Hour 1: Dan Steals Stan's Nuggets (feat. Stan Van Gundy)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: Hour 1: Dan Steals Stan's Nuggets (feat. Stan Van Gundy)

Date: March 10, 2026

---

Overview

In this lively and freewheeling episode, Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, and crew welcome NBA analyst and former coach Stan Van Gundy for a classic hour packed with basketball insight, fan banter, irreverent humor, and a few deep dives into both on-court and off-court topics. Broadcasting from downtown Miami, the hosts and Van Gundy discuss everything from baseball stadium food deals to the complexities of the NBA playoff race, player conditioning, and even American politics, always meshing sports with the show’s trademark wit and candor.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Baseball Stadium Food Adventures

[00:39–02:14]

• Stugotz brings up a $29 “All You Can Eat” food deal at the St. Louis ballpark and asks Stan Van Gundy for his take.
• Stan Van Gundy: “That’s a hell of a deal. I would just make sure I didn’t eat before I went to the game that night.”
  [01:36]
• Stan picks his favorites—Diet Coke, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, possibly a brat—and vows, “I would try to make them regret it, yes.”

---

2. World Baseball Classic Experience

[02:14–03:33]

• Dan asks Stan about attending his first international sporting event, a USA–Mexico game.
• Stan marvels at the electric atmosphere, noting, “I’ve never been in a stadium that was as electric as it was last night... it was just a lot of fun.”
  [02:59]

---

3. NBA Anecdotes & Player Superlatives

[03:33–04:38]

• Stugotz teases Stan about an interview where he called Dwight Howard an “All-Star farter.”
• Stan clarifies: “I did not say that. They said that... I just verified the story.”
  [03:59]
• Good-natured ribbing about locker room legends continues.

---

4. NBA Regular Season & Playoff Preview

[04:41–12:54]

• Deep dive into NBA standings since February 1st—San Antonio and Boston top statistical categories—but Stan cautions it’s still wide open.
• On Oklahoma City Thunder:
  “They haven’t had their team and yet they have the best record... until somebody knocks them off, they’re the favorite.”
  [05:00]
• Stan on the Eastern Conference playoff mix:
  “I think New York, Cleveland, Detroit, Miami starting to play well. Orlando is playing well now, and they don’t have their best player. So, you know, injuries are going to be a big part of it. Maybe you give me the top four or five teams in the East and do the same in the West. Tell me who’s going to be healthiest, that’s who I’ll pick.”
  [07:56]
• He emphasizes the volatility of playoff basketball compared to the regular season.

---

5. Player and Team Development

[09:04–11:25]

• Debate on who Orlando’s “best player” is—Stan leans toward Wagner over Bancaro (with high praise for Bancaro’s post-All Star break improvement).
• Discussion on Oklahoma City's consistency and SGA's scoring streak:
  “Anytime you’re doing something in a scoring realm that surpasses Wilt Chamberlain, I mean, it’s incredible.”
  [10:42]

---

6. Best in the NBA — Lightning Round Questions

[16:18–19:49]

• Stugotz speeds up the pace with rapid-fire questions:
  • Best defender: “The Thompson twins, the both of them, they’re just equal.”
    [16:56]
  • Best shooter (after Steph): “Luke Kennard... if we’re just going to stand there and shoot the ball, Luke Kennard’s the best shooter.”
    [17:13]
  • Best front office: “Oklahoma City, but San Antonio is pretty damn close.”
    [17:53]
  • Discussions about rookie of the year race, with Con Knipple getting Stan’s nod for availability and team success: “…I think Con Knipple’s rookie of the year.”
    [20:15]

---

7. Player Flaws & Statistical Nuggets

[20:26–23:39]

• Wemby’s flaw? “You can turn him over... he can at times become a mistake player.”
  [20:34]
• Praise for Kawhi Leonard’s efficient resurgence and carrying his team.
• Stan distances himself from speculation regarding financial controversies around the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard, deferring to journalists like Pablo Torre.

---

8. Modern NBA Scheduling & Player Conditioning

[23:39–26:46]

• Reaction to Steve Kerr’s call for fewer regular season games.
• Stan’s perspective:
  “I don’t think fewer games in and of itself is enough. I think the biggest problem with injuries is that people have stopped practicing… We’ve deconditioned players. I don’t think we practice enough. I think that’s the problem… Something isn’t working.”
  [24:26]
• Stan’s push for more conditioning and regular practice goes against league trends.

