Hour 3: KD TO THE ROCKETS!!

Summary

Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron – Episode: Hour 3: KD TO THE ROCKETS!!

Release Date: June 22, 2025

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Introduction

In this energetic episode of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron," hosts Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf delve into a variety of hot topics spanning college baseball, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), and the thrilling NBA Finals. The episode culminates in a surprising announcement regarding a major NBA trade. Below is a comprehensive summary of their discussions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for key moments.

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1. College World Series Spotlight (00:36 - 03:56)

The hosts kick off the episode by discussing the Current College World Series, highlighting the impressive performances of LSU and Coastal Carolina. Matt emphasizes the unpredictability of baseball, attributing the excitement to the sport's inherent randomness and widespread talent distribution.

• Matt (01:15): “I think that leads to a lot more parity... that’s one of the things that makes the College World Series exciting.”

Myron questions the overuse of aluminum bats in college baseball, sparking a lively debate on player safety and game dynamics.

• Myron (02:55): “Why won't Major League Baseball use aluminum bats? Like, why Isn’t that a lot?”

Matt counters, explaining the risks, particularly to pitchers, and underscores the importance of maintaining traditional bat materials for safety and game integrity.

• Matt (03:11): “The spring of the bat would cause the ball to come right back to the pitcher so fast. You would have some serious injuries.”

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2. WNBA: Drama vs. Athleticism (04:00 - 12:25)

Transitioning to the WNBA, Matt and Myron critique the league's focus on off-court drama over on-court performance. They discuss recent incidents, including a scuffle involving Sophie Cunningham and her subsequent branding as an "enforcer" by the Indiana Fever, questioning the media's role in sensationalizing such events.

• Myron (06:12): “There are two perspectives on that. One, fights... have always attracted a certain segment of fans.”

Matt argues that this trend is disproportionately affecting WNBA coverage compared to other sports, potentially hindering the league’s growth and the recognition of its athletic talent.

• Matt (10:21): “There is no sport where it is more disproportionately done than it is in the WNBA.”

They also highlight standout players like Nafisa Kellough and Asia Wilson, lamenting that media attention often overshadows their achievements.

• Myron (07:07): “Nafisa Kellough right now is playing the best basketball in the WNBA...”

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3. NBA Finals: Thunder vs. Pacers Preview (12:25 - 19:01)

Shifting gears to the NBA Finals, Matt and Myron provide an in-depth analysis of the Game 7 showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. They discuss the Pacers' improbable path to the finals and the Thunder's consistent performance throughout the series.

• Matt (16:14): “The Pacers have been the underdogs in every game this series...”

Myron acknowledges the Thunder's resilience but contemplates the long-term impact of their performance, suggesting that winning could redefine the franchise's legacy.

• Myron (19:01): “OKC went from maybe this is a great team...”

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4. Special Guest Segment with Norris Cole (19:01 - 28:35)

The episode features a guest appearance by Norris Cole, a two-time NBA champion, who engages in playful banter with Matt and Myron. The conversation touches on potential trade strategies, particularly concerning superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant's role in the league.

• Norris Cole (23:41): “Yes, I do. I definitely do believe that it would be the most surprising.”

They explore the dynamics of building a competitive team and the complexities of integrating top-tier talent like Durant into new franchises.

• Norris Cole (25:02): “You need somebody there that can also take over games.”

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5. Breaking News: Kevin Durant Traded to Rockets (29:00 - 32:47)

In an unexpected twist, Matt announces live that Kevin Durant has been traded to the Houston Rockets. This announcement occurs moments before it actually unfolds in reality, creating a sensational moment on air.

• Matt (29:35): “Breaking news. Norris Cole, I'm breaking it to you. Kevin Durant has been traded to the Rockets.”

Norris and Myron react with surprise and excitement, analyzing the implications of the trade for both the Rockets and the broader NBA landscape.

• Norris Cole (30:16): “I think it is. I think that puts them in contention in the Western Conference this coming season.”

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6. Post-Trade Analysis and Game Predictions (32:47 - 43:52)

Following the Durant trade revelation, the hosts dissect the potential impact on the Houston Rockets, assessing whether this move solidifies them as Western Conference contenders. They debate the value exchanged in the trade and its long-term benefits for the Rockets.

• Myron (32:47): “It certainly potentially makes them the team to beat in the Western Conference.”

The discussion then shifts back to game predictions, with Matt and Myron sharing their picks for the final outcomes of the NBA Finals and the College World Series, underscoring their informed yet passionate viewpoints.

• Matt (40:21): “I like the Thunder. I think the question is only whether the game is close.”

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Conclusion

Throughout this episode, Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf offer insightful and spirited commentary on pressing sports topics, from the unpredictable nature of college baseball to the intricate dynamics of the WNBA and the high-stakes excitement of the NBA Finals. The unexpected announcement of Kevin Durant's trade to the Rockets adds a dramatic flair, showcasing the hosts' ability to react swiftly to unfolding sports news. This episode is a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of analysis, debate, and real-time updates.

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Notable Quotes:

• Matt (01:15): “I think that leads to a lot more parity... that’s one of the things that makes the College World Series exciting.”
• Myron (02:55): “Why won't Major League Baseball use aluminum bats? Like, why Isn’t that a lot?”
• Matt (10:21): “There is no sport where it is more disproportionately done than it is in the WNBA.”
• Norris Cole (23:41): “Yes, I do. I definitely do believe that it would be the most surprising.”
• Matt (29:35): “Breaking news. Norris Cole, I'm breaking it to you. Kevin Durant has been traded to the Rockets.”
• Norris Cole (30:16): “I think it is. I think that puts them in contention in the Western Conference this coming season.”

