The Big Suey: Listening and Looking with Stan Van Gundy

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Big Suey: Listening and Looking with Stan Van Gundy

Release Date: May 29, 2025

Episode Title: The Big Suey: Listening and Looking with Stan Van Gundy

Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, Mike Ryan, Jon Weiner, Greg Cote, Amin Elhassan
Guest: Stan Van Gundy

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1. Introduction and Light Banter

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their signature playful banter. Jon Weiner introduces Stan Van Gundy, highlighting his recent shift to Amazon after a notable tenure with TNT covering the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks.

Notable Quote:
Jon Weiner (02:00): "Stan, it is nice to see you. You are looking thin. That color looks lovely on you."

2. Airplane Etiquette and Humor

A humorous segment unfolds where the hosts discuss the notorious issue of farting on airplanes. This light-hearted conversation serves as an icebreaker before delving into more serious sports analysis.

Notable Quote:
Jon Weiner (03:05): "There's something about farting on a flight that's wildly inconsiderate."

3. Stan Van Gundy's Transition to Amazon

The conversation shifts to Stan Van Gundy's move from TNT to Amazon. Stan explains his departure from the NBA broadcasting scene and expresses excitement about his new role.

Notable Quote:
Stan Van Gundy (07:09): "We're headed out of the NBA business at the end of this series. Amazon's willingness to give me another opportunity was lucky."

4. In-Depth NBA Playoff Analysis

The heart of the episode focuses on the current NBA playoff series between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. Stan provides expert analysis on team performances, defensive strategies, and player impacts.

Key Discussion Points:

• Jalen Brunson's Defensive Role: Jon Weiner questions why advanced metrics highlighting Brunson's defensive liabilities weren't emphasized earlier.
• Team Defensive Improvements: Stan acknowledges Indiana's improved defense and the offensive nature of the series.
• Importance of Decision-Making in Players: Discussion on how decision-making, rather than just athleticism, plays a crucial role in game outcomes.

Notable Quotes:
Stan Van Gundy (08:32): "Both teams are exploiting weaknesses on the other side, but it's an offensive series where defenses are struggling to contain."

Dan Le Batard (10:37): "Basketball is a game of decisions and the best players make the best decisions."

5. The Oklahoma City Thunder's Dominance

Stan and Dan delve into the prowess of the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC), emphasizing their exceptional point differential and depth as key factors for their championship prospects.

Key Discussion Points:

• Point Differential: OKC's average winning margin compared to historical teams.
• Team Depth and Versatility: How OKC's roster depth and coaching contribute to their success.
• Potential Challenges: Discussion on possible derailers like player health and contract issues.

Notable Quotes:
Jon Weiner (27:25): "OKC is winning by an average of 11 points per game—this is the highest since the Warriors of 2017."

Dan Le Batard (28:55): "I think they'll end up winning the championship. They're too deep, too good, too versatile, too well coached."

6. Coaching Strategies and Game Tempo

The hosts explore the impact of coaching strategies on game tempo, particularly focusing on Tyrese Halliburton's role in dictating the pace of play for OKC.

Key Discussion Points:

• Influence of Point Guards: How point guards like Halliburton set the game's tempo.
• Rick Carlisle's Evolution: Transition of coaching styles to accommodate dynamic playmaking.

Notable Quotes:
Dan Le Batard (31:25): "Point guards determine tempo. Tyrese Halliburton will push the ball, encouraging teammates to run and create scoring opportunities."

Stan Van Gundy (34:48): "Tyrese Halliburton is a creative passer who also scores at a high usage rate without turning the ball over."

7. Terry Bradshaw's Critique of Aaron Rodgers

In a shift from basketball to football, the conversation turns to Terry Bradshaw's comments criticizing Aaron Rodgers' potential impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The hosts and Stan discuss the implications of such high-profile critiques.

Key Discussion Points:

• Bradshaw's Perspective: His skepticism about Rodgers rejuvenating the Steelers.
• Impact on Public Perception: How Bradshaw's opinions influence fan sentiments and franchise decisions.

Notable Quotes:
Stan Van Gundy (38:26): "I don't believe the Aaron Rodgers experiment is going to be the best case for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's past his prime."