---

9. Quick Takes on NBA Teams and Players

[30:12–32:24]

• Are the Timberwolves a playoff letdown waiting to happen? “No, we’re not going to fall for that.”
  [30:19]
• Are the Wizards heading in the right direction? “No.”
  [30:34]
• Is this Knicks team for real? “Yes... Their defense has really started to step up and they are an elite offensive team, so yeah…”
  [31:00]
• Luka, Jokic, and LeBron as the all-around best offensive players:
  “Those three guys are the only guys I can think of that can do everything required in the game at an elite level.”
  [31:27]

---

10. Nuggets of the Day

[36:20–38:43]

• SGA’s scoring streak: 126 straight 20+ point games — triple the next longest active streak (Kawhi at 42 games).
• Jokic is on track to lead the league in both rebounds per game and assists per game in a single season, something never before achieved.
• High praise for front offices: “Brad Stevens... There’s not too many people who have done that (coach and executive) at a high level. Obviously, Pat Riley right there in Miami has had phenomenal success on both sides. But probably the next best behind Pat would be Brad Stevens.”
  [35:31]

---

11. Social & Political Commentary

[38:50–39:42]

• Stan is asked to comment on American politics in the closing minute:
  “Even if you’re on that side and you’re a conservative through and through, like, can we hire people that have some experience and some qualifications? Can we hire some people with intelligence? ... I don’t think you could hire a less competent administration if your goal was to be as incompetent as possible.”
  [38:50]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “That’s a hell of a deal. I would just make sure I didn’t eat before I went to the game.”
  — Stan Van Gundy on stadium food deal [01:36]
• “Anytime you’re doing something in a scoring realm that surpasses Wilt Chamberlain… it’s incredible.”
  — Stan on SGA’s scoring streak [10:42]
• “I don’t think we practice enough. I think that’s the problem… injuries continue to climb. Something isn’t working.”
  — Stan on the rise of NBA injuries [24:26]
• Rapid-fire clarity: “No.” (Are the Wizards heading in the right direction?) [30:34]
• “Those three guys (Luka, Jokic, LeBron) are the only guys I can think of that can do everything required in the game at an elite level.” [31:27]
• “I don’t think you could hire a less competent administration if your goal was to be as incompetent as possible.”
  — Stan on U.S. politics [38:50]

---

Important Timestamps

• $29 Ballpark Food Discussion: [00:39–02:14]
• World Baseball Classic Atmosphere: [02:14–03:33]
• NBA Standings/Playoff Outlook: [04:41–12:54]
• SGA’s Wilt-like Scoring Streak: [10:42]
• Lightning Round NBA Superlatives: [16:18–19:49]
• Player Conditioning and Schedule Debate: [23:39–26:46]
• “Nuggets” Segment – Unique Stats: [36:20–38:43]
• Stan’s Political Commentary: [38:50–39:42]

---

Tone & Style

The show maintains its usual blend of sharp sports analysis, South Florida flavor, playful jabs, and unscripted banter. Stan Van Gundy’s candor and deep basketball acumen mesh perfectly with the irreverent, fast-paced style of Dan, Stugotz, and the crew.

---

This episode is a treat for hardcore NBA fans, sports junkies, and anyone who appreciates the intersection of expertise, pop culture, and humor. Stan Van Gundy’s analysis is both thoughtful and refreshingly blunt, framed by the show’s never-too-serious approach.

Transcript

[Starbucks Advertiser]

Spring is here, and there's a whole new way to chai at Starbucks that's made perfect for you. Choose your sweetness, dial it up or keep things light. Add a touch of pistachio, a hint of strawberry or vanilla, or make it a spring classic with lavender. Because this season, there's endless ways to chai at Starbucks.

[Dan LeBatard]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats podcast.

[Stugats]

Look at who's here. The lead game analyst for the NBA on Prime. He's half the man he used to be.

[Stan Van Gundy]

He.

[Stugats]

Look at him. Look at him. Stan Van Gundy with us. Sixers at Detroit. Celtics at OKC on Thursday. A special game last night in the Association. So we start obviously here with Stan talking about food. Stan, they're DTF St. Louis. They're down to Feast in St. Louis. At the ballpark. You got $29. Get you an assortment of foods. All you can eat here, Stan, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, bratwurst, nacho chips, popcorn, french fries, peanuts, kettle chips, ice cream, and fountain drinks for $29. What does Stan Van Gundy think of that deal as a baseball fan? He's in Houston. He went to the World Baseball Classic yesterday. He loves baseball just as much as he loves bas basketball, but he loves food more than both of them. What do you think of this unlimited $29 deal here, Stan?

[Stan Van Gundy]

That's a hell of a deal. I mean, I would just make sure I didn't eat before I went to the game that night. That's a hell of a deal.

[Stugats]

What would be your choices there? What would you go with? How, how much damage do you think you would do?

[Stan Van Gundy]

Well, I would have the, the first line there that I would get a Diet Coke, the hot dogs, the chicken nuggets. I probably. Well, I might get a brat, but definitely popcorn. And yeah, that would be it, but I'd eat a lot of all that stuff.

[Stugats]

So you would make them regret their decision to make all of that $29?

[Stan Van Gundy]

I would try to make them regret it, yes.

[Stugats]

Your love of baseball. Tell me about going to the World Baseball Classic. What did you see yesterday?

