Major Impacts From Major NBA Trades?

Summary

PTI Episode Summary: "Major Impacts From Major NBA Trades?"

Release Date: February 14, 2025

Hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon dive deep into the latest sports happenings, focusing primarily on the NBA’s recent trades and their ripple effects, while also touching on significant developments in baseball, women's college basketball, and the NHL. The episode is enriched with insightful commentary, expert opinions, and notable quotes, making it an engaging listen for sports enthusiasts.

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1. NBA Trades and Their Implications

Timestamp: [01:03] - [05:12]

Kornheiser and Wilbon kick off the discussion by examining the recent NBA trades and their impact on the league's dynamics. The conversation centers around three teams that have been notably affected— the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors.

• Lakers’ Struggles: The Lakers, despite featuring stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, faced a surprising 12-point defeat against the Utah Jazz, who tallied 131 points. The hosts express concern over the Lakers' defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the paint. Kornheiser offers a defensive blueprint, noting, "Utah just went inside and said, you know, U2 could be as great as you want with the ball. You gotta guard somebody. And they couldn't guard Utah in the paint." ([02:40])

• Mavericks’ Performance: The Mavericks secured a home victory over the Warriors, with Jimmy Butler contributing 21 points. However, Kyrie Irving overshadowed him with a stellar 42-point performance. Kornheiser remarked, "I told you that I thought in the near term Dallas could be a very good team. And I told you that Jimmy Butler, he doesn't make Golden State world beaters. He makes them better. Yes, but they're not a particularly good team." ([03:12])

• Narrative Challenges: The unexpected losses, especially the Lakers' defeat after a six-game winning streak, challenge the current narratives surrounding these teams. Kornheiser acknowledges the Lakers' recent form but gives some leeway to star player Luka Doncic, who was limited to 23 minutes due to fatigue. ([02:40] - [03:41])

2. Alex Bregman Joins the Red Sox

Timestamp: [04:03] - [06:50]

Transitioning to baseball, the hosts discuss Alex Bregman's decision to sign with the Boston Red Sox, opting out of extensions with the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs.

• Impact on the Red Sox: Kornheiser highlights the significance of Bregman's acquisition, stating, "The Red Sox haven't been an important team since they traded Mookie Betts. They haven't spent any money... They're getting a guy who is an All Star third baseman who goes to Fenway and hits." ([04:39])

• Astros' Perspective: Wilbon counters by emphasizing Bregman's role as a cornerstone for the Houston Astros, alongside Jose Altuve. He notes, "He's a core guy for Houston. He's a pillar to that franchise." ([05:52])

• Future Prospects: Both hosts agree that while the Red Sox gain an experienced player, the Astros face challenges in replacing Bregman's contributions both on the field and within the team’s culture. Kornheiser adds, "When he leaves, it's going to be more than just his numbers." ([05:12] - [06:04])

3. Women’s College Basketball Showdown: UCLA vs. USC

Timestamp: [06:50] - [09:40]

The conversation shifts to women's college basketball, spotlighting the highly anticipated match between the unbeaten UCLA women and USC.

• Team Analysis: Wilbon expresses excitement about the evenly matched teams, stating, "There’s no upset. There’s no favorites. They’re even teams." ([07:25])

• Historical Context: Kornheiser reflects on the historical prowess of both programs, though acknowledging a more limited knowledge of current team dynamics. He remarks, "When I think of UCLA basketball, I think of Alcindor, I think of Walton, I think of Wooden, I think of Longstreet." ([08:24])

• Expectations: Both hosts anticipate a competitive game, with Wilbon adding, "I hope it’s just a great game that lives up to the billing of these two teams in their positioning." ([08:12])

4. NHL’s Four Nations Faceoff with P.K. Subban

Timestamp: [11:52] - [18:05]

ESPN hockey analyst P.K. Subban joins the hosts to discuss the NHL's Four Nations Faceoff, delving into team performances and the tournament's significance.

