Which Way is Wilbon Leaning: Thunder or Wolves?

Summary

PTI Podcast Episode Summary: "Which Way is Wilbon Leaning: Thunder or Wolves?"
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Hosted by Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon

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Introduction and Banter (00:00 - 01:36)

The episode kicks off with Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon engaging in their signature witty banter about Emmy nominations, setting a lighthearted tone. Mike quips, “We could win an Emmy tonight, Tony. But isn't it just an honor to be nominated?” prompting Tony to retort humorously, “What are you, chump? No, it's not an honor just to be nominated” (00:27).

NBA Western Conference Finals: Thunder vs. Timberwolves (01:36 - 05:10)

The primary focus of the episode centers on the NBA Western Conference Finals matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Mike Wilbon's Take: Mike expresses his initial confidence in Oklahoma City’s championship prospects, reflecting on his October predictions. He highlights Julius Randle as the potential game-changer, stating, “Julius Randle has played great. Julius Randle is more versatile than people have credited him for over the years” (01:48). Mike contends that despite Minnesota's current edge, Randle’s impact could tilt the series in Oklahoma City’s favor.

Tony Kornheiser’s Perspective: Tony counters by advocating for Minnesota, emphasizing Oklahoma City’s home-court advantage and deeper roster. He remarks, “I think Oklahoma City is the class of the West” and points out that their victory against Denver is more impressive than wins against teams like Golden State without Steph Curry (03:05). Tony also notes the defensive challenges Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle might face against Oklahoma City’s big men, particularly Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren (03:29).

Discussion Highlights:

• Key Players: Tony and Mike delve into the performances of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and Anthony Edwards (Ant Man), debating their impact and consistency. Tony asserts, “His bad games are better than Anthony Edwards bad games” (04:26), suggesting Gilgeous-Alexander’s overall contribution gives Minnesota an edge.
• Team Dynamics: The hosts discuss team strategies, with Tony praising Oklahoma City’s size and Mike acknowledging Minnesota's reinforcements like Nas Reed.

NHL Stanley Cup Conference Finals (05:10 - 07:15)

Shifting focus to hockey, the hosts discuss the Eastern Conference Finals featuring the defending champions, the Florida Panthers, against the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Western Conference Finals with the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars.

Tony’s Preferences: Tony expresses a desire to see Florida and Edmonton face off in the Stanley Cup Final, highlighting the excitement around stars like Connor McDavid. He states, “Who doesn't want to see Edmonton in the finals? Who doesn't want to see Connor McDavid in the finals?” (06:06). Tony also humorously notes the appeal of having the Stanley Cup in a snow-prone city like Edmonton.

Mike’s Insights: Mike shares his enthusiasm for Edmonton and acknowledges the Panthers’ consistent playoff performances. He adds, “It's worthy. They are Worthy defending champs” (06:56), despite his weariness with Florida’s repeated Finals appearances.

Discussion Points:

• Team Strengths: Tony cites Edmonton’s impressive road performance, “In seven road games in the playoffs so far this season, they have outscored opponents 33 to 16” (05:10), underscoring their playoff resilience.
• Regional Hockey Popularity: The hosts touch on the cultural significance of hockey in different regions, with Tony commenting on Dallas and Carolina not being traditional hockey towns (07:15).

Baseball Innovations: Automated Check Swing System (07:15 - 10:56)

Tony introduces a segment on a new technological advancement in baseball—a Hawkeye system designed to assist with check swing calls. This initiative will be tested starting in Single-A minor league games.

Tony’s Enthusiasm: Tony explains the system’s criteria, “The tipping point is whether the head of the bat is at least 45 degrees ahead of the knob” (08:31), and expresses his support for increased transparency and accuracy in umpire decisions.

Mike’s Skepticism: Mike remains indifferent, stating, “I can't even get excited about every little thing baseball does where they want to introduce technology” (08:31). He acknowledges the potential benefits but questions the emotional investment in such changes.

Dialogue Highlights:

• Technical Definitions: The hosts discuss the lack of a formal definition for a check swing, with Tony highlighting the need for standardized criteria (09:14).
• Broader Implications: They briefly touch upon similar technologies in other sports, comparing it to visual reviews in tennis and football.