Jon Weiner (39:24): "Terry Bradshaw has been a voice for Pittsburgh for 50 years, so his criticism carries significant weight."

8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode winds down, the hosts reflect on the discussions and express their appreciation for Stan Van Gundy's insights. They hint at future guests and topics, maintaining their characteristic blend of humor and sports analysis.

Notable Quote:
Dan Le Batard (37:37): "It's been fantastic to have you on the show, Stan. Your pearls of wisdom are always appreciated, even if they're met with criticism."

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Conclusion

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, listeners are treated to a blend of humor and expert sports analysis. Stan Van Gundy's transition to Amazon serves as a backdrop for in-depth discussions on NBA playoff strategies, team dynamics, and the overarching impact of coaching decisions. The episode seamlessly transitions to football, showcasing the hosts' versatility in tackling diverse sports topics. Overall, the episode offers valuable insights for both avid sports enthusiasts and casual listeners.

Transcript

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[Dan Le Batard]

I found a kid who swings a golf club like a dream. I'd like to try to qualify him for the US Amateurs coming to Apple tv. What's your name? I'm not into older guys, but I'm flattered.

[Mike Ryan]

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[Jon Weiner]

Stick. I don't want to go on this trip.

[Dan Le Batard]

Your mouth's saying one thing, but those eyes are saying something else. From the home of Ted Lasso, you see your shot at redemption. This is your mulligan, Owen Wilson.

[Stan Van Gundy]

This game takes in it thinks the.

[Dan Le Batard]

Game'S finally giving me something back.

[Jon Weiner]

Stick.

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[Jon Weiner]

I'm missing a nap for this.

[Mike Ryan]

Streaming June 4th on Apple TV.

[Dan Le Batard]

Welcome to the Big Sui presented by DraftKings.

[Jon Weiner]

Why are you listening to this show?

[Dan Le Batard]

The podcast that seems very similar to the other Dan LeBatard podcast? I'm sorry. I'm not going to apologize for that. In fact, the only difference seems to be this imaging.

[Jon Weiner]

I have been tempted in restaurants just walking past tables to grab somebody's fries if they're just there. That hasn't happened to you guys.

[Dan Le Batard]

I've done it. And now here's the marching man to nowhere Fat face and the habitual liar.

[Jon Weiner]

Yes. Look at him.

[Amin Elhassan]

There he is.

[Jon Weiner]

Yes. Yes. He's already fiddling with his camera. We'll see if his audio works this time. He's an old man. Get your own gimmick, dude. He's an elder. He is now an elder. Officially. He has wisdoms about basketball to give us. Stan, it is nice to see you. You are looking thin. That color looks lovely on you. What is that? Is that a light green?

[Dan Le Batard]

It certainly seems to be, yes. Maybe a teal, Dan. Maybe a teal.

[Jon Weiner]

Okay. You've come in with the kind of energy I expected to meet the moment here during the playoffs. You. We are always happy to see you. Where are you joining us from? Are you. You're in. You're ready for New York, Indiana again?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yes. In New York City? Yep. Ready to go.

[Jon Weiner]

Doesn't sound like it stands.

[Mike Ryan]

And when Reggie floated that the Pacers should consider fouling there. When the spread was three, when there were 33 seconds left and the two for one was still on the table. Did your head explode?

[Dan Le Batard]

No. I mean, I think those are good things to think about. I think they're things that coaches talk about a lot. I mean, I know there was a situation earlier in the series where they were up 5, and it was a situation where I was thinking, you know, Joe Missoula's talked about these situations where he would foul in those situations and take the three off the board. So these are things coaches are thinking about all the time. May overthink them at times, but I think they're certainly interesting to talk about.

[Jon Weiner]

Stan, Isaiah Thomas, the younger one, not the older1, at 3:50am this morning, posted to his nearly 2 million followers. Man, when I'm on these flights, I be farting so much. Lol. Especially these overseas flights. It's all bad if you sit by me laughing. Emoji your thoughts.

[Dan Le Batard]

I had Isaiah for a brief time in New Orleans, and he is. He is a great guy. Loves the game and everything else. I have no specific thoughts on his farting.

[Jon Weiner]

No, I need. No, but I need some thoughts on the farter on the flight. Like, you can't be farting. Like, that's wildly inconsiderate. And you saying he's a great guy. He cannot be a great guy if that's what he does.

