Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: Local Hour: All About The Bing, All About The Bong
Release Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz, along with their co-hosts Greg Cody, Chris Cody, Mike Ryan, Billy Gil, and Tony, dive deep into the highly anticipated NBA playoff series between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics. The discussion is vibrant, filled with passionate opinions, and infused with the show's signature humor and candid banter.

Knicks' Historic Playoff Run

[01:24] Chris Cody:
The conversation kicks off with Chris Cody addressing the absence of co-host Stugotz, attributing it to personal commitments that allow him the freedom to enjoy life outside the hustle of showbiz. He then shifts the focus to the Knicks' remarkable performance in the playoffs, highlighting their resurgence as a formidable team after 25 years of underperformance.

[02:10] Greg Cody:
Greg Cody expresses his astonishment at the Knicks' transformation, remarking, "The Knicks have been a laughingstock for 25 years, and they've got the champs on the brink with the smallest conqueror that there is in the sport." He praises Jalen Brunson's emergence as a superstar, noting his impact on the team's dynamics.

[03:28] Greg Cody:
Discussing the shift in his own allegiance, Greg shares, "I didn't recognize myself because it's the greatest compliment that I can give in the sport," highlighting how Brunson's performance has redefined his perception of the Knicks.

Jalen Brunson's Rise and Knicks Fans' Sentiment

[04:36] Chris Cody:
Chris delves deeper into Jalen Brunson's role, stating, "Jalen Brunson is a national phenomenon now. You cannot see how the game has changed." He contrasts Brunson's leadership with that of other stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, emphasizing Brunson as a reliable fourth-quarter performer.

[05:17] Tony:
Tony brings a humorous angle to the discussion, questioning the future of Knicks fans amidst the team's newfound success, saying, "Billy, Tony, Chris, I'm going to need some help because we are full on bandwagon, Knicks fans."

[06:47] Billy Gil:
Billy reinforces the genuine support for the Knicks, "I'm straight up rooting for the Knicks," countering any notions that their support is merely a fleeting bandwagon trend.

Celtics' Current Challenges and Jayson Tatum's Injury

[23:31] Mike Ryan:
The conversation takes a serious turn as Mike Ryan highlights a pivotal moment in the series: "the biggest story from last night is Jason Tatum might never be the same. He might be out for a full season." He discusses the potential long-term ramifications of Tatum's Achilles injury on the Celtics' championship aspirations.

[26:20] Mike Ryan:
Expanding on Tatum's injury, Mike states, "This injury is one that's feared throughout the sport," drawing parallels to Kevin Durant's career post-Injury and underscoring the severity of the situation.

[29:02] Greg Cody:
Greg expresses concern over Tatum's prognosis, saying, "I guarantee you when Tatum went down, he knew instantly what the injury was," emphasizing the immediate and devastating impact of an Achilles tear.

NBA Draft Lottery and Its Impact on Teams

[35:12] Billy Gil:
The hosts transition to discussing the NBA Draft Lottery, debating its fairness and impact on team futures. Greg Cody criticizes the system, "The whole lottery system is ridiculous. One point. 1.8% can win this grand prize."

[41:07] Tony:
Tony questions the integrity of the NBA's draft process, suggesting potential biases and rigging: "How great are these crowd shots? You see Starbury over there getting the close up spree?"

[42:13] Billy Gil:
Billy defends the lottery's randomness, comparing it to other national lotteries: "Well, when someone WINS the Powerball 500 million, do you say, this. This is not the right way to do it."

NBA System and Lottery Criticisms

[43:24] Billy Gil:
Billy and Greg delve into the mechanics of the lottery, discussing the odds and the implications of wealth on winning: "So, like, mega millions, $5, bad job by then."

[44:03] Greg Cody:
Greg questions the possibility of wealthy individuals dominating the lottery system: "I mean, what prevents Jeff Bezos from buying $10 million lottery tickets?"

[45:21] Dan Le Batard:
Dan reintroduces a lighter topic with a nod to Sleep Number, ensuring to keep the conversation balanced with promotional segments seamlessly integrated into the discussion.

Final Thoughts and Banter

[35:50] Dan Le Batard:
As the episode progresses, the hosts balance intense sports analysis with light-hearted banter, ensuring an engaging listen. The camaraderie between hosts is palpable as they navigate through heated debates and personal anecdotes.

[37:06] Stugatz:
Stugatz brings his own brand of humor, referencing past predictions and emphasizing the unpredictable nature of sports: "Were you talking about the Dallas Mavericks? The mavericks have the number one overall pick now."

[39:03] Greg Cody:
Greg concludes with a critical take on the NBA's lottery system, advocating for a more equitable method: "All of a sudden, the billionaires are winning the Powerball."

Notable Quotes

• Greg Cody [02:10]: "The Knicks have been a laughingstock for 25 years, and they've got the champs on the brink with the smallest conqueror that there is in the sport."
• Mike Ryan [23:31]: "The biggest story from last night is Jason Tatum might never be the same. He might be out for a full season."
• Greg Cody [26:20]: "This injury is one that's feared throughout the sport."
• Greg Cody [35:21]: "The whole lottery system is ridiculous. One point. 1.8% can win this grand prize."
• Tony [41:07]: "How great are these crowd shots? You see Starbury over there getting the close up spree?"

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a comprehensive and spirited examination of the Knicks' unexpected success, the dire situation facing the Celtics with Jayson Tatum's injury, and critical insights into the NBA's draft lottery system. Through a blend of serious analysis and engaging banter, the hosts provide listeners with a multifaceted view of the current NBA landscape, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth commentary and lively discussion.