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Tune In Next Week

Join Matt and Myron next Sunday morning as they continue to break down the latest in the sports world, offering their unique perspectives and expert analysis. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, their engaging discussions are sure to enhance your sports experience.

Transcript

[Matt]

In 1979, the first words spoken on.

[Myron]

ESPN weren't just an announcement.

[Matt]

If you're a fan, they were a sports prophecy. What you'll see in the next minutes.

[Norris Cole]

Hours and days to follow.

[Matt]

Glad you're with us tonight.

[Myron]

May convince you you've gone to sports heaven. And right now you're standing on the edge of tomorrow. This fall, the next era of ESPN begins.

[Matt]

Sports forever.

[Myron]

This is Matt and Myron the podcast Sunday morning.

[Matt]

Matt Myron, ESPN Radio Game 7, the NBA Finals tonight. We have had a fun two hours this morning. You know, one of the little secrets is I enjoy doing the show in the summer because it's, you never know what's going to come up. You got the College World Series. You watching any of it? This LSU, Coastal Carolina, the Chanticleers going for their second title in 10 years. You've been following that.

[Myron]

I mean, I just got back from Vegas, so I've read about it. You know, I've read about kind of what's happening. So I know stuff is Vegas. I know they have the news in it.

[Matt]

The Internet works. You could have known that it was Coastal Clear a lot in lsu, but.

[Myron]

I mean, you know, when you're in Vegas, you're just in Vegas. So it just is its own thing. So. But I, I read about LSU winning that game and they gotta win another one. Right. And Coastal Carolina being in it is a big deal.

[Matt]

Yeah, I mean they're not like some plucky underdog. They were seated, I think 13th in the tournament. Until last night, they had won, I believe, 26 straight games.

[Myron]

Help me understand baseball and why, like it feels like there are a lot more teams that can win a championship. Baseball.

[Matt]

Well, there's a randomness in baseball that doesn't exist in other sports. You know, you really good. I mean, think about the, you know, in the major leagues, in any given game, the Rockies can beat the Dodgers. In a one game scenario, it's not. But also I think that talent in baseball is a lot more spread out. You can just, There are a lot of guys who can do it. Now. There aren't many people who could throw 97 or 98, but there's a lot of people that can get a single up the middle with an aluminum bat. And so I just think it leads to, it, it leads to there being a lot, a lot more parity. And then Coastal Carolina specifically is a program that's been very good. They invest in it. They have a lot, they've put people in the majors. So even though they're In a small conference. I believe they're in the Big south or something like that. They still have. I mean, again, they were seated 13th in the NCAA tournament. So I. It just. I think that's one of the things that for me makes the College World Series exciting, makes the NCAA Tournament exciting, is that Murray State can make the Final Eight. And while it's an upset, Myron, it's not crazy like it is in other sports. Yeah.

[Myron]

And I said, like, the. The competitive nature. Why won't Major League Baseball use aluminum bats? Like, why Isn't that a lot?

[Matt]

Well, they would hit too many home run. Those guys are too good.

[Myron]

I love it. I would love it. I'd love it.

[Matt]

Yeah, but you. I mean, first of all, pitchers would get hurt. That's part of it. Like the why?

[Myron]

How. What do you mean?

[Matt]

Spring of the bat would cause the ball to come right back to the pitcher so fast. You would have some serious injuries.

[Myron]

You throw a couple times a year, though, right.

[Matt]

Paul Skeens throwing 99 to show. Hey. Or Aaron Judge off. An aluminum bat is like the most dangerous thing I can imagine.

[Myron]

Put a Home Run Derby cage out there for games. Yeah. Protect them. Yeah.

[Matt]

Well, why wouldn't. Then the players just hit it into the cage, bounce off and go get a hit.

[Myron]

Well, you protect them, though. I mean, you can't have everything you want in a game. So, I mean.

[Matt]

Yeah. So what we've decided we can't have is aluminum bats.

[Myron]

I think they should reconsider, that's all. Watching the College World Series, I think they should reconsider, that's all.

[Matt]

Yeah, I think that's a terrible idea. But that is what. That is, an idea. I do think. I think college baseball, it's found a good time in the year. Right. It's a time in the year where it can get noticed here in May and June. So I think it's done a really good job. Another sport that has taken this time of the year to get noticed, of course, is wnba. You know, they made a controversial decision to start their season right after the women's college basketball season ended, which can cause injuries. One top 10 pack, George Amor from Kentucky, got hurt because, you know, kind of wear and tear from playing so many games quickly. But it also leads to a lot of attention. And of course, since Caitlin Clark's been in the league, you've gotten the most attention. Then this week on Tuesday, the Connecticut sun and the Indiana Fever played. There was a pair of scuffles that led to three players getting ejected, no suspensions. From the wnba. But Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham got a flagrant to foul for coming over and protecting Caitlin Clark. It's because it was a huge story. I mean, you didn't even have to be a fan to see it. I don't even know who won the game, but I know about the fight. The Indiana Fever later have started calling Sophie Cunningham the enforcer in what I found a kind of bizarre move. They posted a picture of Sophie Cunningham in like a swimsuit and said the enforcer, which is strange to me. I mean, I don't. I don't care. But I also was like, you wouldn't see that in the NBA at all. So what do you think about it feels to me with the WNBA and the level of basketball in women's basketball, which is probably higher than certainly I've ever seen it. Maybe not the highest of all time, but it feels like it. Our conversations all center around things that don't happen during a game or they. It's secondary, like a fight or fashion or you know, to so and so. Like so and so. Do you think there's too much of that, kind of, for lack of a word, reality show drama coverage by the media or the counter to that? Is this what gives people an entry point into the league?