[Dan Le Batard]

Okay, that's a fair point, actually, because that is. That would be a tough thing if you're anywhere near him on that flight.

[Greg Cote]

This is ridiculous.

[Dan Le Batard]

Stan.

[Greg Cote]

A plane farter can be a good person.

[Jon Weiner]

That's not true. That's not true.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, I know Isaiah is a very good person.

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[Jon Weiner]

There you go again. No, you cannot.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay, let's take Isaiah out of this. What's your move? When you need to fart on a plane, do you just shove your ass as far into the cushion as possible to kind of stifle it? So much ambient noise, bury it inside the cushion. Do you get up and go to the restroom? Do you just like kind of try to put the silencer on it, let it out the side and let people try to figure out who did it?

[Stan Van Gundy]

Yeah, you just fake it. You just fake like you have no idea where the smell is coming from?

[Dan Le Batard]

I'm headed. I'm headed to the bathroom to fart. Come on, Stan.

[Mike Ryan]

That's insane.

[Stan Van Gundy]

That's a good guy.

[Jon Weiner]

Is that your final answer? You're. You're every.

[Dan Le Batard]

My final answer.

[Jon Weiner]

So you're. You're alleging here publicly.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't believe you.

[Jon Weiner]

Okay, yeah, well, let's see. Let's see. Hold on a second. Okay, you don't believe him. All right, let's do this to him then. I think.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Yo, chicken thigh.

[Amin Elhassan]

Too many people.

[Dan Le Batard]

As soon as the plane takes home, they're all lined up like idiots are trying to go to the bathroom. Like, oh. Oh, my God.

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Can't you hold yourself for a couple of seconds?

[Dan Le Batard]

I like him. Just.

[Stan Van Gundy]

I don't want to be recognized.

[Jon Weiner]

Just look at him, okay? Not this thin version of him. The one who's eating candy and beans all the time on these flights.

[Mike Ryan]

Orlando Magic Stan, your Orlando Magic Stan.

[Jon Weiner]

Is getting up and going to the bathroom every time. Are you alleging here publicly for the first time that you have never farted on an airplane outside?

[Dan Le Batard]

I am not saying that. I mean, sometimes, you know, you get one that's. But if I feel it coming on, I'm going to the bathroom.

[Mike Ryan]

All right? So the one that sneaks out, how do you react? Do you put your hand up? Went off me, coach.

[Amin Elhassan]

Oh, no way.

[Jon Weiner]

You just sit in it and which of the choices are you choosing? Are you choosing the side. You know, the side missile?

[Amin Elhassan]

The side missile?

[Dan Le Batard]

No, it just snuck out, so I'm not doing anything.

[Greg Cote]

Side missile's a wild move.

[Mike Ryan]

Have you ever been around?

[Greg Cote]

You can see that from, like, roads away.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah. Have you looked around, like, the lean.

[Greg Cote]

Like, your right hip kind of like.

[Mike Ryan]

Try to recognize faces like, oh, man, Turkoglu. Look back, he thinks it's me.

[Dan Le Batard]

If it were. If it were Turkaloo, he probably would have been the one anyway that everybody suspect.

[Greg Cote]

He looks like.

[Jon Weiner]

He looks like it. You know what? That's so true. Let's beat Turkalu. I'm all in all of sports history. Guy who looks like he'd fart on the plane. Turkaloo. Who can. Who can beat my hand on. I'm all in with. I got a pair of Turkaloos nobody can.

[Amin Elhassan]

Oh, wait, wait. I got one for you. Oliver Miller.

[Jon Weiner]

Wait a minute. Oliver Miller. That's just somebody who's a little heavy.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Yeah, that's Justin boy. Just a straight.

[Jon Weiner]

All right.

[Greg Cote]

Former Marlins first baseman.

[Jon Weiner]

No, I know. Thank you. I appreciate. I know you're speaking of. But now we're just doing sizable human beings, right?

[Greg Cote]

It's either that or Shaggy.

[Jon Weiner]

Right?

[Greg Cote]

That's what we're doing with Turkaloo.

