The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: Postgame Show: Greg Cote's Top 1 Handles (feat. JuJu Gotti)
Release Date: July 1, 2025

1. Introduction to Player Trades and Movements

The episode kicks off with hosts Dan Le Batard and Chris Haynes diving into the latest NBA and WNBA player trades, setting the stage for a dynamic discussion about roster changes and their implications.

Damian Lillard initiates the conversation at [00:32], expressing frustration over being overlooked in discussions about Miles Turner, highlighting the interconnectedness of player narratives:

"Damian Damian Lillard wave. Now there's more action there." [00:44]

Chris Haynes responds by analyzing the potential motivations behind Damian's actions, suggesting that Damian might be trying to enhance his own image amidst ongoing drama in Portland. He further touches upon the ripple effects of trades on team dynamics and player morale:

"Giannis is not happy about Damian Lillard waved." [00:53]

2. Analyzing Recent Trades and Their Impact

The hosts dissect recent trades, particularly focusing on the movements of Dario Saric and Jonas Valančiūnas, exploring their new team affiliations and the strategic reasons behind these decisions.

Chris Haynes provides insight into the trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, emphasizing that Giannis wasn't directly anticipating Damian Lillard's move:

"It's not like Giannis was counting on Damian Lillard to be there." [00:53]

Damian Lillard humorously speculates about Valančiūnas' current whereabouts, adding a personal touch to the discussion:

"I saw him wandering around with that mustache on the bench of the Nuggets this off season and collecting money." [01:40]

3. Player Rankings and Fan Perceptions

The conversation shifts to player rankings, particularly discussing Caitlin Clark and her placement in the rankings by her peers. This segues into a broader discussion about player availability and its impact on performance metrics.

Mike (JuJu Gotti) highlights the importance of availability in player evaluations:

"Caitlin has missed seven games due to injury and as we all know your best ability is your availability." [02:12]

Damian Lillard underscores the complexity of player rankings by delving into transaction impacts:

"We were talking about transactions among the men. How about Vegas and Dallas?" [02:37]

4. Equality in Fan Sentiment: The Angel Reese Segment

A significant portion of the episode tackles the topic of equality in fan sentiments towards male and female athletes, sparked by the performance and public perception of Angel Reese.

Mike brings up a pertinent question regarding the ability to express dislike for athletes irrespective of gender:

"When am I allowed to dislike a WNBA player?" [04:05]

Chris Haynes agrees, advocating for equal treatment in fan opinions:

"That's true equality to be able to irrationally hate an athlete regardless of gender." [04:16]

The discussion intensifies as Damian Lillard shares a humorous yet pointed message about Angel Reese:

"Roz has just sent me a text that says, game sucks. That Angel Reese, Eastern Conference player of the..." [04:29]

This segment emphasizes the show's commitment to addressing gender equality in sports fandom.

5. Greg Cote's "Top 5 Handles" List

A highlight of the episode is the introduction of Greg Cote's Top 5 Handles list, where the hosts evaluate some of the greatest ball-handling skills in basketball history.

Damian Lillard sets the stage for the segment, inviting JuJu Gotti to share his thoughts:

"Top five handles. Earlier in the show, surely you had opinions on that list." [05:00]

Mike critiques the list with a blend of humor and analysis:

"Number five, Jamal Crawford. Wow." [05:43]

The discussion continues with a playful disagreement over rankings, highlighting the subjective nature of such lists:

"He was tier three. That's bullshit." [06:03] – Damian Lillard

Chris Haynes chimes in with enthusiasm, supporting the inclusion of legendary players:

"And number one, Skip to my Lou. Rafer Austin." [06:32]

The segment wraps up with light-hearted banter about the credibility and memorability of the list, underscoring the friendly competition among hosts.

6. Audience Interaction and Polls

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts engage with their audience through interactive polls, adding an element of listener participation to the show.

Damian Lillard introduces the polls, prompting JuJu Gotti to share the results:

"But let's update some polls first here for us, juju." [06:43]

One notable poll addresses the acceptability of expressing superiority over others respectfully:

"Is it okay for you to say that you've taken a bigger crap than someone if you say respectfully?" [07:28]
"69% of the audience says y." [07:30]

Chris Haynes humorously remarks on the low percentage, highlighting the challenges of assertive self-expression:

"We're gonna have both small, small brains. Gotta think bigger." [07:23]

7. Closing Remarks on Greg Cote's List

In the final moments, Damian Lillard and Chris Haynes bring the focus back to Greg Cote's influential list, blending critique with appreciation for its compilation.

Damian Lillard teases the unique nature of the top handle on the list:

"When a handle's a nickname and not handling a basketball is the leather loop strap on a 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air." [07:43]

Chris Haynes concludes with a nod to the show’s humor and camaraderie:

"Played hurt, delivered a bar." [08:16]

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz masterfully intertwines sports analysis, humor, and social commentary. From dissecting player trades and rankings to advocating for gender equality in sports fandom and celebrating iconic basketball moves, the hosts provide a comprehensive and engaging discourse. Notably, the inclusion of audience polls and interactive elements ensures that listeners feel a part of the conversation, making the show both informative and entertaining for new and existing fans alike.

Notable Quotes:

• "Caitlin has missed seven games due to injury and as we all know your best ability is your availability." — Mike [02:12]

• "That's true equality to be able to irrationally hate an athlete regardless of gender." — Chris Haynes [04:16]

• "When a handle's a nickname and not handling a basketball is the leather loop strap on a 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air." — Damian Lillard [07:43]