[Stan Van Gundy]

Well, it was incredible. I had never. And I didn't really think about it until I was going, but for all the sporting events I've been to, I had never been to a major international match. Like, you know, I was talking to my brother, and he's been to the Olympics and the World cup in basketball. He's been to the Women's World cup in soccer. I had never been to anything. And it was phenomenal. Against Mexico. I mean, the atmosphere before the game there were probably more Mexico fans there than USA fans. The they were certainly louder. You know, USA had a five run inning and got up five nothing.

[Stugats]

But

[Stan Van Gundy]

Mexico battled back and made it interesting and the crowd was really into it. I haven't been and I've been to the World Series when the Marlins were in it. I've been to the World Series back in the day when I was young and the A's were in it. I've never been in a stadium that was as electric as it was last night. Judge and Roman Anthony hit home runs, But Bobby Witch Jr. Made two of the best defensive plays you would see. Judge made an incredible throw to throw a guy out at third base. I mean, it was just a lot of fun.

[Stugats]

I was hurt and offended that you went on another show and told people that Dwight Howard had not only a world class NBA IQ but was also an All Star farter.

[Stan Van Gundy]

I just got asked the question. I didn't bring it up. I did not bring it out.

[Stugats]

Well, now I'm asking.

[Stan Van Gundy]

I just verified the story.

[Stugats]

So what constitutes being an All Star farter?

[Stan Van Gundy]

No, no, I didn't say that. I did not say that. They said that the story was that, you know, in walkthroughs and things that he would fart. And I said, yes, that's true. That's it for me. I didn't, I don't classify an All Star. I don't know if there is an All Star in that category.

[Caller or Guest]

So he's crop Dustin?

[Stan Van Gundy]

Yeah, I guess.

[Stugats]

But do you have second place? Like who else is all NBA farter in your experience?

[Stan Van Gundy]

No, I don't have that. I don't have that.

[Caller or Guest]

Think about it for next time.

[Stugats]

Okay, that's Jack.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Yes.

[Stugats]

Give it, give it some thought and make sure to get back to us on that if.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Oh yeah, I'll spend a lot of time thinking about that.

[Stugats]

Guys, since February 1st, okay, the NBA's best record, number one, San Antonio. Boston number two. NBA net rating, San Antonio, number one, Boston, number two, NBA defense, number one, Boston, San Antonio number two. Are those your NBA Finals team, Stan?

[Stan Van Gundy]

I don't know. I mean, I still think. Look, Oklahoma City. You look at the number of injuries they've had and they still have the best record in the league. I mean, it's incredible. I mean, Jalen Williams has missed 40 games and they've had numerous guys miss games. Isaiah Hartenstein, I think has missed 30 games. SGA. Missed 12 games. AJ Mitchell just came back after missing 20 games. Straight. It's incredible. I mean, they haven't had their team and yet they have the best record. So I would still say until somebody knocks them off, they're the favorite. But I like San Antonio, I like Boston, but I think the east is wide open. New York, Cleveland, Detroit, and then even you've got a lot of teams starting to play well now. I mean, the team nobody's going to want to face is Charlotte in the first round. I mean, so you went through all those things in the last seven weeks. Charlotte is tied for the best record in the east with Boston, and they are tied. Only San Antonio has a better record than they do. Somebody in the first or second spot is going to get them in the first round, and they're playing as well as anybody in the league right now.

[Caller or Guest]

Stan, I wonder what your thoughts are when you heard people on television or radio before Jayson Tatum returned, speaking about how difficult it might be for the Celtics to reintegrate Tatum. Because I remember you dealt with something similar when you were coaching Orlando with Jameer Nelson.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Yeah, I didn't really worry about Boston's ability to reintegrate him. He's played with, with all those guys. I just am shocked that in 10 months this guy's able to come back and has looked the way he has now. He hasn't shot the ball well, but he's looked like he's moving well and playing well. I've been through it, you know, with a guy coming back off of an Achilles, and usually when they come back, it's still a good long time, almost an entire season before they're back playing at a high level. And that's guys that have taken a full year or more to get back. So I'm absolutely shocked to see what he's doing out there. Obviously, he did an unbelievable job in his rehab because he looks like the same old Jason Tatum to me.

[Stugats]

Were you tempted at all to say Miami when you said Charlotte there? Group them. When you're talking about teams, team, other teams in the east, you say the east is wide open. I don't agree with you. I think Boston is better than everybody, and I don't trust everybody. You caught a lot of heat for comments recently on Detroit because you know how offensively limited that team is.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Yeah, yeah. Look, I love Detroit. I mean, as a guy who really respects hard play in teams, the defensive end of the floor, the whole thing, I love them. I just know that the regular season and playoffs are two totally different challenges. The regular season, you know, is about how often Your team is ready to play and, you know, brings close to their best, and Detroit has been phenomenal at that. But the playoffs are what your best is. I would agree with you right now, with Tatum back looking the way he is, that Boston's the favorite, but I don't think that they're an overwhelming favorite. I don't. I think New York, Cleveland, Detroit, Miami starting to play well. Orlando is playing well now, and they don't have their best player. So, you know, injuries are going to be a big part of it. Maybe you give me the top four or five teams in the east and do the same in the West. Tell me who's going to be healthiest, that's who I'll pick.