[Myron]

Yeah, I mean, I guess there. There are two perspectives on that. One, fights, scuffles, whatever you want to call them, across all sports have always attracted a certain segment of fans, right? Like the casual fans. Like, you know, I don't watch a ton of baseball. I have it historically, but when there's a big bench clearing fight, yeah, I'm into that. Like, whoa, that's what happened. So I think that's one part of it. I think the other thing is that there is the wnba and for a lot of people, they only see it through what happens to Caitlin Clark and what she's involved in. And I think that to me, is what the league is trying to overcome, which is not easy because there are so many stars. Nafisa Khali right now is playing the best basketball in the WNBA with the Minnesota Links, and not enough people are talking about it. Really. No one's talking about it. And they should. The Las Vegas Aces championship team. Asia Wilson, she's been injured. They haven't looked good, even with her.

[Matt]

Okay, well, we can. We can all agree that they should, but should is kind of a, to me, a silly conversation because people focus on what they focus on. Isn't it the case, though, that part of the problem is that the media and this show is obviously now an example of this. This is what we talk about. Like, this is what is on first take. This is what is on podcast when it comes to the WNBA coverage is this. And so all the rest of that stuff is true. But this is what we talk about. And you're right, in other sports, we do talk about that too, but. But we also talk about Shohei Ohtani and we also talk about Aaron Judge for the wnba. It's all Caitlin Clark or drama or the. And when the two are combined, it becomes a huge thing.

[Myron]

Yeah, well, I mean, like, Caitlin Clark is that big, though. At the end of the day, I think most sports outside of the NFL are personality driven. Like, there's. We talk about the warriors because of Steph Curry. We talk about the Lakers because LeBron. Like, that's most sports outside.

[Matt]

But we also talk about the games. They do not. We do not.

[Myron]

At least how much.

[Matt]

But I'm serious, though. Like, we talk about that Sun Fever game the other night in the fight. I don't even know who won the game. I don't. I know the.

[Myron]

But what was the score when Indiana beat Milwaukee and Tyrese Halliburton's dad confronted Giannis? None of us know.

[Matt]

I don't know. I do know, but I do know that Indiana won the game.

[Myron]

But we. But we didn't. But we didn't talk about the game itself, though, right?

[Matt]

We.

[Myron]

We talked the entire time about Tyrese Halliburton's dad and whether or not he should be bad. So I think.

[Matt]

I don't think that's the same. Do you. Do you really think they got more.

[Myron]

Personalities in the NBA?

[Matt]

Do you honestly think that the wnba, the games, the action on the court, gets nearly the coverage that this other stuff does? Like.

[Myron]

No.

[Matt]

Like the Indiana Fever? And listen, I'm not against. Sophie Cunningham should do whatever she wants. Like, she. She. She is a fashion show. She. We walks the game. Good for you. I'm cheering you on. Go, girl. Do whatever you want. But don't you think it's weird? Well, I don't. I don't usually say, go girl, because that's just not how I talk. Usually that's what I say. I say, go, girl. No, but I'm just saying, do you not find it strange that the way her own team promotes her, is it like her in a swimsuit? Do you not find that, like, that's not. That's what other leagues do?

[Myron]

That's weird. I mean, that's just not. That's not the norm.

[Matt]

Right.

[Myron]

So I mean but that's one team's decision, I would say. Overall, like we talk about game seven today. Throughout this show, we have not talked about whether or not SGA is going to be better with mid range shots tonight than he was in games. We've talked about legacy. We've talked about what does it mean if Indiana. Does it mean if OKC with I hate it but I know you hate it. But like so part of it is we just don't really talk about games in general for the most.

[Matt]

You don't think this happens more in the wnba? You don't think that they make. That media is making the personal drama between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese and all this. That. That is not disproportionately done to the WNBA over the other sports.

[Myron]

It is disproportionately done. I'll give you that. What I'm saying is it does happen across sports.

[Matt]

Okay, that's not. But is it not dis more proportionately done in the wnba?

[Myron]

It's more pronounced in the W A. But like if you tell me the gap between the biggest star in any league and the second biggest star, it's probably wider in the WNBA than any other league. Caitlin Clark in terms of popularity versus the number two stars that Asia Wilson. I don't know who that is. The gap is significant no matter what.

[Matt]

Number two star is Angel Reese. Whether in terms of like what people talk about. Yes, more people know. I think age will Myron the average sports fan. More people know Angel Reese than Asia Wilson. Angel Reese is part of every meme and social media post that is out there. Whether that's. And I actually don't think that's good. It's not fair to Asia Wilson. It's not fair to these. But it is without question true.

[Myron]

Yeah, but I have to believe that Asia Wilson with her own shoe. But Brianna still.

[Matt]

Who do you think is more known by the average. By the average sports fan, Asia Wilson or Angel Reese? Do you really want to look at me and say Asia Wilson?

[Myron]

I have to believe that Longevity championship.

[Matt]

Wrong.

[Myron]

We're talking about a year long.

