Summary of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron" - Episode: Hour 2: Sixth Man (Released June 15, 2025)
In the "Hour 2: Sixth Man" episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron," broadcast on ESPN Radio, hosts Matt Jones and guest Aaron Goldhammer navigate through a diverse array of sports topics, blending light-hearted conversations with in-depth analyses. From trendy beverages to high-profile player moves, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive overview of current sports happenings.
1. Swig and the "Dirty Soda" Craze
[00:25 - 03:52]
The episode begins with Matt Jones sharing his recent experience at Swig, a popular soda establishment that has recently expanded to Louisville. Swig is renowned for its innovative and unconventional soda flavors, such as fruit-infused and even bacon-flavored sodas. Matt describes the intricate ordering process that Swig employs, which includes a lengthy wait time and the issuance of promotional items like hats. He humorously remarks, “I hate things that are tick tocky... But the moment you taste a diet Mountain Dew with blueberries and cobbler and everything in it, you're like, all right, I get it” ([02:06]).
Aaron Goldhammer, stepping in for Myron Medcalf, expresses his skepticism about the plethora of flavor options and the absence of a traditional menu, stating, “they just assume everyone knows the menu.” Despite initial reservations, Matt concedes that some of the creative flavors, such as Berry Babe Dirty Soda, are indeed enjoyable: “the Berry Babe Dirty Soda, it's worth it. I'm not gonna lie to you. It's very good” ([02:56]).
The hosts discuss the nationwide expansion of Swig, speculating on its ownership and rapid growth. Matt humorously connects the topic to Kevin Durant’s potential trade, suggesting that Swig’s popularity might influence where Durant decides to play, although this connection remains tenuous and playful.
2. Kevin Durant’s Potential Trade and Role
[03:52 - 10:01]
The conversation shifts to the imminent possibility of Kevin Durant being traded ahead of the NBA draft. Matt Jones highlights Durant’s reported preferences for Miami, San Antonio, and Houston, questioning which team would best utilize his skills at this stage of his career. Aaron Goldhammer offers a unique perspective, proposing that Durant could excel in a "sixth man" role rather than as a traditional starter. He elaborates, “I'm talking about 20 to 25 minutes a night. I'm talking about Vinnie the Microwave Johnson off the bench for instant offense” ([03:52]).
Aaron suggests that managing Durant’s minutes could optimize his performance and prolong his career, drawing parallels to role players like Vinnie Johnson who provided critical offensive boosts from the bench. He cautions against overburdening Durant with starting duties, referencing his time in Phoenix where excessive expectations may have hindered his effectiveness: “because I think if you're trading for Kevin Durant and expecting him to be the hired gun savior of your team... you're not going to be happy with the results” ([04:56]).
Matt and Aaron deliberate on the strategic fit of Durant within different team dynamics. They conclude that the Houston Rockets could be an ideal destination, given their need for veteran presence and flexible scoring options. Aaron emphasizes that in Houston, Durant’s role could be more specialized and impactful without the immense pressure of being a primary scorer: “I think the Rockets make the most sense for that, because I think that's the team that has the most need for that kind of player” ([08:19]).
3. Sunday Headlines
Following their initial discussions, Matt and Aaron transition to the "Sunday Headlines" segment, introduced by host James. This segment covers a variety of sports news, providing brief yet insightful commentary on each topic.
a. Caitlin Clark’s Stellar Performance in the WNBA
[15:28 - 16:56]
Caitlin Clark made a significant impact in her return to the court after missing five games due to a left quad injury. She showcased her shooting prowess by knocking down seven three-pointers, including an impressive half-court shot, contributing to the Fever’s victory over the Liberty. Matt praises her performance, stating, “She was the queen yesterday of the WNBA... that shot from half court was crazy” ([15:52]).
Aaron adds his analysis, predicting Clark’s rise in the league: “by the end of this season, I think she's going to be one of the five best players in the league” ([16:27]).
b. Shohei Ohtani’s Home Run Drought Ends
[16:56 - 18:02]
Shohei Ohtani broke his streak of not hitting a home run in ten games by connecting twice in the Dodgers’ 115- victory over the Giants. Matt expresses his amazement at Ohtani’s consistent power hitting: “He doesn't hit a home run, home run in 10 games... what's so amazing about this guy” ([17:14]).