[Stugats]

Did you just make Wagner better than Boncaro?

[Stan Van Gundy]

Yeah, I think he's their best player. If you're looking at both ends of the floor, I mean, it's close. And I will say Paulo Bancaro, since the All Star break, has been a different guy. I mean, he's been great. He's been much more aggressive. I didn't think up until the All Star break that he was playing great. I thought he was playing okay. I didn't think he was playing great. But since the All Star break, he's been phenomenal. They get those two guys in, Desmond Bain, they've rediscovered their defensive identity. I think they've got a shot. I mean, New York has stumbled in the two games in la, but their defensive identity is back. Look, I do. I think it's wide open. I would agree with you that Boston's a favorite, but I think it's wide open.

[Stugats]

Last night's game between OKC and Denver was really great. It was great from start to finish. Denver is down seven with a minute 12 left and tie the game even though Jokic missed a free throw. The math on that is hard. Dort again did a foul to Jokic, hit him in the face, and it was a flagrant. Shay Gilgeous Alexander tied Wilt Chamberlain's scoring streak by getting 20 points in 126 straight games. When I say that to you, Stan, what are your thoughts just on that. That Shay Gilgeous Alexander has tied Wilt Chamberlain's scoring streak of 20 points in a game and 126 straight games.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Yeah, no, like, that's. That's phenomenal. And we have their game Thursday night where he will more than likely break that record. I mean, if you tell me a guy scored in double figures 126 straight games, it's phenomenal. I mean, but 20 points in basically a season and a half straight worth of games. It's mind boggling. And anytime you're doing something in a scoring realm that surpasses Wilt Chamberlain, I mean, it's incredible what Shea Gilgis Alexander has done. I mean, not only has he been great, but that level of consistency is incredible.

[Tony]

This episode is sponsored by Better Help. March is one of those months where we talk about celebrating women. And it's very, very deserved. Because when you actually look around, a lot of women in our lives are carrying a ton. Work, family, relationships, expectations nobody notices or sees. I start thinking about the women around me. My wife, my mom, my sister, my friends, my co workers, people who somehow take care of everybody else while still trying to hold it together themselves. And it's a ton to carry. Therapy can be a place to put some of that weight down. It can help you figure out what's yours, what isn't, and how to set better boundaries so you're not running on empty all the time. BetterHelp works with fully licensed therapists in the US and they handle the matching process for you. You fill out a short questionnaire and if your therapist isn't the right fit, you can switch at any time. With more than 30,000 therapists and over 6 million people served, it's the world's largest online therapy platform with an average of 4.9 out of 5 session ratings. Your emotional well being matters. Find support and feel lighter in therapy. Sign up and get 10% [e-mail] DLB that's betterhelphelp.com DLB your little one grew three inches overnight.

[Depop Advertiser]

Adorable. Also expensive. Sell their pint sized pieces on Depop and list them in minutes with no selling fees because somewhere a dad refuses to pay full price for the clothes his kids will outgrow tomorrow and he's ready to buy your son's entire wardrobe right now. Consider your future growth. Bird budget secured. Start selling on Depop, where taste recognizes taste. Payment processing fees and boosting fees still apply. See website for details.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Don LeBatard, you know how these late season games are. We don't know. It's a big game for the Knicks. We have absolutely no idea how Boston will play. I don't know who they'll play. Who they won't play.

[Dan LeBatard]

Stugarts.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Okay, all right.

[Stugats]

That's fine. That's an excellent promotion. You know, I love that.

[Stan Van Gundy]

That's great.

[Stugats]

So that's it. That's perfect advertising for the game. The national game. That was a shitty sales job.

[Dan LeBatard]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the St. Gods.

[Stugats]

Windhorst has mentioned that empirically, numerically, the Lakers are good when it's Luca and Austin Reeves, but not when LeBron's on the court. What do you do with that?

[Stan Van Gundy]

First of all, I would say that they, they don't have enough of a sample size with all three of those guys healthy to really know what's going to work and not work. But I look, I looked at those numbers the other day. Yeah. And Luka and Reeves has been better than either one of those guys with LeBron. So I mean, it's true. I just don't know if it's meaningful in the sample size that we have. I still think the big problem with the Lakers is going to be whether or not they, you know, are able to defend at a high level. They're going to score.

[Stugats]

They're not going to be able to defend at a high level. What are you doing?

[Stan Van Gundy]

I don't think so either.