Special Guest: Kendrick Perkins Interview (13:46 - 18:54)

Kendrick Perkins joins the show to provide expert insights on the NBA Playoffs and other sports topics.

Game One Analysis: Perkins focuses on the upcoming Game 1 between the Thunder and Timberwolves, emphasizing Anthony Edwards’ pivotal role. He states, “I want Anthony Edwards to be Ant Man. I want him to play the wrong way, not the right way” (14:09), urging Edwards to maximize his scoring potential.

Regarding Jalen Brunson: Mike probes Perkins on his previous comment declaring Jalen Brunson as the best player left in the playoffs. Perkins elaborates, “When it matters the most, he gonna take you home” (16:35), praising Brunson’s clutch performances compared to SGA and Anthony Edwards.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future: Tony introduces a topic about Giannis potentially parting ways with the Milwaukee Bucks. Perkins shares a bold opinion, stating, “I think not only should Giannis be ready to move on, but I think the Bucks should be ready to move on from Giannis as well” (17:40). He envisions Giannis partnering with emerging talents like Victor Wembanyama or Cade Cunningham in another franchise.

Key Insights from Perkins:

• Player Performance: Emphasis on players stepping up during high-pressure moments.
• Team Strategies: Importance of balancing offense and defense, particularly addressing Miles Turner’s impact on both ends of the floor for the Pacers (15:24).

Additional Sports Updates (18:54 - 25:04)

The hosts transition to a rapid-fire segment covering various sports news and milestones.

Trinity Rodman’s Birthday: Tony celebrates Trinity Rodman’s 23rd birthday, highlighting her achievements in professional soccer and her contributions to the US Women’s National Team. He notes, “She scored three goals in the Olympics as part of the self proclaimed triple espresso line with Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson” (20:35).

Historical Baseball Moments: A nostalgic recount of past MLB altercations and significant plays, including A.J. Pierzynski’s brawl with Michael Barrett and Lou Piniella’s infamous incident with Carlton Fisk (21:29).

Colorado Rockies’ Struggles: Tony reports on the Rockies’ dismal season record, noting their potential historical futility if current trends continue. He highlights Kyle Schwarber’s impressive performance, “Schwarber now has hit 147 home runs in his three seasons and one month with the Phillies” (22:52).

Golf Achievements: Tony corrects previous statements about golfer Scottie Scheffler, clarifying his accomplishments and age-related milestones, ensuring accuracy in reporting (23:06).

MLB and WNBA Highlights:

• Juan Soto Incident: Discussion about Mets manager Carlos Mendoza addressing Juan Soto’s questionable play on the field (23:49).
• WNBA Game: Highlighting the most-watched WNBA game in 25 years, featuring Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese’s rivalry (24:12).

NFL Developments: Comments on Joe Tunis’s two-year extension with the Bears and the NFL’s decision to include flag football in the 2028 Summer Olympics, highlighting strategic moves to globalize the sport (24:23).

Los Angeles Dodgers: Tony touches on the Dodgers’ four-game losing streak, expressing cautious optimism for their resilience over the long MLB season (24:38).

Conclusion and Final Remarks (25:04 - End)

The episode wraps up with Tony and Mike signing off with their usual humor and teasing upcoming content, ensuring listeners know when to tune in next.

Notable Quotes:

• Tony on Julius Randle: “Julius Randall is the difference maker because I think SGA and Ant man will cancel each other out” (02:53).
• Mike on Technological Changes: “I didn’t know that” regarding the lack of a written definition for a check swing (09:14).
• Kendrick on Jalen Brunson: “He’s the Best player in the clutch time in the post season” (16:35).

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Key Takeaways

• NBA Insights: A detailed analysis of the Thunder vs. Timberwolves series, highlighting key players and team dynamics.
• Hockey Preferences: Preference for Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Finals, emphasizing star players and team performance.
• Baseball Technology: Introduction of an automated check swing system, sparking debate on its impact and necessity.
• Expert Analysis: Kendrick Perkins provides in-depth perspectives on playoff strategies, player performances, and potential NBA trades.
• Miscellaneous Sports News: Coverage of significant events across MLB, WNBA, NFL, and soccer, offering listeners a comprehensive sports roundup.