[Jon Weiner]

All right, Stan, we've missed you here, and it's been a delight to hear you on the Pacers and Knicks But I was. I was taken aback the other day because it was reported that you were going to Amazon. I thought everything was going great where you were, and I just didn't even know any of that was happening because you're one of the best broadcasters in the game. So how. How or why is all of that happening? And congratulations on the new gig. Are these your last games?

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, they're TNP's last games. So, you know, we're. We're headed out of the NBA business at the end of this series. And so, you know, I had to find somewhere else to go. There's not very many things that I know anything about. And so if you're not doing NBA games, I'm not of a lot of value. So I had to. It was out of necessity. I had to find somewhere else to go. And I was very lucky that Amazon's willing to give me another opportunity.

[Jon Weiner]

Well, congratulations. And I wanted to ask you in that series about the following, because you love baseball and you love how it is in baseball. The advanced metrics make it so that we really can do a good job of measuring individuals now in team sports. So when I say to you, I did not have before this Indiana series as the analysis that Jalen Brunson is going to be the biggest liability that's going to be exposed and exploited in this series, because if him and Cat are on the court at the same time, Indiana is going to ravage them with math probabilities that expose Jalen Brunson as the worst defensive player remaining in the sport. Why wasn't that the inaccurate analysis before the series? And is that analysis more accurate now than it has been at any point during Indiana's run of the last two years?

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, I would say this. First of all, I think one of the things that. Because it's a 3:1 series that people are not. I'm not going to say they're missing, but overlooking a little bit is all of these big games have been close, so they're right down to the wire. The margins are small. And so these things do matter. Okay, they do matter. But going in, I think that we were talking about, you know, Indiana's improved defense over the course of the year, and certainly since January 1st, they were a top 10 defensive team. And, you know, we talked about. I think, because Tom Thibodeau is the coach there, everybody talks about the Knicks as if they're a good defensive team. And so I think what people didn't talk about enough is going back even to last year's series against each other. These two teams can't stop each other. Game three, second half was a little different. New York was able to play some defense, but other than that, nobody in this matchup can guard anybody. Both teams score at will. It's an offensive series. So. Yes. Are they exploiting Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns? Yeah, and New York is exploiting Miles Turner and whoever tries to guard Karl Anthony Townes, I mean, and whoever tries to guard Jalen Brunson, especially anyone other than Aaron Neesmith. So, yeah, both teams are exploiting weaknesses on the other side. But it's not like Indiana is dominating this series.

[Amin Elhassan]

Coach, I'm curious. Anthony Edwards after game four said he didn't struggle. He just made the plays that the defense made available to him. And so when you have your star player who is one of the immortals, one of the great guy, the great players in the league, how do you tell him the balance between making the right play under normal circumstances versus Buddy, we need a win. And sometimes you got to make the wrong play to make that happen.

[Dan Le Batard]

You know, listen, I think you always have to make the right play. What that is, what the right play is, may change from situation to situation. I don't think it's ever the right play for a guy to just say, hey, I got to get a shot up. I don't care if they send three defenders, I'm going to shoot a 22 foot fadeaway over three guys. I mean, that's not going to work percentage wise. I do think there are times where, you know, you can maybe force the issue a little bit more in certain situations because the rest of your teammates are struggling. It's always trying to make the right play, though. It's just that that changes from situation to situation. I thought, you know, last night he certainly was very, very aggressive. You know, I don't think that's just the answer either. Listen, basketball is a game of decisions and the best players make the best decisions. I've argued this for a long time. People think it's all about athleticism and skill. And while those things are important, if you look the guys who are the best and most efficient players, they make the best decisions. It's why I thought, you know, and I'm biased. I know I coached him at the beginning of his career. It's one of the things that made great, made Dwyane Wade as great as he was, is he got to the shots that he could make consistently and he got to those all the time and he stayed away from the Other things. He was a great decision maker and really, really good down the stretch in games. I've thought for a long time that he's the best closer that I've seen. You know, it's all about decisions. And I think if you go into a game and say, all right, tonight I've got to pass the ball, or tonight I've got to shoot the ball a lot. No, you have to react to situations on the floor. And I think that, you know, Tyrese Halliburton in our series did not think he was aggressive enough in game three. I agree with that. I think you have to be aggressive to try to score. But if that second defender comes, you've got to give the ball up.