[Stugats]

No, they're not going to like, what

[Stan Van Gundy]

are you talking about? No, and I would agree with you, but it's the question. If they can, then they've got a chance. But I don't see how because your three best players, none of them are plus defenders like they use. I mean, LeBron used to be, I mean, he was as good a defender as there was in the league, but at 41 years old, he's not an above average defender anymore. And Luka and Reeves certainly aren't. It's going to be, it's going to be very, very tough for them in the west. Is just really difficult. The team, I think, in the west that, you know, can give San Antonio and Oklahoma City a run is Denver. They have not been healthy all year, as we know, and yet they're still hanging in there. And if they, when they get everybody back, you know, I didn't think it was a good sign last night though, because they were fully healthy last night and Oklahoma City was, you know, Aaron Gordon,

[Stugats]

Aaron Gordon was so good last night. Like he's important to them.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Well, he's very key to them. But, you know, I would have thought even though it was on the road last night, they should have been able to, to pull that one out with. With no Jalen Williams, no Shed Holmgren, no Isaiah Hartenstein. I mean, like that was their chance. No Alex Caruso and still Oklahoma City wins. I mean, that, that's what I'm saying. I mean, Oklahoma City, they have the best record in the league and these guys have missed A ridiculous amount of games.

[Stugats]

He's the lead game analyst for NBA on Prime. As I mentioned, Sixers at Detroit and Celtics at OKC on Thursday. On Friday, it's Cavs at Dallas and T Wolves at Golden State. On Saturday, it's Hornets at San Antonio. That's this week on NBC. NBA on Prime. I want to speed Stan up, though. I'm going to make his answers short. Tony's dying to get in here with a thousand questions, so we're going to speed you up. Let's give him some music here. You mentioned the LeBron was a great defender in his prime. The best defender in the league right now is blank. The Thompson twins, the both of them, they're just equal.

[Stan Van Gundy]

You know what? Yeah, I would have, homie now, early in the year. But watching Asar as the years gone on, I think he's his brother's equal at the defensive end. Amends a better offensive player.

[Stugats]

The best shooter in the league after Steph Curry is blank.

[Stan Van Gundy]

The best shooter in the league, period. Just shooter. Is Luke Kennard better than Steph? Well, just as a shooter, yeah. But Luke can't get his shot.

[Stugats]

Put it on the. Put it on the poll at LeBatard show. Is Stan Van Gundy crazy for saying that Luke Kennard is a better shooter than Steph Curry?

[Stan Van Gundy]

Okay, so you never let me explain myself. Luke can't get his own shot. Steph is by far the more dangerous shooter and player. But if we're just going to stand there and shoot the ball. Luke Kennard's the best shooter.

[Stugats]

The best front office in the sport is blank.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Well, you got. I mean, Oklahoma City, but San Antonio is pretty damn close.

[Caller or Guest]

Is Con Knipple the most fun name to say on a broadcast?

[Stan Van Gundy]

You know, we haven't had their games, but yes, it would be. And I would love to. Love to do that, though I will say this, okay. I had a college game, the only college game I did before. I do March Madness Tuesday night. And the point guard at. And this is his true name, the point guard at Xavier is. His last name is Right. His first name is all he is. All right? And now crazier than that, his brother. His brother who plays. I want to say it like Rio Grande Valley or something. His first name is always.

[Stugats]

Do you have a Hornets game? Can we get you to say some form. Can we get you to shout some form of genuflect before the nipple?

[Stan Van Gundy]

No, you're not going to get me to say that. But I do hope we get one of their games. We have Amazon prime has the play in games they're going to be in that we have all the play ins. So hopefully I'll get a Charlotte game because their turnaround has been incredible. I watched him early in the year and I thought, same old Charlotte. And now literally they're as good as anybody. I mean, we're talking about Boston and they're the favorite. Great, I agree. But Charlotte's been just as good over the last seven weeks. Charlotte has had the best offense in the league since the 22nd of January and the sixth best offensive defense. I mean, they've been phenomenal. And Con Cany has been a huge part of that. I think he's the rookie of the year just on availability and team.

[Stugats]

Why won't you say bow before the nipple? Why won't you say it?

[Stan Van Gundy]

You know, you guys like. I'm not going to say it. Yeah, you're not going to get me to say that.

[Tony]

Coach, obviously you mentioned Concanimple is your rookie of the year. This has been a super tight race between Cooper Flag and Con Canipple. Do you feel like Con Canopel, who's now the betting faster, will win?

[Stan Van Gundy]

Well, I do think he'll win. I think it's more on availability. He's played more games, he's on a better team. Cooper Flag's fabulous, but I think Con Knippel's a rookie of the year.

[Tony]

Everybody talks about Wemby and glowing praise and all that. Can you give me Wemby's flaw? His one flaw?

[Stan Van Gundy]

You can turn him over. He's, you know, at 7 foot 4, he's got a high dribble. You can attack him on the dribble and he can at times become a mistake player.

[Tony]

Kawhi Leonard having his best season after 14 years. Can you describe what he's doing?

[Stugats]

They're 26 and 11 in their last 37 games.

[Stan Van Gundy]

I mean, that's, that's the other great turnaround this year. They started 6 and 21 and Kawhi has had to absolutely carry that team offensively, I mean, and he's been up to the challenge. And the thing with Kawhi too is he's not only puts up big numbers, but he does it so efficiently and he does it with defenses loaded up to him.