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Timestamps

• 00:00 - 01:36: Introduction and Emmy Banter
• 01:36 - 05:10: NBA Western Conference Finals Discussion
• 05:10 - 07:15: NHL Stanley Cup Conference Finals
• 07:15 - 10:56: Baseball’s New Check Swing System
• 13:46 - 18:54: Kendrick Perkins Interview
• 18:54 - 25:04: Additional Sports Updates
• 25:04 - End: Conclusion and Final Remarks

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and humorous exchanges between Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon, providing listeners with an in-depth overview of the podcast episode's content.

Transcript

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[Mike Wilbon]

Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. We could win an Emmy tonight, Tony. But isn't it just an honor to be nominated?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm Tony Kornheiser. What are you, chump? No, it's not an honor just to be nominated.

[Mike Wilbon]

Orange slices and participation.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No.

[Mike Wilbon]

That doesn't do it for you?

[Tony Kornheiser]

No. I wanna win it.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Yes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We've won it a few times. I wanna win it again.

[Mike Wilbon]

Getting greedy?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't think so. I mean, I think we should win it.

[Mike Wilbon]

I think greed's okay.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. Well, wasn't it Gordon Gekko who once, a long time ago. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, the Florida Panthers are back on the ice. Baseball tests high tech for check swings. And Kendrick Perkins joins us for five good minutes. But we begin today with the NBA's Western Conference Finals, which begins tonight in Oklahoma City between the Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Oklahoma City has home court by virtue of finishing five spots ahead of Minnesota in the regular season and and having 19 more wins than Minnesota. But the team split their season series and each team won once on the road. So, armed with all that, Wilbon, which way are you leaning?

[Mike Wilbon]

This is really hard. Really, really hard. You know, from the days of October when the season started, I said Oklahoma City was going to win a championship this year. I also told you the Celtics wouldn't because it's too hard.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They were right on that.

[Mike Wilbon]

They're right on those. And now I get here when it's time to wave the OKC flag and I look at the teams and there's one guy to me who could be the difference maker in this series, and he's not an okc. It's Julius Randle. Julius Randle has played great. Julius Randle is more versatile than people have credited him for over the years. Julius Randle can fit in a variety of ways. I look at Minnesota, and they've been a step beyond OKC already. And yes, Shay Gildrich Alexander is the mvp. And when Jalen Williams, when J. Dubs is playing the way we've seen him play, Oklahoma City's better. But if you ask me, I look at it now, I'm going, Julius Randall. Julius Randall is the difference maker because I think SGA and Ant man will cancel each other out. And so Julius Randall, who I like tremendously. Okay. I worry that my prediction is going to go down the tubes, so I.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Need to divest myself of all the prejudices here publicly.

[Mike Wilbon]

Okay.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I root for Minnesota because one of their assistant coaches is Nathan Bubis, who I've known since he's a child. That's not gonna influence what I say now. I like Minnesota. I think that they're a very good team. I did not like the Karl Anthony Towns trade. I did not.

[Mike Wilbon]

You didn't.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I know I did not. But it seems, because you're talking about Julius Randle, it seems like it has worked out. And I credit Minnesota for getting back to the conference finals two years in a row. But, Mike, I think Oklahoma City is a better team. I think Oklahoma City is the class of the West. And I'm gonna tell you something else. I think it is much harder to have beaten Denver than to have beaten Golden State without Steph Curry.

[Mike Wilbon]

Great point.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And I think that the big men on Minnesota, Rudy Gobert and Julius Randall are gonna have a lot more trouble with the two big men. Isaiah Hartenstein. I hope I pronounced that correctly. Right. What's the other kid's name? I wrote it down. Chet Holmgren.

[Mike Wilbon]

Chet Holmgren.

[Tony Kornheiser]

See, I think it's different than Golden State and the Lakers, who are small.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Oklahoma City is not small.