[Matt]

My mother knows who Angel Reese is. Like she would. They talk about her on the today show. They don't do that with Asia Wilson.

[Myron]

Yeah, maybe. No, you have a point.

[Matt]

You could.

[Myron]

You could be right. But. But you know, I think other sports are similar. Just I think Caitlin Clark is that big in.

[Matt]

I think. I genuinely think it's unfair and I participate in it. So I'm not going to act like I'm better than that. But I think it is unfair how you're right in in all sports, more and more of the conversation is about non game things. I completely agree. But there is no sport where it is more disproportionately done than it is in the wnba. We will go back to the NBA Finals. This time I promise you I'll try to talk about the actual game. Actually I probably won't, but I will try. That's next here. I'm Matt on ESPN Radio.

[Myron]

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[Matt]

Just speaking into the void?

[Myron]

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[Matt]

Wait, did I say job title yet?

[Myron]

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[Matt]

Yeah, that was our setup at the CMA Fest in Nashville where we had a great time. Matt, Myron here on ESPN Radio. Thanks to all those folks in Nashville for having us. You know, you and I didn't really get to talk much after the show. Myron, I had a lot of people when I came back to Kentucky tell me they thought you look good in the cowboy hat. They liked your boots. We're not a fan of you tucking your jeans into your boots, but otherwise we're very proud of you for experiencing Nashville for the first time. What did you think of the overall country music experience?

[Myron]

I had a good time. I didn't realize how heavy those boots were and how hard it was to get them on. I, I had a moment where I got the first boot on. In the second boot, I almost had to call somebody. Like, I was like, am I gonna go down there with one boot? It kind of got to that point. Um, but no, it was good. Manashville treated me well and that again. And I don't, I don't want to. I'm not bragging, but it was. They liked me and I liked them too. So it was fun.

[Matt]

Who liked you when you say they liked you?

[Myron]

People, man. You know, the people, you know, lingering around.

[Matt]

I was with you. I didn't see it. You get a whole lot of attention either way.

[Myron]

People, people. People said things you didn't hear.

[Matt]

Where was I when these things happened?

[Myron]

One guy said, hey, there was an officer who was standing by us and he kind of came back after the meet and greet. He was like, hey, people treated you right here, right? Like he was making sure that like the city treated me specifically very well. And I think that.

[Matt]

Why you specifically, do you think he was asking?

[Myron]

Well, I think so. You know, nobody, nobody wants a PR situation. You know, that could happen.

[Matt]

You think they do that for anyone that visits Nashville? Any, any black person that visits Nashville, People like, everything go alright for you? We okay.

[Myron]

Was everybody being a city like that. Everything can go viral for all the wrong reasons. And people know that. Right? So you just trying to.

[Matt]

The people of Nashville just go, okay, Everything go okay before you go to the airport. Well, tonight the Pacers and the Thunder are ready to go in the NBA Finals. Pacers the underdogs again. They've been the underdogs in every game this series. However, this time it is only 7.5. Start at 9.5 has moved down to 7.5 for this game at home. Oklahoma City has a chance to win its first title since they moved Oklahoma City as far as the. For the Pacers first title since what? Aba days on the line. Shea Gilgis Alexander is obviously. I hate the word legacy, but a chance to get amongst the great in winning an MVP and a title and then the Pacers might be the most un. I don't know, unforeseen or surprising winner of a title. I don't know ever. I mean what's. What's a more surprising. Is there a more. Would there be a more surprising title in our lifetime than Pacers winning this one?

[Myron]

Well, remember the Pistons beat Kobe, Shaq, Carl Malone and Gary Payton.

[Matt]

The Pistons were a 1 seed though. This is a 4 season.

[Myron]

Yeah, but they, but they, they beat. They beat the super team. Lakers. That was supposed to be a super team. They beat Malone. They did Payton, Kobe.

[Matt]

But it was the last version of that team.

[Myron]

Yeah, but I mean you remember how it felt then.

[Matt]

I mean they were once. I mean this is a.

[Myron]

This is a. But no one believed they were going to win that though. No one believed.

[Matt]

But I was. Okay, fine. I'm not disputing. That point. But this is a four seat and in that series against the Lakers, by the end of it, the Pistons were the favorite. This is different. I mean this is a. They have been more than a five point underdog in every game. They have been a double digit underdog in three of the seven games. It is sort of a. If they were to win an unprecedented occurrence in the NBA to have a team like this win a title again.

[Myron]

I will give Indian a full credit. Obviously, going through the Eastern Conference, beating Cleveland, number one seed, beating the Knicks in a really wild series and then getting to this point, I beat Milwaukee too. But I think what impacts how we'll view this long term, comparing it to the Pistons Lakers is OKC went from maybe this is a great team, one of the great young teams, maybe there's a dynasty ahead to a team that can be very, very average in ways that the great teams have never been. So I don't think they'll get the full credit even if they beat Indiana because we've seen okc though that's a.

[Matt]

Different point than what I'm saying about Indiana. I have to think. I have to think. And I don't have this number in front of me. So if somebody can prove me wrong, I'm glad to say that I would have to think. If you look at odds to win the title going into the playoffs, the Pacers had the highest odds of any team that's ever won a title. If they win. I can't imagine any team was even close. I believe the, I believe the pacers were like 27 to 1 or something when the, when the, when the playoffs started. It was, it was a huge high number, maybe even higher than that. I'm sure there's never been a team with a higher number. That's one. There've been a couple that probably have been that high that made it to the finals. But I mean, I know there's never been a team that high to win. That's what makes this so shocking. I'm not disputing that. If Oklahoma City loses, what it says about Oklahoma City, but this is a shocking result if it occurs.