[Jon Weiner]

I have to stop you right now. It's been a minute since he did the show with us. He's a little full of himself. He's big NBA voice and everything else. And so you can understand how Stan would come in here as a coach and talk at us, but Stan doesn't mind a little constructive criticism. So you've told me two or three times during what you just said to listen. Do you think I can't hear you? Do you think I'm old and you need to shout at me? Listen. Listen again. Or do you think it makes your point better to tell me to listen even though I'm listening? Listening. Do you say listen several times more than you need to? Because I can hear you fine. Except for last time you were on with us when I couldn't because your audio blew.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh, that was great. Absolutely great. So I will take the constructive criticism and try to take that out of what I am saying.

[Amin Elhassan]

There's gotta be a tone fine, right?

[Jon Weiner]

No, it's not a tone fine. It is, though. It is something that I need from you here, though, Stan, because I want to continue doing this with you because I've loved doing this with you over the years. The energy to meet the particular moment right now to tell me that just this is all over. OKC is going to win. Even talking about Stan series.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, listen, I've said all year. See, I used to listen again. I caught myself that time, though, because you brought it out to me. But I have said all year that Oklahoma City would win the championship. I just. They're the dominant team all year. I don't think you can just discount the regular season. This is 68 win team and they have an answer to every problem anyone poses. You want to go big, you want to go small, it doesn't matter. They have all the Answers on that bench. Mark Dagnal does a great job. They've got a true star. I just, there's no one out there as good as they are. I do think they'll win it all no matter who wins our series here. But that doesn't mean that who wins this series doesn't matter.

[Jon Weiner]

Drew Hollandaise, what derails okc? I'm not talking about this year, I'm talking about the next four years.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, two things, I think. Number one, health. I mean, you just, you can't guarantee. Okay, but.

[Jon Weiner]

Okay, but give me another one. Other than health. When I tell you that Jalen Williams is one of their, not one of their top 10 highest paid players, like I'm asking you what derails it.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's the, that's the second thing that comes up is, you know what's gonna happen with all these guys? Contracts. They're all gonna want max money. You can't pay them all. The last time that Oklahoma City went through this was back in Durant, Harden, Westbrook, Serge, Ibaka days, and they parted with James Harden. It's hard. You're not going to be able to, able to long term keep all of these guys together. And so you're going to have to make choices on who you have together and then who you use to supplement those core players with. It's not an easy thing. Amin would know more about this than most people. They haven't been in front offices and work. But this idea that we have this team and we're just going to keep them together for the next 10 years, that won't work financially. So a lot of hard decisions are going to have to be made. Are you going to max out, you know, Shay Gilges, Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren? Well, then you're not going to have around them for the long term the same group they have now. That's just not going to be possible.

[Amin Elhassan]

Stan, the finances aside, let's just assume Clay Bennett decides he's got plenty of money and he wants to. He'll spend whatever it takes to luxury tax. How hard is it as a coach to get guys to buy into the roles that they were in a year ago?

[Dan Le Batard]

Basically, well, you know, it's really, really difficult because look, it's still a business and these guys want to make money and you start to have some success and get recognition. We're all trying to advance and get better, which for basketball players means bigger roles on teams. And so guy who might be satisfied being your eighth man, let's say Case in Wallace.

[Jon Weiner]

Okay, can I, can I stand. Can I just stop you on this one, though? When you say hard decisions and everything, I don't think these decisions are hard when you consider the way the system is gamed for the Thunder, not just now, but in 25, they got two ones in a second. In 26, they got two ones in a 2nd. In 27, they've got two ones, 2 seconds. In 28, they've got 113 seconds. In 29, they've got 1 and 5 seconds. Like you're going to lose some of these players, but you've increased the probability of replacing them with cheaper, better ones because you've got all of these draft picks to protect against health, money and anything else.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, look, there's no question they're set up well, but what they've got right now is guys who are getting the job done. They're not going to be able to retain all those guys. I think we know that. So now you're assuming that all of those draft picks are going to be able to come in and contribute the way that their recent draft picks have contributed. There's no guarantee of that. Listen, as great a job as Sam Presti has done in the draft, and I'm not sure anyone's done a better job ever in the draft than Sam Presti. You're going to miss on some guys over time. That's just the way it goes. And when they do now you don't have the quality of bench, the quality of rotation that you have now. Are they set up well? Yes. Will they be derailed? I don't think so. I think they're set up very well for the next four, five, six years. But when you ask me what could derail them, that's what it is to me. Not being able to, you know, have the continuity in your roster.