[Mike Wilbon]

Reinforcements with Nas Reed and, you know.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Minnesota's got a lot of stuff and I get that. I get that. And the point you make about Randall, I don't know if you know this statistic. In the last 36 games he has played for Minnesota, they are 30 and 6, and that's his impact. But if I compare the two largest stars, if I compare Gilgeous Alexander and Anthony, well, you give him the advantage. Oh, Gilgeous Alexander. Because of this. And tell me if you don't agree on this, his bad games are better than Anthony Edwards bad games.

[Mike Wilbon]

He can have some bad shooting games, but he's also probably a better defender and a better team defender in that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Context, moves the ball around better to the other players.

[Mike Wilbon]

That, too.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So, yeah. So that's. So we're an opposite side forward to this series.

[Mike Wilbon]

But I know I told you, I'm barely. You asked me which way I'm leaning. I'm.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You're leaning. Leaning. Okay. At least you didn't push.

[Mike Wilbon]

No, I can't Push. Stanley Cup Conference finals get underway tonight too. In the east, the defending champion Florida Panthers are on the road against the Carolina Hurricanes. And tomorrow night in the west, the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars meet in Dallas in their game one. Tone, do you like both the Panthers and Oilers to win these series and meet in a Stanley cup final rematch?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, recent history says yes because they were there last year. This doesn't happen that much in the NHL. Let me check my notes. The last time was 2009 with the red Wings and the Penguins. I don't want you to accuse me of what you call all the time recency bias, but I do think that would be. I think that would be the better Stanley Cup Final. I mean, what would happen is Florida would come in having established a change in its own history. They were down 02 to Toronto as a franchise. They had been 0 and 5 when they were down 02 in a playoff series. So they won that. They come in with that. They come in. They would then be in the finals for the third time in a row. Tampa Bay did that recently. But before Tampa Bay, you have to go back to Wayne Gretzky's Oilers in 1985. And this is a great stat. In seven road games in the playoffs so far this season, they have outscored opponents 33 to 16, which is enormous. And on the other side, you can.

[Mike Wilbon]

Score stinks all the time against the Toronto Maple Leafs. It helps you.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But who doesn't want to see Edmonton in the finals? Who doesn't want to see Connor McDavid in the finals? And if Edmonton were to win, at least the Stanley cup would be in a city where it snowed. The other three cities does not snow.

[Mike Wilbon]

That's true. I want to see Connor McDavid in Draisight. Liz. I've wanted to see them for the last three or four or more years now. I've already lost one team. I wanted to see Toronto, but they just go Gagalicious every year into the Dark Knight. And it just. What happens with Toronto? I still. I'm still trying to get over that. I want to see the best player in the game in the championship series.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, what about on the other side?

[Mike Wilbon]

Is that so bad?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Do you want Florida or do you want Carolina?

[Mike Wilbon]

You know, I'm tired of Florida on some level.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Really?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, I am. I'm sort of tired of Florida. They've been in there. This is, like you said, the third straight year they're defending champs. But. But I'm going to say this. It's worthy. They are Worthy defending champs. So you know what, if you're Edmonton and you got the best player in the game and two of the five or six best players in the game go through the champs. So I'm fine with Florida and Edmonton.

[Tony Kornheiser]

If I ran the NHL, that's what I would want. And no disrespect to Dallas and no disrespect to Carolina, but that's not hockey town. Okay? Dallas. When you talk sports in Dallas, the first 10 answers are the Cowboys, then maybe the Mavericks, then the Rangers because they won a World Series. Not the hockey. When you talk hockey in North Carolina, people look at you because it's college basketball. And this is an odd fact.

[Mike Wilbon]

These two have been around for a.

[Tony Kornheiser]

While now and they're fine franchises.

[Mike Wilbon]

Panthers, they keep bubbling up late in the playoff action every year.

[Tony Kornheiser]

If I'm not mistaken, they've won Stanley Cups since Edmonton won his last Stanley Cup. So again, no disrespect. But the other thing that is true is for a long period of time there was a significant Canadian population in the winter in South Florida. In South Florida, Canadian. Although the 51st state thing may have changed that, we don't know. We move to baseball and the scientific breakthroughs. Starting today, baseball will experiment with an automatic Hawkeye system that will allow challenges to check swing calls. This will begin in single A minor league ball. The tipping point is whether the head of the bat is at least 45 degrees ahead of the knob. Each team gets one challenge for game one, but if the challenge is successful, they get another and on and on. Wilbon. Big deal, little deal, no deal, no deal.