[Myron]

Yes. And what I'm saying is less, less shocking the less special OKC has looked over the course of these.

[Matt]

They beat the defending champs, right? Or, well, they didn't get to play a defending champs. Defending champs go down to New York. I will say this at least about Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City on the way beat Jokic, you know, and they beat Yokic in a game seven in a Game where a lot of people thought this is where they will fold. They beat Anthony Edwards, actually destroyed Anthony Edwards in the process. It's really not Oklahoma City's fault that a weird team emerges from the East. But even though I've been hating on Indiana for most of the last six weeks, if they win this tonight, it is to me the most surprising NBA champion in my lifetime and maybe one of the one or two most surprising in the history of the league.

[Myron]

I'm not there with it. It's surprising. It's surprising. But I just think the OKC is a special to me. So it's just different in terms of how I see it and what Indiana's done. They deserve full credit. It is a special run, but it'd be more special if OKC looked like the dominant team we thought they would be.

[Matt]

Well, if they look like the dominant team we thought they'd be, Indiana wouldn't win.

[Myron]

Well, if they beat that version.

[Matt]

To be fair, you're making a standard that Indiana can't get credit if Oklahoma City's dominant.

[Myron]

You just said Indiana would never be a champion. At the start of the show, you said you never would use them as a champion. I don't.

[Matt]

They don't feel like a champion to me. But they're going to win. Well, I'm not there if they win. It's pretty impressive. Tune in tonight. Game 7, the NBA Finals Thunder host the Pacers. Presented by. Indeed. Coverage begins 6 Eastern on ESPN Radio.

[Myron]

Matt and Myron, the podcast.

[Matt]

That's what Morgan Wallen said. That's what I said tomorrow before we went to Nashville. You gotta leave those Broadway girls alone. I think he did for the most part.

[Myron]

Or maybe my girlfriend in Nashville.

[Matt]

Maybe they left you alone. I'm not sure. I don't know.

[Myron]

Hey, he was with Drake last night. You see that?

[Matt]

Morgan White. Who?

[Myron]

He came out with Drake in Houston.

[Matt]

I don't know if that's a good career move at this point. Matt Myron. Here on ESPN Radio, we are presented by Progressive Insurance. Norris Cole, two time NBA champion. He'll be hosting Primetime with Matt Fontana from 4 to 7 tonight. Norris, you're not going to remember this, but when you played at Cleveland State once, I was in a basketball arena when you were there and we were trying to walk somewhere and we had to go through a door. We were both like about to go through it at the same time and we were like, kind of let, you know, doing the thing where you're like, no, you go first, you go first. And I said, let's do paper, rock, scissors, whether to go first. And we did. And I beat you. And I've always. Since you won all those titles in the NBA, I've always kind of held that as a point of pride.

[Norris Cole]

Hey, every dog has his day.

[Matt]

That's exactly right, Norris. That was my day. Was that day. And now knows, all these years later, we're on the radio together. Norris. I was. When I look at this finals game tonight, I. I said this last segment, and I'm gonna see if you agree. I think if the Pacers were to win tonight, they would be the most surprising NBA champion of my lifetime, which would go back to 1980. Do you agree with that?

[Norris Cole]

Yes, I do. I. I definitely do believe that it would be the most surprising. OKC has been so dominant this season, we almost expect them to just roll through the whole playoffs. And that's just not what has happened. And the way Indiana started the season, I don't know if we've ever seen the team start the season the way they started and then the team go on to win a championship. So it'd be the most improbable championship team that I've seen in my lifetime as well.

[Myron]

Norris, you and I have argued on game night about okc, and, you know, I've called them frauds if they lose this game tonight. But if they do lose, how would you approach the off season? I mean, if you lose to the Pacers, what's your move this off season?

[Norris Cole]

Well, you don't want to look at it as just because you lost to the Pacers. It's like you lost, period. And so you want to try to get better. You don't want to look at it and just be like, just because you lost to that particular team, because you still was one of the final two teams standing, so you did something right. But my move would be try to try to get Giannis. I would get the assets along with Chad Holmgren hitting with the signing trade. So the money match, and I'm like sending my offer to the Bucks, like, hey, Giannis, what you want to do? You got modern day Shaq and Kobe, modern day Shaq and Penny, if you got SGA Giannis, so that's. That's what I would do.

[Matt]

That's interesting. That's. I mean, that's.

[Norris Cole]

That's. If they don't win it, though, now.

[Myron]

If they win it, isn't that a.

[Matt]

Little bit of an overreaction? I mean, because you're about to say what I think you would say, which is if they win. They shouldn't make that move. I mean, so that means it's basically one game. Isn't that a little bit of an overreach? I mean, you could run this same team back and have a shot at winning it again next year.

[Norris Cole]

Yeah, you could. You could. You definitely could. But the west is getting better, and if you have a chance to get Giannis and you can make it happen, you make that happen. Only if they don't win.

[Myron]

Not at the expense of your role players. Right. You don't want to lose all your role players. I mean, Phoenix tried to do that with Katie and it didn't work.

[Norris Cole]

No, it's not the same as Phoenix because those, those parts didn't fit. Giannis fits with this team. And you won't lose all your role players. OKC has so many different role players. They got role players on top of role players. And so, you know, you can't give them all a chance. And so you can package some of them up with Chet and bring in Giannis.