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[Dan Le Batard]

Don Leo, 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. Stugats.

[Jon Weiner]

Okay, all right, that's fine. That's an excellent promotion. You know, I love that. That's great. That's it. That's perfect advertising for the game. The national game. That was a shitty sales job.

[Stan Van Gundy]

This is the D. Levatar show with the St.

[Jon Weiner]

Gods.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Paulo Ban.

[Dan Le Batard]

Is going to the Thunder. Or do we just pull that name out of that?

[Jon Weiner]

They're making. They're making jokes at my expense. They're taking basketball players. You know what? You want to delight Stan? Go ahead, please tell them. No, no, let's just.

[Mike Ryan]

We have a working doc.

[Jon Weiner]

Yeah, look, there's a working doc here. We're going to give them all to you, Stan. And as a fellow, you.

[Dan Le Batard]

You.

[Jon Weiner]

You used to be a fat person. You know that. This is the last place in America that people can attack someone in their insecurities publicly.

[Mike Ryan]

There's a lot more places now.

[Jon Weiner]

Well, yeah, the portal opened up, but this had been the safest space that no one objected to. You want to make fun of somebody, make fun of the old fat guy.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's.

[Jon Weiner]

That's an easy space. And now this is what they've been doing to me all show because he.

[Greg Cote]

Played basketball versus 17 year old.

[Jon Weiner]

I did play basketball recently against the 17 year old. And so they said, my game. They're going to give you an assortment of names here to choose from. You rank them. All right.

[Amin Elhassan]

We got Pele Larson. We got Carl Anthony Pounds. Kristaps Pork Zingus, Jay Chowder, Bradley Veal, Andre Drummond. Nemania.

[Dan Le Batard]

Be a Pizza.

[Mike Ryan]

That's my favorite. We forced that one.

[Amin Elhassan]

I like it, though.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Andre Drummond.

[Amin Elhassan]

Miles McFry's gravy dick.

[Dan Le Batard]

Let's see.

[Amin Elhassan]

Mitchell Slobinson.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Man.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh, gosh.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Jason Tatum. Tots.

[Amin Elhassan]

Oh, yep.

[Greg Cote]

Stan, what's your favorite?

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh, my gosh, those are all outstanding. And it's really amazing that we have a group of people that can get paid good money to do things like this all day. Good. I mean, there's a lot of things wrong with this country, but come on now, you can get paid for that.

[Greg Cote]

How about us?

[Dan Le Batard]

Pretty damn good.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah.

[Dan Le Batard]

All right.

[Amin Elhassan]

The seal of approval.

[Jon Weiner]

Orange Julius Randall Mason Plumpley.

[Stan Van Gundy]

That's a good one, too.

[Jon Weiner]

Thank you. I'm glad.

[Dan Le Batard]

That is a good one.

[Jon Weiner]

I'm glad you guys have enjoyed this. The. The Oklahoma City Thunder, though, Stan. This one. In the modern age, in a league filled with narrative storylines, you got to care about the people. The stars are the thing. They are going to be a champion. It would appear that while not unlikely, I thought this team was good enough last year to be a bigger challenge to everything that was happening in the sport than Dallas ended up being. And I was surprised they lost last year. This team is more set up than most. Even in a league that's random to do this for a while. Even understanding that none of these things are permanent because they are young and hungry and they do things the way the basketball purist in you loves. It's not. It's just about all efficiencies. Great at defense, don't turn the ball over, cause a lot of turnovers and you just can't beat their probabilities when they can beat you every single way.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, that's true. The thing to me that the great teams have an answer to everything. Now, what they didn't have an answer to, and I'm not just talking about last year, but if you go even last year in the regular season and early in the year this year, they hadn't found an answer to Luka Doncic, Dallas teams, but Dallas decided to take that off the table for them. So they have an answer to every question. I think that's really the issue when you get into the playoffs. Like, even if you're trying to construct a team and we could do it right here and there's no limitations, you know, what kind of team do you want to put out there against them where you say, well, here's their vulnerability. If only you could do this, they're going to have an answer to all of it. That roster has not only got a lot of talent, it's really been expertly put together to handle all the problems. I mean, I thought sort of the missing piece from last year was going out and getting Hartenstein. So now they can play big against you, they can play two bigs and they've got more depth. We saw it when Chet Holmgren was out early in the year. Then they're still big enough to play Jalen Williams as their third center, you know, would be a very good backup anywhere else. I just have a hard time identifying a weakness there.