[Mike Wilbon]

I trust no need to muster up some emotion for this. And I can't, I don't care. First of all, you can go a whole game or probably two games in a row and not get a check swing. Not for a third strike anyway. So I'm sorry I can't get excited about every little thing baseball does where they want to introduce technology. And by the way, I'm not against it. I'm not against the introduction of technology. But don't ask me to care. You care about this?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I do.

[Mike Wilbon]

Why?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let me say, I'll explain it. I think it could be a very big deal, especially on a 3:2 count with the bases loaded. Okay? I think that the check swing is in the fabric of every at bat. I am one of those people who likes to look at the first base up or the third base up to see if they go like this. Okay? And especially on a two strike situation.

[Mike Wilbon]

What amazed me you can still do that. You can still.

[Tony Kornheiser]

What amazed me today was I found out that there is no written definition.

[Mike Wilbon]

Of what the check swing is. That's why this is not a big deal. I didn't know that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's absolutely up to the umpire discretion.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, so now that will all be settled. Now we'll have a definition. Now we'll have something that we can pay attention to.

[Mike Wilbon]

45 degree angle. Really?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. Wait. Do you like it in tennis? Do you like when they show?

[Mike Wilbon]

I like the Hawkeye. It's different. The thing is either in or out. And is this still judgment? 45 degree angle, by the way. Let's get to something more important in the remaining seconds we have left. Mr. English major.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Mike Wilbon]

Is it check, swing, or checked?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I think that depends on the time and place. I think the active motion is to check a swing. I think when you look back on it, it is a checked swing. So I think there's probably two different words, slightly different definitions. We will see it. Not next year. Next year it will go to the majors in spring training. The year after we're going to see it. And I like it. I like it in this regard, Mike. I like it if everyone can see it and there's transparency to it and it's quick.

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Bang, bang.

[Mike Wilbon]

So what I gotta have. I gotta have an isosceles triangle on the screen.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I wanna see it quick.

[State Farm Ad]

Really.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Here's what I don't like.

[Mike Wilbon]

What?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't like how long it takes to find the spot of where the football should be on the line of scrimmage. And I don't like how long it takes to see if it's a, you know, a flagrant one. Those things take forever.

[Mike Wilbon]

Way worse than what takes forever on a field.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Takes forever.

[Mike Wilbon]

So I won.

[Tony Kornheiser]

If it's bang, bang, I'm not liking. Let's take a break. Coming up, what sort of a challenge do the Knicks face in the Pacers? We are going to ask Kendrick Perkins.

[Mike Wilbon]

We'll also ask him what he would ask for from the Bucs if he was in Giannis shoes.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Ooh.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So you don't care at all about this?

[Mike Wilbon]

No.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Not even a little?

[Mike Wilbon]

No.

[Tony Kornheiser]

3 and 2, bases loaded.

[Mike Wilbon]

Okay, but how often does that happen in a game where you get a check swing, third strike.

[Kendrick Perkins]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Let'S dig back into the NBA playoffs with our great friend from NBA Today and NBA Countdown, Mr. Kendrick Perkins who is in Oklahoma City where he played okc. He played.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yes he did.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Game is tonight. The Timberwolves and the Thunder. They Open tonight, you're there in person. What specifically will you be watching for in game one?

[Kendrick Perkins]

Oh, I'm watching the Minnesota Timberwolves and I'm watching their leader and their best player, Anthony Edwards. This is a moment for him. He has a golden opportunity to go out here and Snatch Game 1. Especially when you look at Oklahoma coming off a tough seven game series against the Denver Nuggets, physically, emotionally, physically and emotionally drained. And now all of a sudden you have five days off and, and you, the Minnesota Timberwolves, you look to come in here and Snatch Game 1. And I don't want to be. I don't want Anthony Edwards to be Anthony Edwards tonight. I want Anthony Edwards to be Ant Man. I want him to play the wrong way, not the right way, meaning he got to come out shooting the hell out the basketball. I don't want to see the facilitating, damn it. In order for them to win this series, win this game, Anthony Edwards is going to have to average 30 to 35 points.