• Canada’s Performance: Subban praises Sidney Crosby's enduring excellence, stating, "At 37 years old, he showed... that he's still, if not the best player. He's right there with Connor McDavid." ([12:13])

• Team USA’s Potential: When questioned about Team USA's chances, Subban confidently asserts, "The USA can win this tournament. There's no question." He elaborates on their balanced play style, combining skill with physicality. ([13:22])

• Tournament's Competitive Nature: Subban emphasizes the tournament's competitiveness, noting, "All four countries are capable of winning this thing. That's what makes it great." ([13:39])

• Players’ Enthusiasm: Highlighting the players' dedication, Subban comments, "These guys are playing for real. It's not just Gary. It trickles down from him into these teams and the culture of hockey." ([15:47])

• Training and Preparation: The discussion touches on the players’ intense preparation and the cultural significance of representing their countries with pride. Subban enthuses, "Guys are leaving it all on the ice. You've got your family watching... everybody that's worked so hard to give you this opportunity." ([16:00])

5. Dual-Sport Athletes and Sportsmanship

Timestamp: [20:12] - [24:04]

Kornheiser and Wilbon explore the realm of dual-sport athletes, highlighting Drew Henson's achievements and the challenges faced by multi-sport players in the modern athletic landscape.

• Drew Henson’s Legacy: Kornheiser celebrates Henson's versatility, mentioning, "He was a baseball player and after his junior year when Brady had already gone to the NFL, Henson signed a six-year, $17 million contract with the Yankees as a third baseman." ([20:12])

• Modern Restrictions: Wilbon laments the decline of dual-sport athletes, stating, "Adults in a supervisory way and the AAU have killed that. Where you have to play one sport." ([21:13])

6. Cooper Kupp’s Remarkable Achievements

Timestamp: [21:13] - [24:04]

The hosts reflect on Cooper Kupp’s stellar performance and his impending departure from the Rams.

• Super Bowl MVP: Kornheiser highlights Kupp’s record-breaking postseason, "Cooper cup's 33 receptions in four playoff games set an NFL record for a single postseason." ([21:13])

• Future with the Rams: Despite Kupp’s desire to remain with the Rams, reports suggest that the team is considering moving on. Wilbon speculates, "We can get cup and put him out there with A Dunes A and DJ Moore and Caleb Williams." ([22:05])

7. Tristan Thompson’s Raptors Incident

Timestamp: [22:20] - [24:04]

An intense moment from a Raptors game involving Tristan Thompson prompts a heated debate between the hosts.

• Controversial Dunk: Late in the game, Thompson’s decision to execute a dunk when the Raptors were trailing by 21 points sparked boos and a scuffle. Raptors coach Darko Radulovic labeled it "no class and disrespectful." ([22:20])

• Thompson’s Retort: Thompson responded on Twitter, "If you want a full court press with under a minute left in the game, when you get cracked by 30, this will happen to you. Lose for the draft lottery and be happy, buddy boy." ([22:20])

• Hosts’ Take: Wilbon sides with Thompson, advocating for letting the game run its course instead of extending unnecessary plays. He advises, "If they're going to press up 21, then don't press. Let the game run out." ([23:10])

8. Final Sports Updates

Timestamp: [24:04] - [25:35]

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts provide quick updates on various sports topics:

• All-Star Three-Point Contest: The rematch between Steph Curry and Sabrina Unescu is off, disappointing fans who anticipated the showdown. Wilbon hints at potential brand-related conflicts, "This better not be an Under Armour Nike thing, Beef." ([24:14])

• Aaron Rodgers and the Jets: The Jets announce they won’t be bringing back Aaron Rodgers, with Kornheiser speculating, "He’ll probably land a starting job somewhere." ([24:31])

• Clayton Kershaw’s Return: The Dodgers officially re-sign Clayton Kershaw for one year at $7.5 million, with Kornheiser acknowledging his legendary status, "He's one of the all-time great Dodger pitchers." ([24:39])

• Jamal Murray’s Career-High: Nuggets guard Jamal Murray posts a career-high 55 points, impressing the hosts with his performance. Kornheiser states, "Jamal Murray to become Jamal Murray again for the championship team." ([25:02])

• Closing Remarks: The hosts tease future topics and encourage listeners to tune in the next day, with Kornheiser humorously asserting, "Kids, this is not AI." ([25:10])

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Notable Quotes:

• Tony Kornheiser ([02:40]): "Utah just went inside and said, you know, U2 could be as great as you want with the ball. You gotta guard somebody. And they couldn't guard Utah in the paint."