[Matt]

Let me ask you a question. You mentioned Katie. There are some chatter that we could see a Katie deal, even today or tomorrow occurring. You. You sit there and you look at KD at, at his current age, and I look at the. The deals that I've heard that are on the table for him, and they seem like, well, a little disrespectful to kd, but he is that age. What do you think kd like, can KDB your best player and win a title now, or is he a second, third option for a title contending team?

[Norris Cole]

Well, it depends on what type of team you have. If he's, if he's going to be far and away your best player. I think he's probably past that point of his career. You know, you need somebody there that can, you know, that's maybe not as good as him, but that's close to being, you know, good like him. That can also take over games. You don't want him to be the only guy on your team that can, you know, take over to where you have to depend on him to do the heavy lifting. You know, at this point in his career. You don't want that. I would prefer him to be more of a plug and play guy, like, to come in and be like. Like how he was to Golden State. You know, Steph was there. Steph was the engine, and he was just like the icing on the cape to make sure that, you know, everything was going to go right. He was like the hired assassin. So, yeah, I Wouldn't bring him in to be, quote, unquote, the best player on the team. Unless it's a team like Miami, who. There's no one there that's talented as him. But because of the culture, he wouldn't have to necessarily do all of the heavy lifting. They have role players and things like that that could kind of make his life easier on both ends of the court, if that. If that. If you understand what I mean.

[Matt]

If you were. If you were San Antonio or Houston or one of these teams that sort of feels like they're a step or two away, would you trade?

[Norris Cole]

Yes, sir. He's the best. He's the. He's the best plug and play guy in the NBA because his shooting efficiency, you can just plug him in anywhere, and he. And because of his ability to score without the ball, he doesn't have to dominate dribbling the ball to score. You can put him in any offense, and he'll help you out. And so for those two teams, he would definitely take them, you know, to the next level.

[Myron]

Why don't more guys want to play with him? I mean, after Golden State, it's not like a lot of guys are like, I got to play with kd. It was guys like Kyrie, who are also a little different. But. But for the most part, you haven't seen the entire league going, hey, pair me with Kevin Durant, post Golden State. Why is that?

[Norris Cole]

I think there's a competitive aspect to it. You know, people like to compete. And then, you know, not everybody, you know, not everybody vibes with that personality. I don't think everyone knows him. You know, the people who know him, they understand him. They do want to play with him. All the. All the star players that I know that have known him or that played Team USA with him, they would love to play with him. So I think the people who maybe are not dying to play with him, maybe they just don't know him. You know, but who was. Who wouldn't want a guy that's 600, 10, 50, 40, 90 shooting, you know, shooter who's efficient. You know, any player will. Any team will want that. And, you know, maybe he's not the quote, unquote, you know, leader or culture shifter, you know.

[Matt]

Just a second. I'm gonna do some breaking news here because I spoke it into existence. Give me the breaking news sound. All right, we don't have it. There we go. Breaking news. Norris Cole, I'm breaking it to you. Kevin Durant has been traded to the Rockets. That literally just happened after we said it. Give me your initial reaction.

[Myron]

Wow. Wow.

[Norris Cole]

The west is shaking up. The west just got better.

[Matt]

How about that? We literally spoke it into existence. It was Kevin Durant, according to Shams, Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dylan Brooks and the number 10 pick in the draft. So that's a halt. Norris get Jaylen. They give up Jalen Green and the number picking 10 pick in the draft along with Dylan Brooks. Seen that right there. That is the deal. Norris, you think that's a good deal for the Rockets?

[Norris Cole]

I think it is. I think that puts them in contention in the Western Conference this coming season. If everybody's healthy.

[Matt]

There you go.

[Norris Cole]

Because he could be Devin Booker.

[Myron]

Do you also make demand right now? Like Norris, if you're Devin Booker, do you look at this and go, it's time for me to go to like. Do you demand a trade tomorrow?

[Norris Cole]

No, if I'm. If I'm David Booker. No, I'm not necessarily demanding the trade. Devin Booker is looking at things. It seems like he's looking at things from the Dirk Nowinski, Tim Duncan, Kobe standpoint point where, hey, look, Phoenix is home. I'm the franchise. I' ma live and die with him. I'm a ride it out. You know, that's what it seems like. And I'm not mad at him for that.

[Matt]

I'm just gonna go ahead and say to you, that's one of the more epic calls I've ever made in my life.

[Myron]

That's pretty amazing.

[Matt]

I literally said traded today, and Norris, he got traded a minute later. Can we. Can we ask that real quick?

[Norris Cole]

Hey, that's that rock paper scissors you was talking about.

[Matt]

That's right. The same talent that took you down at rock paper scissors.

[Norris Cole]

When it's your day, it's your day, and today is your day, brother.

[Matt]

All right, Norris, before we let you go, who's winning tonight?

[Norris Cole]

Oklahoma City Thunder. Home teams normally win in game seven and they got the best player.

[Matt]

Norris, it was fun. I hope to work with you again soon and then you can over zoom. We can have a rematch on Rock Paper Caesars. Thank you very much.

[Norris Cole]

Appreciate that. I'm definitely going to get my rematch.

[Matt]

All right, sounds good. So Kevin Durant traded. I'll never have a better call than that. Literally one pretty amazing. Later. Myron, do you like.

[Myron]

We got to kill whatever we're going to do this next segment and we got to go straight to this. To Katie.

[Matt]

What? Well, we were talking about. Let's just do it real quick right now. What do you think of the deal.