[Stugats]

What do you think the penalty should be if all of this around Kawhi Leonard is true, the way that Pablo Torre finds out seems making keeps making it seem like it's all true.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Well, it, to me, it's not a matter just if it's true. It's a matter of who was doing it and what the motivation was. I mean, I do not think that Steve Ballmer was involved in this. I don't think either directly or indirectly. So I don't have any idea why. Because I just don't see. I don't see why. I mean, the guy's making all kinds of money. I mean, I don't see why. I really don't.

[Stugats]

It's tens of millions of dollars that are being hidden there. You think that escapes his attention?

[Stan Van Gundy]

I don't have any idea. In terms. I really don't. On the business side of things, I just, I don't have any idea what, what was go. What's going on with any of that or.

[Stugats]

You haven't heard any of Pablo Torre's episodes, have you? You just don't want.

[Stan Van Gundy]

I have heard. I have heard. I've read stuff. I have not heard any of them. But listen, I do think Pablo Torres, I mean, I think he's a good journalist. I think he does a good job. I'm not slighting him, but no, I haven't seen. Listen, it's the same thing. You know this. When you start talking to me about sports in basketball, about potential trades and salary cap and free agent signs, I'm interested in the games. I don't, I just don't get caught up in a lot of the other stuff.

[Caller or Guest]

Stan, the Hornets sent the Heat a second round pick yesterday from the Terry Rozier trade from two years ago. Should the Heat be upset about that

[Stan Van Gundy]

whole situation, about the Terry Rozier situation? Just, I mean, everybody's upset about all of this. That, that stuff is, you know, it's affected the league in a bad way. So if again, depending on what everybody knew and if they knew what was going on and sent the Heat Terry Rozier and didn't tell the Heat that, yeah, the Heat should be upset. The Heat should be more upset. Upset that Terry Rozier didn't play very well for him.

[Stugats]

Let's play some sound here of Steve Kerr and get Stan Van Gundy's reaction to this.

[Steve Kerr]

I know this will not be a popular opinion in the league office, but I will continue to. To say it because it's obvious we need to play fewer games. We need to take 10 games off the schedule. I think it would be great for the league and I get it, it's revenue and you'd have to get everybody to agree to take a little less money and that's a really hard thing to do. But what I know about the League about coaching, about how hard it is to play the modern game with the pace and the space. I think it would be a more competitive and healthier league if we played fewer games.

[Stugats]

Stan.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Well, look, I agree. I think that to me the best way, if we wanted just great quality of play, the best way to play the league would be a very balanced schedule. Everybody would play everybody twice. We'd play 58 games and we would take our best teams into the playoffs. But I do think something's missing from the argument. I don't think fewer games in and of itself is enough. I think the biggest problem with injuries is not the number of games. I think the biggest problem with injuries is that people have stopped practicing and the league wide way to do things has been to do less and less and less. I think the players are deconditioned and yes, the game is more demanding than ever. But it's nonsensical to me that as there are greater demands, we do less in preparation. No other sport would think of doing it that way. Ask the swimmers if as they meet more demands, they do less and less and less. Now you do more and more and more. I think we've deconditioned players. I don't think we practice enough. I think that's the problem. I think that there are people who, in the scientific world who are coming around to that. But listen, here's the thing. It's a CYA situation and no strength and conditioning coach, no coach is ever going to be, you know, chastised for doing too little. The guy got hurt and you haven't practiced enough. That's never going to happen. But if they think you're working guys too hard, playing guys too many minutes and they get hurt, then you have a problem. All I know is this. We're doing less and less and less in terms of practice. We've load managed, we've given guys games off and injuries continue to climb. Something isn't working. Okay, whether that's too many games, there can be a lot of answers, but something isn't working.

[Stugats]

That was a heroic effort by you keeping down that burp. Mike Ryan thought it was a yawn. I don't think it was a yawn. I think it's too many diet sodas in the morning.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Yes. Well, it's not too many because I'm on my first one, but yes.

[Stugats]

That sounded like the carbonation. I thought that was courageous.

[Stan Van Gundy]

It was the carbonation.

[Stugats]

You pushed it down and you fought through and I salute you. It's why you're the lead announcer for prime on all things basketball.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Predator Badlands now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney.

[Starbucks Advertiser]

Here, you're not the predator, you're the prey. Prey. Prey. Pray, pray, pray, pray, pray.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Critics are saying it's epic, stunning and breathtaking.

[Starbucks Advertiser]

Many have come here. None have survived.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Predator Badlands now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney Plus. Rated PG 13.

[Stugats]

Don Libertard, punctuate this segment with what is your strike three call?

[Unknown Guest]

Strike one would be strike, and then you stand up and you give a

[Stan Van Gundy]

good point to the right stugats.

