in the forthcoming season, considering his synergy with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the strategic advantage he brings to the team.

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6. WNBA Tribute: Diana Taurasi Announces Retirement

The podcast pays homage to Diana Taurasi, one of the greatest players in women's basketball history, as she announces her retirement at age 42. Taurasi's illustrious career includes three college championships, three WNBA titles, and six Olympic gold medals.

Tony Kornheiser (22:22):
“I think she's the best ever.”

Michael Wilbon (22:44):
“Diana Taurasi is on the short list of greatest players of all time.”

The hosts celebrate Taurasi's legacy and contributions to the sport, acknowledging her record-breaking achievements and lasting impact on women's basketball. They reflect on her determination and exceptional skill, cementing her status as a legendary figure in sports.

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7. NBA Milestones: Nikola Jokic's Record-Breaking Performance

Concluding the sports discussions, Kornheiser and Wilbon recognize Nikola Jokic’s extraordinary performance, where he recorded 19 assists in a single game—one of the highest ever by a center.

Michael Wilbon (23:03):
“Impressed? Yeah. Uh huh. Fourth ranked Houston beat 10th ranked Texas Tech. Was that a significant event?”

Tony Kornheiser (23:15):
“When you hold serve like that, when you're the fourth ranked team, it's a big deal.”

They compare Jokic’s achievement to legendary centers like Wilt Chamberlain, emphasizing the rarity and importance of such a feat. The conversation underscores Jokic's versatility and pivotal role in his team's success, highlighting his ability to dominate both scoring and playmaking.

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Final Thoughts: A Mix of Sports and Banter

In typical PTI fashion, Kornheiser and Wilbon blend their sports analyses with light-hearted banter, sharing personal anecdotes and playful jabs. They briefly touch on historical sports moments, such as Jerry Jones' acquisition of the Dallas Cowboys and Tom Landry's legacy, before wrapping up with lighter topics like Diana Taurasi's post-retirement plans and their own episode wrap-up antics.

Tony Kornheiser (24:22):
“These are my new glasses. What do you think? I bought two pairs. This is one of them.”

Michael Wilbon (24:35):
“Owlish.”

The episode culminates with the hosts expressing their eagerness for future discussions, ensuring listeners are hooked for the next installment of PTI.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tony Kornheiser (01:40):
  “The only person affiliated with Dallas who has any motivation in this game is their general manager, Nico Harrison... So the answer, as you said, is going to be Luka Doncic. He's going to have the greatest moment.”

• Michael Wilbon (04:26):
  “The Eagles have used the play to great effect, but the Packers have proposed banning it.”

• Tony Kornheiser (08:38):
  “Mookie Betts is saying, put me at the more stressful position rather than going into an easy position. Second most important defensive position.”

• Tony Kornheiser (22:22):
  “I think she's the best ever.”

• Michael Wilbon (23:03):
  “Impressed? Yeah. Uh huh. Fourth ranked Houston beat 10th ranked Texas Tech. Was that a significant event?”

---

Note: Timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and are indicative of when each quote occurs within the episode.

Transcript

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[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. It's National Quiet Day. Tony, should we just be quiet today?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Huh? What? Speak into the cone. Speak into the cone.

[Mike Wilbon]

That would be National Hearing Challenge today.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I've told you about the hearing aids that I bought, right?

[Mike Wilbon]

No.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, I bought them about three months ago. They screeched all the time. I couldn't get them to stop screeching, and I couldn't stand them, so I tossed them.

[Mike Wilbon]

Now there's an effective plan.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It didn't work.

[Mike Wilbon]

There you go.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Didn't work. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. Today's episode, the NFL reconsiders the Tush push. Mookie Betts really wants to be a great shortstop, and the Thunder let one slip away. But we begin today with tonight's NBA game between the Lakers and the Mavericks in Los Angeles. This will be the first time Luka Doncic faces the team that traded him away after six and a half seasons. That was the biggest NBA trade in recent memory. Wilbon, who do you expect to be more motivated tonight, the Mavericks or Luka?