[Mike Wilbon]

Like hearing that. Tony never wants to talk about the New York teams, but I'm gonna do that. Pacers, Knicks Perk star tomorrow night. How different are the Pacers from the Celtics team than the Knicks that the Knicks just beat? Seems like they're very different to me.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Well, the difference is, is that one, everybody on the paces is shooting the three ball at a high clip and they push the pace, not just in transition, off of steals and missed shots, they pushed the pace on made shots. So the Knicks, do they do a great job of crashing the glass, especially the guards offensively. But in this series, they're going to have to get back. And also I'm going to say this. A lot of love has been shown to Tyrese Halliburton, and rightfully so. But that damn Miles Turner has been a problem on both ends of the floor. He's leading the post season right now in block shots. He has definitely been the difference maker for the Pacers and ko Anthony Towns is going to have to accept the challenge, dominate the challenge. Especially if the Knicks are trying to win this series.

[Mike Wilbon]

All right, Perk, A lot of eyebrows went up yesterday when you said Jalen Brunson is the best player left in the playoffs. I loved hearing you say that. But right away I thought, okay, what does Perk see in Brunson that he's not necessarily seeing in SGA and Ant Man?

[Kendrick Perkins]

I'm saying the same thing, Wilbourne, that you used to see in Jordan. When it matters the most, he gonna take you home. He's the Best player in the clutch time in the post season. He's been closing out games in great fashion. I know one thing about big body Brunson. When it get tight and it gets in the fourth quarter, I know that he's going to take the Knicks home. That's the one thing I know about him more so than anybody else. And there's no disrespect to sga, there's no disrespect to Ant. Man, both of those guys have done a beautiful job this postseason. But Jalen Brunson has done it the entire season, regular season and post season, and he. And he gets it done at home and on the road.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I can just imagine Anthony Edwards listening to Perk and saying, what? What, what? Okay, let's get you out of here on this. Chris Haynes reports that Giannis will meet with the Bucks this week. If you were in Giannis shoes, what would you say to them?

[Kendrick Perkins]

Well, it's not just about Giannis. If I'm the Milwaukee Bucks, I say to Giannis, it's time for us to move on. I think, you know, it's nothing else that the Bucks could do right now to bring in pieces around Giannis to make them a legit title contender. At some point, the Bucs gotta face. Gotta look, gotta look at their organization and do what's best for their organization. And that's not holding on to Giannis Antetokounmpo. And if I'm Giannis, I want to go somewhere where I could compete for a title. If I'm Giannis, I want to go somewhere. Why could play alongside another superstar, a rising superstar that has the same type of mentality as me, like a Victor Wembiamba or like a Cade Cunningham that nobody is talking about right now. Can you imagine Giannis in Detroit with Cade Cuddenham? That duo would be special. But I think feelings should be mutual. I think not only should Giannis be ready to move on, but I think the Bucks should be ready to move on from Giannis as well.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Thank you, Perkin. Enjoy the game, too.

[Mike Wilbon]

Appreciate it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Thank you.

[Mike Wilbon]

Have fun.

[Kendrick Perkins]

It's about to be fired up.

[Mike Wilbon]

I know it is.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's take one last break. Still to come, a milestone for Kyle Schwaber, who used to live in Wil Bond's building in Chicago.

[Mike Wilbon]

He did 345East Ohio. And his Mets manager, Carlos Mendoza. Right. To be concerned about Juan Soto's hustle.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You wouldn't put Brunson ahead of Gilgeous Alexander and Anthony Edwards, would you?

[Mike Wilbon]

You wouldn't you know what, Brunson, you know, he's a Chicago boy.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I understand. Would you put him ahead of those two?

[Mike Wilbon]

Man, it's hard. They're right. The great thing is they're there together. That's hard to bring him ahead.

[Kendrick Perkins]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy time people. Happy 23rd birthday. Trinity Rodman, the daughter of Dennis Rodman, is a professional soccer player. She was drafted at 18 and was rookie of the Year with the Washington Spirit of the NWSL in 2021. Rodman plays on the United States Women's National Team and was on the gold medal winning US Olympic team last summer in Paris. She scored three goals in the Olympics as part of the self proclaimed triple espresso line with Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson. Rodman was also part of the US World cup that went out early in 2023 and at the moment she is sidelined from the spirit with a bad back.