[Unknown Guest]

That's same for strike two, but strike three, you get down low, you got your hands behind the catcher. All right, the right arm goes up into the air.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah.

[Unknown Guest]

And then you finish it with the punch. The right arm flings way up into the air.

[Stan Van Gundy]

I wish I could see that.

[Dan LeBatard]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the stugats.

[Caller or Guest]

Stan, why are they practicing last? When did that start?

[Stan Van Gundy]

Well, it was a gradual, individual thing over the years, and it just, you know, it became the idea that, you know, the game is more demanding, so these guys need more rest. It makes sense. It's just not working. I mean, and I think that. I think you can. I don't think practices need to have the contact all the time, but I do think these guys need to be getting up and down the court on a more regular basis. I look at a lot of these soft tissue injuries, and I'm saying, wait a minute now. We shouldn't have as many pulled muscles and things like that as we have. I mean, you're not going to get away from the knee injuries and things like that. We've already. We've always had those, you know, but with. With pulled hamstrings and groins and all of that, I don't know. To me, that's as much a conditioning issue as anything. There's not many people gonna agree with me on this because again, the Do Less is really attractive to players, to coaches, to everybody that just Do Less. Don't get criticized for it. Show up and play games is a popular way to go about it.

[Stugats]

Put it on the poll, please. Juju. And I should remind people Juju's got new music out today. His name has been changed from Juju Gotti to Juju. Got it. And you can find it wherever it is that you find your music. You can do so by looking for the song Blue Flame. Let's speed Tony and Stan up again here because Tony's got a lot for Stan. And I want to get to it, Stan.

[Tony]

Are we going to fall for the Minnesota Trap again where they look good at the end of the season, then getting to the playoffs, they kind of fall for, flatten, fizzle out?

[Stan Van Gundy]

No, we're not going to fall for that.

[Caller or Guest]

They always get us too.

[Stugats]

I'm like, I need to do it. No, not anymore. What else you got for him, Tony? We got to speed it up.

[Tony]

Are the Wizards heading in the right direction as a franchise?

[Stan Van Gundy]

No.

[Stugats]

Doesn't even need an explanation. San's gotten good at this game. San's gotten good at this game. What's your next question?

[Tony]

I would like to see if we could change the music for a second and do a stat of the day with Stan. Is that possible?

[Stugats]

No, it is not. No.

[Stan Van Gundy]

A third?

[Stugats]

No. For you, the Knicks. Are you believing that they are something that can actually be for real this year and get to the Eastern Conference finals?

[Stan Van Gundy]

Yes.

[Stugats]

Ooh. What are you believing in there? Their defense.

[Stan Van Gundy]

You believing that their defense has really started to step up and they are an elite offensive team, so yeah, I, I believe they've got a shot. I think they and, and Boston could be a terrific series.

[Stugats]

Last time that you were on with us, you said that. Yo, not Jokic. I'm sorry. Luka was the best offensive player you had ever seen. Are you sticking to that?

[Stan Van Gundy]

Yeah, I think so. I mean, it's he and Jokic and, and I said the other night, because we had all three of them in the same game in Denver, Jokic, LeBron and Doncic. The three certainly best all around offensive players can handle the ball, pass, shoot from range, post up, take the ball to the basket, pass off the dribble. I mean, those three guys are the only guys I can think of that can do everything required in the game at an elite level.

[Stugats]

True or false. Wemby is going to start hogging all the championships,

[Stan Van Gundy]

man. Certainly possible. I don't know that anybody in. I don't know that anybody can totally dominate. There's going to be some good teams, but God, that team is really good. And he's unbelievable.

[Stugats]

You don't seem to understand. You don't seem to understand. True or false? It's true or false.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Okay, well, I'll say false because I don't think anybody's gonna hog all the championships, but if anybody's going to, it would be him.

[Stugats]

There you go. Wait a minute. How did that get in here? Did Roy. Did Roy overrule me?

[Tony]

Commandeering the ship.

[Dan LeBatard]

Then I got over.

[Stugats]

How do I get overruled?

[Stan Van Gundy]

It's like a mutiny. You better watch.

[Dan LeBatard]

It is the start of the day Start of the day Start of the day. It is the start of the day.

[Tony]

The league leader in points per possession on ISOs is not who you think it is. Obviously we have incredible offensive prowess in the NBA. The number one person in the NBA on points per possession on ISOs is Peyton Pritchard at 1.3 points per possession on isoball. Stan, can you tell me how good of a season Peyton Pritchard is having if that's number one?

[Stan Van Gundy]

Well, I think what's been phenomenal, he's having a great season. But what's been unbelievable to me is this guy got his opportunity to start. They decided it would be best for him to go back to the bench and he's played better off the bench than he did as a starter. So he's not a guy who spent any time pouting. He's averaged more points off the bench, higher percentage field goal, higher 3 point percentage, higher free throw percentage, more assists. I mean, he's been better off the bench. I mean, incredible. I mean, that team in what they've done and that organization in terms of developing talent and understanding town, I should have thrown them in.