[Mike Wilbon]

Oh, Luka, Luka. I mean, he's playing against his old teammates, and I presumably still loves them. They've been apart for a week. Yeah. This isn't the game that has all the emotion that will be ginned up and will be some kind of crusade.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's the game in Dallas.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's the game back in Dallas, not the game in la, where, as usual, they'll get there and they'll wander around and eat expensive treats until, like, you know, four minutes left in the first quarter. And then they'll get into the game. It's in la. It doesn't, you know, and. But the Los Angeles Lakers are involved. And you talk about this every day because I know how obsessed you are with the Lakers and Warriors, but Lakers more so. It's a scramble. And because it's a scramble, you got to play. You know, I've heard one show already. Does Luka need to make a statement? Luka needs to win the damn game. Luka needs to have the game like he had the previous game and he had 30 something and he and LeBron look like this great pairing that we expect them to be. That needs to happen. It needs to happen now. It needs to happen repeatedly between now and the middle of April when they get to the playoffs.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So my answer would change here. If Anthony Davis were playing.

[Mike Wilbon]

Oh yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

If he was returning to la, that would be an entirely different dynamic with a game in la. But he is not going to play. The only person affiliated with Dallas who has any motivation in this game is their general manager, Nico Harrison. And his motivation is to not be fired after an insane trade. And I cannot imagine any player saying to the other players, let's huddle up, let's win one for Nico. That is not going to happen. So the answer, as you said, is going to be Luka Doncic. He's going to have the greatest moment. In fact, if I was the Lakers, I would worry, I would worry that he would be so sky high that he would injure his calf while trying to jump over the basket. In fact, I would do an over under on his blood pressure at the tip and I'd start at 300. And I think his teammates are going to be jacked up too. They will be for him.

[Mike Wilbon]

They will be.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And so I think that I, I should correct that for a second. Not all his teammates, because I guess connect and reddish are waiting for a train ride to go to the next place they're going to be. But Dallas is chum in the water. They're not.

[Mike Wilbon]

They're a prop.

[Tony Kornheiser]

If they win this game, I'm done with the Lakers.

[Mike Wilbon]

But one guy who's got some motivation on that side, in the other uniform, the other jersey is Max Christie. Okay. He can say to the Lakers, really, you could have kept me and got rid of one of these other stumble bums and you didn't. And now I'm averaging about 18 points a game. I'm playing multiple positions, I can defend. And you couldn't see that when I was in the purple and gold.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You mentioned the game coming up in Dallas. It's April 9th.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

The sound of that game at the beginning. If I'm Nico Harrison, I do not show up. Disaster.

[Mike Wilbon]

Disaster. I've seen him at road games. I don't think he's been his usual seat in Dallas. I don't think so.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Now if they have Anthony Davis have a chance to win, they have a chance to win.

[Mike Wilbon]

Maybe another one.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's going to be bad sound, bad sound.

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's move to the NFL Network's report that the league will review the tush Push next month. The Eagles have used the play to great effect, but one team, Diana Rossini reports that it's the packers, has proposed banning it. Packers president Mark Murphy has called the play bad for the game, and Bill's head coach, Sean McDermott, calls it a health and safety issue. Tone, do you see it the way they do?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Do I see it as a health issue?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

To who would it be a health issue? To the mental health of the teams that can't stop the play because they can't stop the play. Justin kelsey says Sean McDermott, he was.

[Mike Wilbon]

On the right end.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We'll get to him. We'll get to him. What Sean McDermott is doing is very cagey. Anytime you say health and safety, the ears perk up on Park Avenue because they want to be on the right side of health and safety. And it also makes him look a little selfless because his team uses this a lot. Second Second most to the Eagles. Not the same one, but I'm. I'm sorry. My feeling about this play is different than that. My feeling is the only reason you are coming out against this play is because you're not as good at it as the Eagles are. The only motivation for you is sour grapes. And, you know, and just to discuss with how good the Eagles are with this play. I'm not crazy about the play. Aesthetically, it bothers me. It looks like rugby and not football. I don't know how it can be legal. Honestly, Mike, to either push or pull a guy.