Aaron shifts focus to Ohtani’s pitching, suggesting that the Dodgers might benefit more from his abilities on the mound, especially considering their pitching injuries: “I think the Dodgers need Shohei Ohtani the pitcher more than Shohei Ohtani the hitter” ([17:57]).
c. Russell Westbrook Declines Player Option
[19:26 - 20:07]
Denver Nuggets’ Russell Westbrook has declined his $3.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, making him a free agent. Matt initially finds the decision perplexing but acknowledges that Westbrook could secure a higher contract elsewhere based on his performance: “he probably can get somebody to give him more than $3.4 million this offseason” ([19:36]).
Aaron comments on the practicality of the move, recognizing Westbrook’s value and potential for a better deal in the market.
d. Aaron Rodgers at Steelers Camp
[21:05 - 22:37]
A humorous and speculative discussion ensues when Aaron Rodgers appears at the Steelers’ training camp wearing a wedding ring. The hosts debate whether Rodgers is actually married or perhaps humorously "married himself." Matt jokes, “I cannot imagine a woman listening to his nonsense constantly and not getting frustrated” ([21:29]).
The conversation highlights the mystery and speculation surrounding Rodgers’ personal life, blending humor with genuine curiosity.
e. College World Series Insights
[25:07 - 33:01]
Matt and Aaron share their enthusiasm for the College World Series, highlighting Murray State’s unexpected participation alongside traditional powerhouses like UCLA, Oregon State, and LSU. Matt marvels at the diversity of teams, noting how the tournament showcases both established and Cinderella stories: “I love seeing the uniform of UCLA against the uniform of Murray State and what that represents” ([27:16]).
Aaron appreciates the authentic and high-stakes environment of college baseball, where even amateur athletes face intense pressure, leading to unpredictable and exciting outcomes. They discuss memorable moments, such as players making critical errors under stress, which add to the charm and unpredictability of the series.
f. Savannah Bananas’ Event in Cincinnati
[34:02 - 36:13]
The hosts discuss the Savannah Bananas’ recent event in Cincinnati, where former Reds pitcher Danny Graves and former Reds player Sean Casey participated. An incident occurred when Sean Casey, aged 50, suffered a severe hamstring injury during his first plate appearance, humorously described as “tearing his hamstring off the bone.” Matt reflects on the spectacle and energetic atmosphere created by the Bananas, despite his initial skepticism: “they have more kids than any sporting event you will go to, so they're doing something right” ([34:49]).
Aaron underscores the phenomenon by acknowledging that firsthand experience is essential to fully grasp their appeal, though he remains amused by the event's unpredictability.
4. New York Knicks’ Coaching Turmoil
[38:05 - 45:36]
In a detailed analysis, Matt and Aaron tackle the New York Knicks’ ongoing struggle to secure a new head coach following Tom Thibodeau’s departure. They express bewilderment over the Knicks’ inability to attract high-profile coaching candidates despite reaching out to respected figures like Quinn Snyder, Billy Donovan, Jason Kidd, and Emeka Okafor—all of whom have declined the position.
Matt questions the direction and strategy of the Knicks’ front office, pondering whether the constant coaching changes undermine the team’s recent successes: “we just had the best season in 25 years and two weeks later, we still look like one of the most incompetent franchises” ([40:14]).
Aaron criticizes the broader NBA trend of treating coaches as disposable, citing recent firings of successful coaches like Taylor Jenkins and Michael Malone as evidence: “NBA coaches have never been less valuable and more disposable than they are in 2025” ([43:13]). They debate potential candidates, including Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins, but remain skeptical about whether these hires would genuinely improve the team.
The discussion culminates in concerns about the Knicks’ future stability and the impact of their coaching instability on team performance and fan perception.
Conclusion
This episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron" offers a rich tapestry of sports discussions, seamlessly blending light-hearted topics like the "Dirty Soda" trend with serious analyses of player trades and team dynamics. Notable moments include Matt and Aaron's humorous take on Aaron Rodgers' marital status and their insightful breakdown of Kevin Durant’s potential role in a new team. The "Sunday Headlines" segment further enriches the episode with timely sports news, providing listeners with both entertainment and valuable perspectives on current events in the sports world.
This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes with timestamps, and maintaining a structured flow for ease of understanding.