[Mike Wilbon]

Have you been out there to see her yet here in Washington?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I have not. Have you? No.

[Mike Wilbon]

But I saw her in LA on the sideline at a Lakers playoff game and she's a song. Even in that building with all those actors and recognizable quasi celebrities.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Trinity Robbins a star Happy anniversary to violent plays at the plate. Don't worry kids, there's no footage of Pete Rose plowing over Ray Fosse. But on this day 19 years ago, White Sox catcher A.J. pruszynski scored on a sacrifice fly and got punched in the face by Cubs catcher Michael Barrett. Barrett did not appreciate being knocked over and on this day 49 years ago, the Yankees Lou Piniella tried to run over Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk at the plate, sparking a bench clearing brawl between New York and Boston.

[Mike Wilbon]

Fisk got a good run.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Why do we show these things? Because we're on television, not radio.

[Mike Wilbon]

You know, it's probably better that they've taken steps to outlaw any of that stuff at the plate. The buster still go back to Pete Rose. Of course. Ray Fosse, if you're a certain age, can't avoid that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Happy trails to another game for the Rockies. Colorado fell to the Phillies 93 and is now 8 and 39, the worst record through 47 games. In the modern era, the Rockies are on pace for a record of 28 and 134. Last night's loss was punctuated by a ninth inning home run from Kyle Schwarber, who just won 466ft off the third deck facade of Coors Field. It was Schwarber's 16th of the season, 300th of his career. Schwarber now has hit 147 home runs in his three seasons and one month with the Phillies.

[Mike Wilbon]

Of the Cubs from the 2016 historic championship team, it's only Schwarber who is still relevant. Not even Chris Bryant was the mvp. No, Javi Baez is coming back a little bit. He's starting to play.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But Schwaber.

[Mike Wilbon]

It's Schwaber it is.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's in Philadelphia. And top he's getting it done. Two corrections from yesterday. One, Wyndham Clark apologized for throwing his driver before we aired that clip yesterday, calling it, quote uncalled for and completely inappropriate and we missed the apology. Our bad. And two, during the PGA Championship segment, I said that Scotty scheffler was the third golfer since World War II to win three majors and 15 PGA Tour tournaments. And I forgot to add before turning 29, which is my bad. But the company he is in remains Jack, Nicholas and Tiger Woods.

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah, that didn't change.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No. So that's, that's a big deal because I got my friend David. Our friend David said, what are you talking about?

[Mike Wilbon]

It's like those categories all only include Wilt and Michael.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Then they matter.

[Mike Wilbon]

Do you know?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's go to the big finish. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said he will speak with Juan Soto after Soto watched what he thought was a home run bounce off the Green Monster for a second single. Does that make sense?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah. Cuz that wasn't Soto's only offense in that category. The opener between the sky and Fever was the most watched WNBA game in 25 years. You surprised?

[Tony Kornheiser]

No. Caitlyn Clark effect. And Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese who plain don't like each other and have history. New Bears guard Joe Tunis signed a two year extension. Is that significant?

[Mike Wilbon]

Tony? He's got a sort of Pied Piper effect and people gravitate to him. Sounds like a good move by the Bears. NFL owners are expected to approve players participating in flag football during the 28th Summer Olympics. Your thoughts?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I didn't know there was flag football, but this is. This is the NFL trying to go global every chance it can. I understand that. I think they're doing the right thing. Last one. Dodgers have lost four in a row. Do you like them to win tonight?

[Mike Wilbon]

Yeah. You got to always like that lineup to win. I know they got some pitchers out, but the Dodgers, it's a long season. Going to lose a few in Major League baseball in 162.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We're out of time. We'll try and do better the next time. I'm Tony Cornheiser in studio.

[Mike Wilbon]

I'm Mike Wilbon. Same time tomorrow, knuckleheads. You can get the podcast on the app or Apple podcast. I'm always in studio unless I'm in the garden. In the garden or want to come to the garden.

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