[Mike Wilbon]

It used to not be legal.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Enzo, there was a rule. But this is also football, so don't get on a moral high horse here.

[Mike Wilbon]

I agree with this.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You know, get better coaches, get better players. Stop the play. And after you stop the play, then say, I want to ban it.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm suspect whenever I hear anybody in FL talk about health and safety, and I get it, there are some issues.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Jason Kelsey, what did he say exactly?

[Mike Wilbon]

I mean, Jason Kelsey basically hated running the play.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Did he say he got hurt from it?

[Mike Wilbon]

He just talked about the risk he felt he was at. Other people have talked about that, too. Chris Jones with the Chiefs, I understand, had this massaging his neck and his.

[Tony Kornheiser]

If you have data collected that says this is a dangerous play the way they had for the kickoff, then I'll say, get rid of it, but collect the data for me.

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, I don't know. It could be, you know, you could just be looking at stories that each player brings into a meeting with the competition committee to say, hey, wait a minute. Here's my. Anecdotal evidence. I don't have data yet.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's new, but if you get a lot of people saying, I'm on the offensive line or the defensive line, I'm getting crushed.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm conflicted because I don't want to see strength plays outlawed because it reminds me of the football I grew up with. And you know what? You know what?

[Tony Kornheiser]

They're pushing the other guys back.

[Mike Wilbon]

They are. And so get some guys that can't be pushed do that. So I tend to be with you on this. On the other hand, and I don't know why Tush push is more popular than brotherly shove in Philadelphia. Brotherly shove is so cool.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yes.

[Mike Wilbon]

But that's.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's germane only to Philadelphia. Tush push can be used.

[Mike Wilbon]

Nobody else has perfected it, Only the.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Eagles have perfected it, which is why I think every. Everybody else is against it. They are, because they have.

[Mike Wilbon]

Also, by the way, when you got a quarterback who can bench like 400 pounds and a running back who can squat 600, it's not just the linemen.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

You gotta stop those two, and you can't.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's get off football. Let's move to baseball. And Mookie Betts, who I know you love. Mookie Betts once returned to shortstop, the position he came into professional baseball playing. The Red Sox moved him to second in the minors and then to right field in the majors. The Dodgers left him in right field until necessity forced him to short last season. Betts made nine errors in 65 games there. Not great. But he worked all off season at short. He wants to play short. Betts told Bob Nightingale of USA Today, quote, this is not like a vengeance tour. It's about proving a lot of people wrong. But more than anything, it's about proving myself right. Unquote. Well, bonus, Mookie right to return to shortstop, or are the Dodgers better off with him at a less demanding position?

[Mike Wilbon]

I don't know that he's right. You only prove yourself right if he goes through this season and he's better than average. I'm not even saying Gold Glove.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Right.

[Mike Wilbon]

But the reason, Tony, this becomes more important to me. The Dodgers went on Mookie's crusade. They went on his word. They didn't go out and acquire. And God knows they could buy any shortstop. They could probably go out and buy the ghost of Cal Ripken right now and pay a billion dollars for him. If they could put the 80, 1981 Cal Ripken out there, they would. They could afford It. But they didn't do anything. So Mookie has that position, and now you need to leave him out there. He's worked at it. I believe in him. I mean, part of this is you're betting, pun intended, on Mookie Betts being a better shortstop because he's worked at it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yes. No, I agree with that. What we have here is a reverse Mike Trout situation. Mookie Betts is saying, put me at the more stressful position rather than going into an easy position.

[Mike Wilbon]

Second most important defensive position.