• Michael Wilbon ([07:25]): "There’s no upset. There’s no favorites. They’re even teams."

• P.K. Subban ([12:13]): "At 37 years old, he showed... that he's still, if not the best player. He's right there with Connor McDavid."

• Michael Wilbon ([23:10]): "If they're going to press up 21, then don't press. Let the game run out."

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This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape, enriched by the hosts' expert analysis and engaging banter. Whether it's the strategic implications of NBA trades, stellar performances in baseball, or the fervor of international hockey competitions, Kornheiser and Wilbon ensure listeners are well-informed and entertained.

Transcript

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[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. Valentine's Day's tomorrow. Tone, have you made romantic plans?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm Tony Cornhars and I'm trying, but the neighbors, they won't text me back.

[Mike Wilbon]

Oh. Oh, wow.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

70S commune situation, right?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Bob and Bob and Carol. Yeah. Do you remember that movie?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes. Which means we have now skewed 100. So old.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So Elliot Gould was in that movie, if I'm not mistaken, Right? I think he was in that movie.

[Mike Wilbon]

I don't know who else is in here but Elliot.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No, it's a long time ago.

[Mike Wilbon]

At least 50 years.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Oh, no, it's 50. Oh, it's definitely. Welcome to PTI, boys and girls. In today's episode, the Red Sox land, Alex Bregman. The unbeaten UCLA women face usc, and PK Subban joins us to explain the four nations face off. But we begin today with the NBA and a trio of teams that have either been strengthened or strafed by recent trades. The Lakers, with luka Doncic and LeBron James playing 18 minutes together, were beaten by 12 points in Utah by the lowly Jazz, who scored 131. The Mavericks won at home over Golden State. Jimmy Butler, new addition, got 21 points, but Kyrie Irving doubled that with 42. Well, I know you stayed up to watch. Which result is more inconvenient to our latest narratives?

[Mike Wilbon]

The Lakers getting pounded. The Mavs. The Mavs warriors game, as I texted you in livetime, was spectacular. And you know me, I like when you come back from the break and you got 28 games left. That's real. That's real. That's real basketball. But these two teams, Tony, they're desperate already. The Mavs and Warriors. So they had to play. They got to play now. I mean, they either, either or both could miss the play in by a game and they're going to look back and say, oh, my God. So they. They can't wait for next week. But the Lakers got pounded inside by a team that's not a team. All right. They got crushed. I, I think the scoring was something like 56 to 35 in terms of points in the paint. Utah just went inside and said, huh, you know, U2 could be as great as you want with the ball. You gotta guard somebody. And they couldn't guard Utah in the paint. So that's a blueprint.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

And they said it. So not every team with any size, you, I mean Dallas, if they ever get their people back, they could actually do that in a series. Tony, that can be sustainable.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I agree with you completely that what hurts our narrative is the Lakers losing. Because the Lakers had won six in a row. The Lakers had beaten Utah in LA on Monday night. Right. They're not supposed to lose to Utah and they're not supposed to give up 131 points. But it's Lucas second game with the team. He's still on minutes restrictions. Let me get his minutes. He only played 23 minutes and afterwards he said he was tired. So I'm gonna give them a pass. And I'm going to tell you that the other game completely fit my narrative, as you know, because I told you that I thought in the near term Dallas could be a very good team. And I told you that Jimmy Butler, he doesn't make Golden State world beaters. He makes them better. Yes, but they're not a particularly good team. Was I surprised that Dallas won without Anthony Davis? Stunned. I was done.

[Mike Wilbon]

Not any big.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I was done. But again, when Anthony Davis gets back, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, they all have rings. I think that's a meaningful thing. I think they can be a pretty good team, even without Luka. I would say one other thing to you. Last night I looked at box scores.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Like eight different teams went 130 or over and two went 142. It was like the All Star Game. It's like the All Star Game.