[Stugats]

I thought that's what you were going to answer. I thought that's what you were going to answer when I asked you. Best front office.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Antonio and Boston have been phenomenal, I think. But I think what all those three teams have done too is they have done a great job in talent evaluation, all three of them. And then their coaching staffs have all done an incredible job in developing players. If you're just talking Boston, look, Peyton Richard and Sam Houser. I remember, God, I don't know how many years back I watched them in a series against Miami and they tried to play those guys and they couldn't. I mean, Miami just abused both of them and Joe Missoula stuck with those guys and now they're two very important players. And then I watched Baylor Shireman as a rookie and I'm like, God, I don't know if this guy will ever be an NBA player. Now I watch him and you know, over the last eight games here, he's averaged over 10 points a game and shooting phenomenal percentages. Nemes Keita I think is better for them than Kristaps Porzingis was for what they need. They just keep finding and developing players. I think San Antonio and OKC have done the same thing. Yeah, that's three phenomenal organizations. And Brad Stevens. To me, for somebody to have the Success he had coaching and then the front office success he had. There's not too many people who have done that. Obviously, Pat Riley right there in Miami has had phenomenal success on both sides. But probably the next best behind Pat would be Brad Stevens.

[Stugats]

You're not going to believe this, Stan, but as we were leaving espn, there was a giant wrestling match for our intellectual property and we somehow were able to wrestle this away from espn.

[Dan LeBatard]

And now time for Stam Van Gondi's top NBA nugget on Tuesday. Show dingy.

[Stugats]

We're bringing back the Nuggets of Stan Van Gundy. Do you have some Nuggets for us?

[Stan Van Gundy]

You know what, here's the thing. I had Nuggets prepared and then we've. We've hit on. We've hit on most of them. I had my Charlotte Nugget because I didn't think people realized how good they were. I will go on with my. I will go this though, since we're talking MVP race a little bit. So we talked about SGA and his streak. 126 straight games. I'll give you a nugget on that. The second longest active streak. Kawhi Leonard, who we talked about, it's exactly 1/3 of SGA streak. He scored 20 plus in 42 straight games. That's the second active streak, by the way. Wilt Chamberlain also has the next longest streak. He had another streak of 92 straight games of. Of 20 over. So that's a very long nugget. And then my third one is on. Would be on Jokic. No one has ever at any point in their. In their career had a season where they let the league in rebounds per game and had a season where they led the league in assists per game. And Jokic is on track to do that in both categories this season.

[Stugats]

I think he's a better offensive player than Michael Jordan. People think that it's offensive to say that, but I.

[TGL Playoffs Announcer]

It is.

[Stugats]

Okay.

[Stan Van Gundy]

If you say anybody's better at anything in basketball than Michael Jordan, you are going to get a ton of pushback. I mean, it's just the Michael Jordan fans are out there, like, here's the one I got pushed back on. And I don't even see how you can get pushback on this. We could argue all day on who the best player is and everything else, but the thing you cannot argue to me is no one has had a career even close to LeBron James. No one's had a career close to him in the NBA. Now you want to say at their prime who's better? Everything else fine. Go ahead, argue. But you can't. I mean, this guy is going to put the scoring record out of reach, and that's not the best part of his game.

[Stugats]

Last two minutes here, and it's not enough time. The state of American politics at the moment. Go ahead, Stan. Have at it.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Listen, I mean, it's. It's almost unthinkable that we're where we are. I mean, it's just like, forget. Let's try to even put aside the ideology, okay? Which is hard for me to do. An ideology of hate and racism and prejudice that half the country has embraced. That's unthinkable to me. But even beyond that, even if you're on that side and you're a conservative through and through, like, can we hire people that have some experience and some qualifications? Can we hire some people with intelligence? Like, I don't think you could hire a less competent administration if your goal was to be as incompetent as possible.

[Stugats]

That's the dismount. Thank you, Stan. Always good seeing you. We miss you around here. Please make your way around here more often.

[Stan Van Gundy]

We love you. Love you guys, too. Keep having fun and I see all your. You know. You're getting ready for March Madness. So am I. I'll get my assignments on Sunday and find out where I'm going.

[Stugats]

That I love you had a question mark on it, didn't it? Like he said that in a way, that was, I love you, too.

[Stan Van Gundy]

I think it was a burp that

[Stugats]

he was trying to sequester. Again. Another burp. Okay, you're right. See you later, Stan. All right, guys, good seeing you.

[Caller or Guest]

Spectacular stuff.

[TGL Playoffs Announcer]

Shot clocks, big shots, upsets, aces. TGL playoffs are here. First, Atlanta Drive starts their repeat run against Los Angeles Golf Club. Then Rory's Boston Common golf and Tigers Jupiter Links face off in their playoff debuts. Who will advance Keep up its playoffs tune in Tuesday, March 17th at 6:30pm and 9:00pm only on ESPN. And the ESPN applied.