[Tony Kornheiser]

When you say, yes, catcher, catcher, center field, shortstop. To me, you know, I mean, it feels a little like a vanity project to me. And the Dodgers would never have been in this position if they had kept Corey Seager. But this is not. And I'm going to underline what you said. This is not a situation like when the Red Sox go out and they get a Gold Glove third baseman and Alex Bregman, and then their third baseman, Rafael Debers, who's not very good, says, I'm not leaving. Third, Mookie Betts has said, not taking somebody's spot doesn't work out. I'll go play someplace else. I would just like to try to play this position. And much like you, I would bet on Mookie Betts. He's that great a player. I would bet on him.

[Mike Wilbon]

He's that good. And he spent countless hours. And Mookie Betts doesn't need to do that. Right. People talk about legacies, okay? Even though Mookie Betts is still in his prime, his is. His is. His is set. But for him to want to do this badly enough to work at it in the off season, in the winter, be out taking ground balls and working with other previously great fielding shortstops. Yeah, my money's almost.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So I'm going to go another way. The Dodgers are the world champions. The Dodgers are a great team. They can indeed absorb a couple of errors at shortstop for a while to see if this thing works out, you know, as a result. Make a deal as a result of this. By the way, they had enough money and I got a lot of money. I know, but they were able to sign Michael Conforto. They were able to re sign Tiasco Hernandez, and Mookie looks like it's a. He's made it look like it's the best thing for the team. I don't know that Rafael Devers in Boston has made it look like it's the best thing for the team. Right. Let's take a break. Coming up, should we Be more focused on the Timberwolves coming back or the Thunder falling apart.

[Mike Wilbon]

I told you that was going to be a great game.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It was, but didn't you have the wrong team winning?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes, I did.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay. I just want to.

[Mike Wilbon]

What's the bigger deal? Pistons winning seven straight or the Sixers losing eight straight straight? Toss up next.

[Tony Kornheiser]

My answer will surprise you. My answer will surprise you on that one.

[Mike Wilbon]

Okay.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, actually, it won't.

[Mike Wilbon]

You've. You've tilt your hand in because you.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Know what my prejudices are.

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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.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's time for toss up. Two men enter, one man leaves, finishes the show, sees it at 60 degrees outside, 66, wonders if there's somewhere close by where he can golf at night. Topgolf, not into a screen. Now top golf.

[Mike Wilbon]

What's first?

[Tony Kornheiser]

What's first? Toss up. Did Minnesota's 25 point comeback say more to you about the wolves or the Thunder? Let me tell you what spoke the loudest to me last night. It was the play where Anthony Edwards blocked Shay Gilgeous Alexander. I will set this up. There's 13.2 seconds left in the overtime. I believe Minnesota is up by one. Shay Gilgeous Alexander, who you have repeatedly said is the MVP this year. He goes to the hoop, he's going to try and make a game. Winning basket. Anthony Edwards off the weak side, goes 3ft over the rim and he blocks the shot. It's the best defensive play I have seen this year. It is LeBron chasing down Iguodala. In my mind, I don't believe, Mike, that there's any bad carryover for Oklahoma City from this one game, except they did give up 16 in a row at the end of regulation. I don't believe that Minnesota becomes a great team because they won this. Because as you know, I hate the trade of Karl Anthony Towns. But what stands out to me and what's worth talking about is that block.

[Mike Wilbon]

Anthony Edwards had one of these last year where the block was better than the dunk everybody talked about. And they won the game and he crashed to the floor. This is what he's capable of and that is why Minnesota is a threat. It's more about Minnesota. And by the way, okc, who you know from the day of the season.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Start, you pick him all the time.

[Mike Wilbon]

I said okc, Boston. And I would take okc.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

Because I just think the league's too good to win two straight. Boston. I'm wrong because okc, I'm not jumping off the bandwagon, but they don't let you do that. They don't have that thing yet. They're going to get their hearts crushed.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That thing you do. As they say, they don't have it.

[Mike Wilbon]

It takes several run ups and Oklahoma City's only had one. And they blow these big leads. They did this the previous night in Minneapolis to the same team. But let me just say this, Tony. Minnesota has everything. We saw them in the conference finals. No, they do. They do have everything. I know they don't have Karl Anthony Towns anymore, but they got Julius Randle coming back. They got the big Frenchman coming back into the lineup. They got Divincenzo coming back. Those guys are all coming back. Those are three important players and they've got a star who's a checkmate.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They haven't looked great to the mvp.