[Mike Wilbon]

Oh, wait, yeah. Those need to replace whatever they're trotting out fraudulently as the All Star Game. Let's move to baseball, where Alex Bregman has chosen his new home. The longtime Astro third baseman picked the Red Sox over the Tigers and my Cubbies, agreeing to a three year deal worth $120 million. And he's got outs after each season. Boston hadn't signed anyone big in years and Jose Altuve stumped openly for the Astros to keep Bregman. So, Tony, do you see this as more meaningful in what it adds to the socks or subtracts from the Astros?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Can I say Both. Because both things are true. The Red Sox haven't been an important team since they traded Mookie Betts. They haven't spent any money. I think they made the playoffs once in the last five years. The Yankees and the Orioles left them in the dust. They're getting a guy who is an All Star third baseman who goes to Fenway and hits. Listen to these numbers. When he was with the Astros, he played in Fenway 21 games, batted.375, 16 extra base hits, 15 RBI and a 31. Should still be in his prime. Should still be in his prime.

[Mike Wilbon]

His numbers are not. They went down great for a guy you're going to pay $40 million, even for one year, even if he opts out.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't think that the money is why you sign him or don't sign him. The thing is, he's also a core guy for Houston. There's him and Altuve. They are the core guys. You might say Verlander, but Verlander's left also. He went to the Giants, these two guys, when the flak was raining down after the cheating scandal. They stood there, they took the hits, they took the insults. They took the booze. Other guys left, right. So George Springer, he left. Carlos Correa, he left. Yuri Guriel, he left. And Bregman and Altuve, they toughed it out.

[Mike Wilbon]

Bregman, they toughed it out. They love him in that locker, clubhouse. Tony, I get it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's a pillar to that franchise. So when he leaves, it's going to be more than just his numbers. And his numbers were good.

[Mike Wilbon]

His numbers are good. Not great, but 191 homes, Franks out prospects. Now, I know the Red Sox right now are listed, if you care about these things, as having the number one farm system. I didn't know that in baseball. And one of those guys must be a second baseman, which the Red Sox didn't have. And they're talking about Bregman moving over to second base. If that. Because Devers is not their ideal third baseman anymore. Not great a field. Okay, fine, all that. The Astros crank out prospects. They do. They'll find a replacement. They replace everybody. You just mentioned terrific players who were there to win, and Astros sort of keep going and they don't have them anymore. So I think this is about additive quality in Boston. I don't think the. I think the Astros keep marching because they know who they got in their farm system.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I have reached the point where I no longer want to see the people who played on the Astros team. Pilloried. I think they paid a price. I think they paid a price. I was sort of happy to see AJ Hinch manage the Tigers into the playoffs. And I'll be happy if Gregman and Cora, if they make the playoffs this year, I'll be happy with that. Let's move to women's college basketball tonight, but not our usual women's teams. USC and Connecticut, they play on Sunday. Tonight we have a traditional Big Ten rivalry. Wilbon your conference. UCLA and usc. UCLA is unbeaten in ranked number one. USC has just two losses, ranked number six. I know you will watch this game.

[Mike Wilbon]

I will.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Are you smelling upset?

[Mike Wilbon]

There's no upset. There's no favorites. They're even. They're even teams. They're playing in Los Angeles. The first game they're playing is @sc. You know, I'm often in the wintertime in Los Angeles. I sort of wish I was there tonight because this is a game I want to go and see in person. This is a big time game with these two teams. There's no upset. I understand that. UCLA is undefeated. You know who I'm rooting for? With a family like star guard Rice on that team, I'm rooting for ucla. But if USC wins at home, it's gonna be an upset. No, it's not gonna be an upset. It's good. I hope it's just a great game that lives up to the billing of these two teams in their positioning. And it's been a while since they were both really, really great at the same time.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Were they ever really great at the same time? Was UCLA really? Because USC had. Cheryl Miller.

[Mike Wilbon]

Had Cheryl Miller.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Cheryl Miller had back to back championships with the McGees.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Was UCLA that good?

[Mike Wilbon]

No, they were better when Andy Myers was there a few years before.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay.