[Myron]

It'S gigantic. I think we need more time to talk.

[Matt]

Do you like, do you think the Rockets, this makes them a contender?

[Myron]

Well, again, if you're the Rocket, you're going, how do I beat OKC? Remember, OKC had a 16 game lead over the Rockets in the race for the Western Conference top seed. So there's a sizable gap between those two teams. You know, Houston was closer to that bunch of teams that were like 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. I think this elevates them. You lose Jalen Ground, Jalen Green, you replace them with Kevin Durant, you lose Dylan Brooks, who, who was more of a showman than an actual competitor, and you lose the number 10 pick. But, you know, Jabari Smith and obviously Fred Van Valid and all the pieces they're going to have. I think it certainly potentially makes them the team to beat in the Western Conference.

[Matt]

Well, that's an. Okay, so that's the question. You've got Jabari Smith, you got Amin Thompson, you're going to have Fred Van Fleet and his band with the beat. You got some young guys, Whitmore, Reed shepherd, and now you throw in Deportation Durant. Does that feel like enough to you?

[Myron]

Well, I think just because what you just said and then send Goon. Right. I mean, so I think a lot of people thought that you were gonna have to give up him in order to get Kevin Durant or even a Jabari Smith losing Jalen Green, is that a big deal? He's a high volume guy. Yes. But KD is twice the player that he is in terms of as an offensive player. So if I were betting the odds right now, especially if OKCA loses tonight, Houston, I think goes in the next season as the favorite to win the championship.

[Matt]

Yeah, I don't think that's true, but I do think that, I do think you were sitting there looking if they wanted to make a deal. You know, they talked about Giannis, but if they even wanted to make a deal for Durant, they were sitting there looking at, I don't think Amin Thompson was on the block. So they were looking at Sengun, Jabari Smith and Jalen Green, and it was clear they were going to have to give up one of those. Of those, to me, Jalen Green is the most expendable because you've got a bunch of dudes behind him who can play. I'm a little surprised they threw in the number 10 pick because I actually think this year the number 10 pick, you can get a good player there. You can get a dude who can really be good at number 10 this year, this draft, I think it's pretty good draft when you get down that far. But yeah, I think it's probably a pretty fair deal for both teams. I disagree with you that it makes them the favorite, but I do think it makes them a contender and ultimately that was their go. We'll do more on the Durant trade, maybe make a couple picks. That's next here on Sunday morning.

[Myron]

Matt and Myron, the podcast. You know that one friend who somehow.

[Matt]

Knows everything about money? Yeah. Now imagine they live in your phone. Say hey to Experian, your big financial friend. It's the app that helps you check your FICO score, find ways to save and basically feel like a financial genius.

[Myron]

And guess what?

[Matt]

It's totally free. So go on, download the Experian app. Trust me, having a BFF like this is a total game changer. What is Dadication?

[Myron]

The thing that drives me every day.

[Norris Cole]

As a dad is Dariona.

[Matt]

We call him Dae Date for short.

[Norris Cole]

Every day he's hungry for something, whether it's attention, affection, knowledge.

[Myron]

And there's this huge responsibility in making sure that when he's no longer under.

[Norris Cole]

My wing that he's a good person.

[Myron]

I want him to be able to sit back while day and go.

[Norris Cole]

We worked together.

[Myron]

We did a good job.

[Matt]

That's dedication. Find out [e-mail] brought to you by the U.S. department of Health and Human Services and the Ad Council. Wow. Dolly Parton here Sunday morning, Matt Myron on the ESPN Radio presented by Progressive Insurance. All right, so let's go over tonight at 6 Eastern. You can do a couple things. You can listen on ESPN Radio the NBA Finals Game 7. You can also listen to the NLE's matchup between the Mets and the Phillies. It's both on ESPN Radio. Coverage begins at 6 Eastern. And also remember, you can tune in tonight on ESPN the channel as well for Phillies and met. Some breaking news came during the last segment. Kevin Durant traded the Rockets for Jalen Green, Dylan Brooks and the number 10 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Also five second round picks. A lot of second round picks. Five second round picks. I think the Rocket had like, the rockets had like 14 of them though. So I think that that makes, you know, makes a little sense. Are you, you think this makes the Rockets the favorite? I'm not ready to go there. But what about for the Suns? Like are you, I mean, you get, you get Jalen Green, you get a first round pick. I don't know what Dylan Brooks is going to do for you at this point. But are the Suns better now? Worse. Well, they're probably worse, but are they, are they better as a franchise? Like, is this a better move for them as a franchise?

[Myron]

Not unless they trade Devin Booker. I mean you always talk about that in between thing being the worst you can be in sports. Like you're either contending or rebuilding. And the Suns, to me, if Devin Booker's on that roster, you're still somewhere in the middle. So Devin Booker has to say, get me out of here. Right? Let the, let the sun start over. Get some young pieces to build around. But you don't want to be a part of that if you're Devin Booker. But if he sticks around, there's still going to be a team that struggles, I think to even get into the play in.