[Mike Wilbon]

SGA and Anthony Edwards.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They haven't looked great.

[Mike Wilbon]

No. They keep stumbling. They do.

[Tony Kornheiser]

What's next? Toss up more compelling story. The Pistons winning seven in a row or the Sixers losing eight in a row. This one is easy for me. This is a very nice thing that Detroit has done. They are much, much better this year with a new coach, J.B. bickerstaff. They get all the applause that you can give them. But Philadelphia is a team with a reigning, if not reigning one year removed, mvp. Philadelphia is a team that people talk about as a challenger for the NBA championship. And Philadelphia stinks at the moment. They're the most disappointing team in the league. And by the way, for numbers people out there, they still owe Joel Embiid and playoff p. Get this number. $405 million. They were so trust the process. Please shut up. With the process. They were down 50 last night. 50 to the Chicago Bulls. Who? Bulls. They were down 50, 136 to 86.

[Mike Wilbon]

Place 11th place at stake, and they couldn't even at home.

[Tony Kornheiser]

The more compelling story is the 76ers because of the ridiculous hype that's going on there, because of the stupid money that they have spent and because their management's awful. Disagree. You can't.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm gonna disagree in this way. The Detroit Pistons, when Dwayne Casey and then Monty Williams with one year were coaching there, Dwayne Casey before that, the previous four won 20, 20, 23, 17 and 14 games. They've now won, what, 32 last night.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They're a lovely story.

[Mike Wilbon]

So Cade Cunningham is a stud.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay.

[Mike Wilbon]

Sort. Thompson is a great second. A second. I'm going to say this. You know what I mean by this? A Scottie Pippen ish fee. You got to have that player, that. That Robin figure, but nobody. Tobias Harris, Detroit.

[Tony Kornheiser]

To win the NBA championship, you have.

[Mike Wilbon]

To start to do something. They're not waiting.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No.

[Mike Wilbon]

They fired my man Monty Williams last year. I think he laid the foundation.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They made a good choice. They made a good choice.

[Mike Wilbon]

J.B. bickerstaff is coach of the year right now. Come on, now. They're doing. Although, you know, Philadelphia can't do, but.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You credit Philly Cleveland, because Philadelphia comes in with much greater expectations. Detroit comes in with no expectations.

[Mike Wilbon]

Expectations.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You know, the guy at Cleveland and they maybe shouldn't have fired J.B. bickerson, but the guy at Cleveland's going to get votes. He's going to get votes. Where am I looking? Over here? That's it. Let's take one last break. Still to come, the Chiefs reveal whether they expect Travis Kelce to return.

[Mike Wilbon]

And Nikola Jokic puts up an absurd number.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Did anybody listen to me when I said they owe them $405 million?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yep.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's a lot.

[Mike Wilbon]

Trey.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy time people. Happy 25th birthday. Bo Nixon Sneaky old, but that's because he played five years in college, three at Auburn, two more at Oregon where he was Pac12 offensive player of the year in 2023. Last year the Pac12 I think Broncos drafted him 12th overall to replace Russell Wilson and gave him the ball on day one. Nicks led the Broncos to the playoffs for the first time in nine years. Knicks completed 66.3% of his passes. He had 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, 25 and 6, 7 in the final 11 games. 29 touchdowns was sixth best in the NFL. Knicks finished third in rookie of the Year, voting behind the winner Jaden Daniels and runner up tight end Brock Bowers. An outstanding rookie class.