[Mike Wilbon]

All right.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So my position on this is I concede I don't know much about these particular teams. I tend to be a South Carolina UConn guy. But I did watch USC about 10 or 12 days ago. I watched them lose at Iowa. Caitlin Clark, not on the team, but in the gym. And I was a little surprised. Cause juju Watkins, I thought had inherited that mantle as the best player in women's college basketball. She had a rough night. Eight for 22, one for seven from three. All I know about UCLA is Kiki Rice. I know the name, cuz she played here in Washington D.C. at Sitwell Friends, which is the alma mater of Neville and the socialite. I mentioned that out loud and Joshua. But you gotta forgive me this. When I think of UCLA basketball. You know, I think of Alcindor, I think of Walton, I think of Wooden, I think of Longstreet.

[Mike Wilbon]

Wouldn't you love to be there when they run it back at Pauley Pavilion?

[P.K. Subban]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

And they're in those blue uniforms.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

That doesn't change that. That, that doesn't. So, yes, I'm gonna watch this. I may have to have a clicker. It may be a clicker night, but you're a lot of stuff.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But you're denying there's an upset.

[Mike Wilbon]

There's no upset. How can you call USC winning at home with juju Watkins, who some people believe legitimately is the best player in the game? Just said that. Okay, but. So why would it be an upset? Okay, why would it be an upset.

[Tony Kornheiser]

If they win but you're not smelling upset?

[Mike Wilbon]

There's no upset.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm pushing.

[Mike Wilbon]

There's no upset.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's take a break. Coming up, should the US team be favored in the four nations face off? Not face off, Face off. We will ask PK Subam.

[Mike Wilbon]

We're also going to ask him why players seem to compete so much harder in this event than in those standard All Star game.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Because of what they have on their jersey.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Don't you think?

[Mike Wilbon]

Well, one of us recommended this for another league for years.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

On this platform.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Mike Wilbon]

Years.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That shows you how influential you are.

[Mike Wilbon]

No influence whatsoever.

[Tony Kornheiser]

00.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

The NHL's four nations face off continues tonight, which makes it a perfect time to welcome back our great friend, the man who calls me Corny, my hockey nickname, ESPN hockey analyst P.K. subin. Let's start with this. Canada beat Sweden in last night's opener. And afterwards you tweeted, I'm quoting, what a game. What exactly did you love about it?

[P.K. Subban]

Oh, it was the Sidney Crosby Show. I mean, at 37 years old, he showed not only Canada, not only the players in the National Hockey League, but everybody across the world that he's still, if not the best player. He's right there with Connor McDavid, and he's 37 years old. You know, it's funny, when Team Canada was selecting the team, the first names that you heard were obviously, they talked about Crosby. But it quickly shifted to McDavid, McKinnon and Makar. So it's easy to see those three are right now and for the future of Team Canada. But these guys, those three guys that are pegged to lead this team, got a front row seat to the guy that they've been following their whole lives. I can speak for all Canadians on Sidney Crosby. Every single player on that team is a fan of this guy. Grew up watching him, idolizing him, and trying to pattern themselves after him both on and off the ice. So these guys got a front row seat to what his greatness truly is. At 30, 37 years old, and it was on full display. Hats off to the players, Sidney Crosby. But it was an amazing, amazing game last night.

[Mike Wilbon]

Wow. It's an endorsement right there.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

It leads me to ask you if greatness. Do we have greatness in the United States right now with this team? Pk There are some people who think the US Team could be the best of the four. I don't know about that. How do you feel about it? And how good is Team usa?

[P.K. Subban]

I feel the same. I do. I do believe that they can compete and win this thing. Make no doubt about it. The USA can win this tournament. There's no question. And I don't think it's just Canada's tournament to win. I think that you gotta be careful of Finland. You gotta be careful of every team in here. And we were speaking about it earlier, it's only four nations, but all four countries are capable of winning this thing. That's what makes it great. That's what best on best is. So best on best isn't just having one or two countries that are elite. You gotta have everybody. He's got to be elite. And you saw that yesterday. Sweden came back from two goal deficits two times in that game to tie it up instead of overtime, almost won it. So for Team USA with their young talent, Jack Hughes, Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, this is not a USA team with just skill. This is a team that plays a skilled game and a North American style game. They got the physicality, they understand the defensive concepts. They know that when the games get tough, that you gotta get tough too. And that's what I think. That's why when I look at Team usa, it's that, hey, we gotta watch out for this team here. Because it's all about experience in this tournament now. How quickly can you get wise, how quickly can you manage the puck, manage the game? A lot of new line mates, a lot of new teammates. But this is best on best, and the best gotta figure it out in a short period of time. Team USA has an opportunity tonight to take a stranglehold on this tournament. Canada didn't win in regulation, they get two points. Team USA beats Finland in regulation tonight, they get three points. Their first place in this tournament. And you don't want to be going into those games against Sweden, against Canada, and, and, and, and be down. You don't want to have to be scratching for points. It's a short tournament. They got to take care of business tonight.