[Matt]

Yeah, but I also think there's some. That is always my position when it comes to, when it comes to the NFL. I think the NBA is a little different because I don't think nowadays you're rewarded for blowing it up. Like, what is blowing it up do for you now? Like Tank? I mean, think about this year in the lottery. The teams that blew it up are picking fifth and sixth. It didn't really help. So I mean the lottery is now set up to get people to not. So I don't know if, I don't know if it makes sense to be terrible or not in today's NBA. You know, they're still stuck with Bradley Beal no matter what because nobody's taking that contract. So you might as well, in my opinion, keep Devin Booker. I, I think you, you're not going to get a team that can win a title. You're probably not going to team that even makes the playoffs. But you do have a team that if you were to go find one more piece, could maybe make the play in. And I think that's all you try to do at this point because I don't know what else they can do if you blow it up. Utah blew it up and they've been awful for eight straight years. So I don't really know what else you're supposed to do, but I mean.

[Myron]

It might not be up to the Suns. I mean if Devin Booker walks into the front office tomorrow and says, true, you gotta trade.

[Matt]

I don't. I get the sense I'm kind of like Norris. I get the sense that that's not what he's gonna do. I think that his, he just sees his career being in Phoenix at least maybe until the. The final end of it. Katie, by the way, found out about the trade while he was on stage at Fanatics Fest in North in New York City. Is there video? Did he get literally on stage? Yes, he was on.

[Myron]

Yeah.

[Matt]

I guess he has like a thing with Michael Parsons in like 10 minutes or so. So he was already on stage for that.

[Myron]

And that's where he found out, like on stage.

[Matt]

But do we have video of him finding out? Yeah, we were just. That was just what you were watching right now, right? I couldn't really see it.

[Norris Cole]

Yeah, sorry. No, I had it on. It's a screen on a screen, but yeah.

[Matt]

Huh.

[Myron]

That's pretty amazing.

[Matt]

Well, that's something else. All right, well, let's. Before we finish all this up, let's pick some games today. Let's do, take or pick. Oh, wow. He really was on stage. He was being interviewed when he found out. Are you kidding me? That is. That's amazing. Okay. All right, go ahead.

[Myron]

Do you think the Suns did that on purpose?

[Matt]

You know, I don't know what their relationship is. I think maybe he handled it well. He's smiling the whole time, so I guess that's good. They were one of the three on his list.

[Norris Cole]

Right.

[Matt]

All right, let's. Let's start with game seven tonight. Pacers at Thunder.

[Myron]

The Thunder are six and a half point favorites.

[Matt]

You'll be able to hear this game right here on ESPN. Radio coverage is at 6pm Eastern. I like the Thunder. I think the question is only whether the game is close. I just don't think teams lose game Sevens at home very often. It has to be a special team to win to beat them. I think the. The Pacers are good, but I don't know if they're special. So I will take. It's taken longer than it should, but I think the Thunder end up getting the series win tonight.

[Myron]

Yeah, I think probably a lopsided win by okc. They're the home team. They're going to come out with more energy, and I think they'll just overwhelm Indiana pretty early. And by. By halftime, you can probably wrap it up.

[Matt]

Yeah. Remember, five of the six games so far have been basically over by halftime. I mean, and even the one that wasn't, they came way back. It should have been over at halftime. These games have been awful, and I kind of suspect the same one this one will be as well. What's next? Game two of the College World Series.

[Myron]

Is this afternoon between LSU and Coastal Carolina. Coastal Carolina, a slight favorite on es.

[Matt]

LSU is Life favorite on espn. Bet you'll be able to see this.

[Myron]

On ABC television and ESPN plus starting at two hundred and thirty.

[Matt]

It is going to be one of the hottest games not just in the history of college baseball, maybe in the history of humanity. It's going to be like 101 at this game today. It's at 2:30 in the afternoon, so good luck to the fans. I've been to that stadium. There ain't no shade. So lather up in suntan lotion. I'm going to take LSU to go ahead and win and finish the series tonight. What do you got, Myron?

[Myron]

Is Kate Anderson pitching again? Like how does that work in college baseball? Is he going to be back the.

[Matt]

Guy that pitched last night?

[Myron]

Yeah. One softball. They. They're. They're pitching every night.

[Matt]

Mine. That's the dumbest thing. You know baseball and softball are not the same thing. He's not going to pitch, man. What do you mean?

[Myron]

The college pitchers in softball are pitching every night.

[Matt]

Every day. Baseball is a different sport. It's a different arm motion.

[Myron]

Well, toughen up. So I still will say lsu.

[Matt]

What are you talking about? What are you talking about? You wouldn't tell Justin Verlander to pitch two nights in a row in the World Series.

[Myron]

He ain't Justin Verlander. He's a college kid. All I'm saying is he's a college.

[Matt]

Kid who's going to be drafted in.

[Myron]

The top 15 in the college softball championship.

[Matt]

It's a different sport.

[Myron]

But they're pitching every night. That's all I'm saying. It's fine.

[Matt]

Okay. In basketball they play back to back nights. What does that have to do with anything?

[Myron]

Listen, man, listen. You get out there if you want to help your team win. But if he's not pitching, I'll still pick LSU to win.

[Matt]

This guy, like where did you find him? Can we bring Norris? He's the best.

[Myron]

He's the best. Kate Anderson is the best player in.

[Matt]

In best future college baseball pitch in back to back nights.

[Myron]

Fine. You should try it sometime. Maybe you do it.

[Matt]

Use the whole history of doing it.

[Myron]

Baseball, man.

[Matt]

We should just get the whole history. If you want to be a ch. Stop it.

[Myron]

Decide your legacy, man. Thanks for listening to Matt and Myron the podcast. You can listen to the show live every Sunday morning at 10am Eastern on ESPN radio, the ESPN app and on SiriusXM channel 80.

[Matt]

Matt and Myron, the podcast.