[Mike Wilbon]

I would root harder for Bo Nicks, who's terrific, but it means I have to root for Sean Payton. For Sean Payton, it's like rooting for Sidney Crosby. They're worthy, but you know you got to hate somebody.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's why people hate Happy Anniversary Jerry Jones. On this day 36 years ago, Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys and immediately fired Tom Landry, a two time super bowl winner and the only coach the Cowboys had since their inception in 1960, Jones brought in his old Arkansas teammate Jimmie Johnson and together they won back to back Super Bowls. A few years later, calming the anger directed at Jones for firing landry, Jones paid $140 million for the Cowboys, who were valued at $10 billion last year, the most valuable sports team in the world. Jones has been right A lot. He has been wrong a lot. But he's always available. Which sports writers like us value above all.

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, this former sports writer was on the premises that day. The land in the building. It was a hostile takeover. It was thuggish, it was crude and.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He made it work and it worked out and it worked out.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tom Landry, come on.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Now having trails to retiring for Travis Kelce, the Chiefs say the tight end has indicated to them he will return for his 13th season. General manager Brett Veach said at the combine, quote, he has one more year under contract. We left it at he'd be back and we're excited to have him back, unquote. Reports had said the Chiefs wanted official word before Kelce is due a roster bonus on March 15. But Veach said, quote, as far as I'm concerned, there's no deadline. Unquote. 35 year old Kelce is coming off his lowest output season as a starter and said on his podcast that he's trying to kick the can on making a decision as long as he can.

[Mike Wilbon]

Don't you think he's got one more season left in him?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Sure.

[Mike Wilbon]

We can have a eight or nine touchdown season.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I do.

[Mike Wilbon]

But you know, I think because he's.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Still got Patrick Mahomes. Yes, he does. And he's still got Andy Reid, good allies. So yeah, yeah. So they know how to do it. One omission. Diana Taurasi, one of the greatest players in women's basketball of all time, has decided to retire at age 42. Taurasi won three college championships, three WNBA championships and six Olympic gold medals.

[Mike Wilbon]

She's on the short list of greatest players of all time.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I think she's the best ever.

[Mike Wilbon]

To me with Cheryl Miller, Sheryl Swoopes, we could go down the list of four or five people. Diana Taurasi's on that list.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

And now she's probably just going to be playing golf and taking people's money. She's a golfer, she'll be great at that soon. She's a golf.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

It's good to know in a minute.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's go to the big finish. Nikola Jokic at 19 assists last night, the second most ever by a center. Are you impressed?

[Mike Wilbon]

Let's see the two people in that conversation. Wilt and Jokic. Impressed? Yeah. Uh huh. Fourth ranked Houston beat 10th ranked Texas Tech. Was that a significant event?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. When you hold serve like that, when you're the fourth ranked team, it's a big deal. You know who's at that game? Patrick Mahomes was At that game. Texas Tech guy? Yeah, he was at that game. The Falcons head coach and GM say they were unaware of Kirk Cousins late season throwing arm injury. Really? What does that mean?

[Mike Wilbon]

Nothing. I think they should know, but players keep injuries quiet for chunks of the season all the time. The jets beat the sharks for their 10th straight win. Is that a big deal?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let me tell you something. When you talk to me about the jets and the Sharks, it's West side Story to me. I can do the entire score. When you're a Jet, you're a Jet all the way from your first cigarette to your last line day. Last one. Inter Miami in Sporting KC in the second half of their Champions cup battle. You're excited for that, aren't you?

[Mike Wilbon]

Can Messi actually get it done when it's warm? When it's 76 degrees and humid out?

[Tony Kornheiser]

He gotta go.

[Mike Wilbon]

Can he do that? He's gotta go. When it was a frozen tundra. By the way, you didn't mention Natalie Wood. Don't mention the jets and the Sharks. You mention west side Story, you go straight to Natalie Wood.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Do you want me to do the whole score when the show is over? Because I can. We're out of time. We're trying to do better the next time. I'm Tony Cornheim.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'll sing the praises of Natalie Wood. I'm Mike Wilbon. Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads. You can get the podcast on the app or Apple podcast. You know what's coming.

[Tony Kornheiser]

These are my new glasses. What do you think? I bought two pair. This is one of them.

[Mike Wilbon]

Owlish.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Owlish. I wanted to be an owl. I tried that.

[Commercial Announcer]

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