[Mike Wilbon]

Short tournament, but a popular tournament already. PK the players seem to love it. First of all, whose idea was this? The. The NBA needs to follow suit very quickly after the tone that the NHL has set with this to replace its All Star Game. Why the players love it so much.

[P.K. Subban]

Let's call it what it is. The person that sets the tone is Gary Bettman. He's the guy that's made a lot of these decisions in terms of expansion. He's taken a lot of. And some people might see it as risk, but how can you see it as risk? Look at Vegas. Look at these teams that have come into the league. Look at where the game is now. And it seems that for a long time it seemed that, okay, what's the NHL going to do to grow the game now? It seems like everything we do, it's like a home run, you know, everything that we've done over the past three seasons since I've been retired because I've been paying close attention to the business side. Hats off to the NHL and what they've done. The players should be excited about it. I mean, the proof is what did the play look like last night? Was there hitting? Was there physicality? Theodore Shea. Theodore's out of the tournament. That didn't happen from him falling over by accident. These guys are playing for real. So this is. It's not just Gary. It trickles down from him into these teams and the culture of hockey and the culture for us, the standard is when you put that jersey on, whether it's an original six jersey in the NHL or it's your country's jersey, you can't play hockey going through the motions. Guys like you can't go out there and go through the motions. You gotta play with pride. You gotta leave it all on the ice. And when you put that country's jersey on, guys, buckle up. Showtime, prime time. On time. It doesn't matter. Guys are leaving it all on the ice. You got your family watching, your parents at home, everybody that's worked so hard to give you this opportunity. And for a lot of these guys, this is their first time putting on the jersey. Listen, next year is the Olympics, right? We got the World cup in 2028. So for a lot of these guys, they want an opportunity to do it again. And who doesn't?

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's so excited. He's just fabulous. He's fired up.

[P.K. Subban]

Guys, I'm fired up for this thing. I've been waiting all season.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Thank you.

[Mike Wilbon]

He came.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Great to have you. So, wow. You can catch PK on the point tonight at 7 Eastern, followed by the US and Finland at 8. Let's take one last break. Still to come, the jets make an official announcement on Aaron Rodgers.

[Mike Wilbon]

Please. Are we really more Aaron Rogers?

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's going to play up for Team usa.

[Mike Wilbon]

Tristan Thompson draws the Raptors ire with a very late dunk in a blowout. I'm going to watch now. I'm going to watch us Finland.

[Tony Kornheiser]

PK tremendously excited.

[Mike Wilbon]

I don't know that I.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy Time People. Happy 45th birthday Drew Henson as time goes by, Henson becomes more valuable as a trivia Answer who's the guy who forced Tom Brady into a part time role as quarterback at Michigan? Henson and Brady were teammates there for two years in 1999. There were games where Henson and Brady split the first two quarters, then waited for Lloyd Carr to choose who would play the second half. Henson was also a baseball player and after his junior year when Brady had already gone to the NFL, Henson signed a six year, $17 million contract with the Yankees as a third baseman. Ultimately, Henson only played eight major leagues league games. He went back to football and played nine games as a quarterback for Dallas and Detroit.

[Mike Wilbon]

There's not many games he played both, which used to happen much, much more. But adults in a supervisory way and the AAU have killed that. Where you have to play one sport. Now you can't even discover who might be great at multiple sports.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Dion it is so impressive to to play major league level at both sports. Happy Anniversary Cooper cup on this day three years ago, the former third round pick out of Eastern Washington was named Super Bowl MVP for his 11 receptions 142 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams victory over Cincinnati. Cup's 33 receptions in four playoff games set an NFL record for a single postseason. And his 478 yard yards and six touchdowns ranked second only to your boy Larry Fitzgerald. Now, Cup's time with the Rams is apparently ending. He wants to stay, but the Rams want to move on. Still, cup is doing off season workouts with teammate receiver Puka Nukua, pushing so hard that Nukua literally throws up. Maybe Kupp can start calling him Puka Nukua.

[Mike Wilbon]

I can think of a place that'd be a nice landing spot for Kupp.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Is it. Does it begin with the word Chicago?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes, because Keaton Allen, who's a free agent, who I want to resign and keep.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

But if he's not going to do that, we can get cup and put him out there with A Dunes A and DJ Moore and Caleb Williams.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

Be pretty happy.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy trails to last night's game for the Raptors. Toronto was down 21 with seconds remaining when Cleveland's Tristan Thompson decided that instead of dribbling out the clock, he would throw down an unopposed dunk. Boos ensued and eventually so did a small scuffle. After the game, Raptors head coach Darko Radukovich called the dunk and I'm quoting here, no class and disrespectful, unquote. But Thompson tweeted back today, again, a quote. If you want a full court press with under a minute left in the game, when you get cracked by 30, this will happen to you. Lose for the draft lottery and be happy, buddy boy. Unquote. Fantastic.

[Mike Wilbon]

Short list of guys who are in the NBA today or you can go professional basketball worldwide. You'd want to sit at the bar and have a drink with Tristan Thompson. Way up on the list.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Should he have dunked? Should he have dunked?

[Mike Wilbon]

If they're going to press up 21, then don't press. Let the game run out. You've been beaten soundly. Go home now. Take your loss, buddy boy. Nah, that. I'm with Tristan Thompson on this.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You're with Tristan Thompson because you like Tristan Thompson.

[Mike Wilbon]

I love him.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's why you're with him. Let me just say this.

[Mike Wilbon]

Don't press.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let me say this. What we just talked about. People playing baseball and football on a major league level. Let's go to baseball. You know what would happen to Tristan Thompson? The first at bat in the next game, he would go down in a heap because. Because this.

[Mike Wilbon]

Oh, but beef is okay, but legitimate beef.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And he called the coach. Buddy boy. He's just so dismissive.

[Mike Wilbon]

You think he press down 21 again? Think he's likely to do that or. Message received.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't think you dunk. I think you dribble it out. Mike, don't press me. I think you dribble it out.

[Mike Wilbon]

I would say don't press me. Tape, have some of that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I think you dribble it out.

[Mike Wilbon]

Boom.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I think you dribble it out. All right, let's go to the big finish. You ready? The rematch of last year's All Star three point contest between Steph Curry and Sabrina Unescu is off. You're disappointed, aren't you?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes. All these reasons I don't understand. Stated about how they couldn't get it together and this didn't go. And that didn't. What? This better not be an Under Armour Nike thing, Beef. It better not be. The jets officially announced they won't be bringing back Aaron Rodgers. Wish them success. Your thoughts?

[Tony Kornheiser]

He'll probably land a starting job somewhere. The two years with the jets were an unmitigated disaster. Villanova ended St. John's 10 game win streak. You surprised?

[Mike Wilbon]

Not really. Vila needed to win. I don't know if they're on the bubble. I don't know if the last four. In that first four, I don't know where they are. But they needed that win. Dodgers are officially bringing back your boy Clayton Kershaw. One year, seven and a half. Makes sense.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's one of the all time great Dodger pitchers. And you give him this final bouquet.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You don't let him go somewhere. You give him the bouquet. Last one. Jamal Murray had a career high of 55 last night. You impressed?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah. I mean the Nuggets needed Jamal Murray to become Jamal Murray again for the championship team. Yes, I'm impressed.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We're out of time. We will try and do better the next time. And I'm Tony Kornheiser in studio. Kids, this is not AI.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm not well about. How do we know? Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads. You can get the podcast on the app or Apple podcast. You know, I blame for the Aaron Rodgers story being so overrated all year.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Who?

[Mike Wilbon]

Stephen A. And Greeny. It's their fault.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's their fault.

[Mike Wilbon]

It's their fault. Not on this show. When I lead with Aaron Rodgers on this show.

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