[Stan Van Gundy]

Luka Donchis.

[Dan Le Batard]

Not bad. Not bad.

[Jon Weiner]

You're laughing at your own joke, Stan. The thing that I think is going to be hard to talk about and hard to overcome is OKC's point differential this playoffs. They are winning by an average of 11 points per game. It's the highest since the warriors of 2017 were doing it. Thirteen points a game, I believe that's the team I was saying was the best I'd ever seen. A point differential of 11. When you've lost a game by 42. Stan suggests that OKC is a great deal better than everyone they're playing against this season and has been for a while. Only injury derails them from taking down whoever comes out of your conference. There is no. There is no other thing there that derails it, correct?

[Dan Le Batard]

I don't think so. And to me, it would almost have. The injury would almost have to be to Shea Gilgis, Alexander. I think they could survive any other injury and win. Jalen Williams would obviously be a big loss. Shed Holmgren would be a big loss. But honestly, I think they would overcome either one of those losses. If Shai Gilgeous Alexander goes down, then they're going to get beaten. But other than that, I think they'll end up winning the championship. They're too deep, too good, too versatile, too well coached. Their habits are fantastic. I just don't see anything keeping them from winning the championship.

[Amin Elhassan]

Coach, I'm flying up to New York right after this to be there for game five. How do the Knicks avoid a funeral tonight?

[Dan Le Batard]

You know, here's the thing. I think everybody, it's probably a little overplayed. I mean, in terms of adjustments and schemes and rotations and especially as you get deeper in the series, a lot of it just comes down to number one, your best players have to play great. And number two, it's the basics. And for New York, that's been more than obvious in this series, the number one and by far the number one thing, take care of the ball. The turnovers are killing them. So their most important offensive key tonight is take care of the ball. Their most important defensive key tonight is take care of the ball. So Indiana's out, not out, in transition all the time. And then their transition defense has got to be a lot better. When you're. We played it on the air the other night. When you're in the middle of a game four in the Eastern Conference finals and your coach is having to implore you in the huddle to sprint back, Sprint, sprint, sprint. Something's going wrong. If somebody's got to tell you that's what you're saying in the huddle in game 47 on the second night of a back to back, you know, in the Eastern Conference finals, a coach has got to beg you to run back. That won't get the job done. So take care of the ball, get back on defense, and then They've got to figure out their pick and roll defense on Halliburton. There's such a contrast in the series. You watch Aaron Neesmith in particular get into Jalen Brunson. He's hard to screen because he's attached to Jalen Brunson. And then you watch MC Kel Bridges play Halliburton with an eight foot cushion. And Halliburton can go wherever he wants to go on the floor. I don't think the Knicks, and Mikel Bridges in particular have competed hard enough or physically enough against Tyrese Halliburton in the series. I think those are the things and then obviously stay on the glass. All the basics are what it comes.

[Amin Elhassan]

Down to on the other side. You've coached against Rick Carlisle for a long time. How surprised are you that Rick has kind of transformed himself from a kind of slow it down possession calling coach to giving the keys to Tyrese and having an up tempo offense.

[Jon Weiner]

Before you answer that though, because I the great old man rant and Stan, you really loved getting this off your chest and I appreciate that you did so on this forum of your coach having to tell you to run hard in the Eastern Conference finals, it offends you at your core in a way that I love. You still care this way as an acerbic, grizzled, old, just former tyrant that run, run, run harder. The games are important. Just an excellent rant by you, Stan. So congratulations on just being totally musty.

[Amin Elhassan]

You don't have to take that coach.

[Dan Le Batard]

No, but it's true. I mean, like, come on, it's, you know, it's the simplest thing in the game and you know this team's going to play very fast to a means point. Look, Rick Carlisle has certainly evolved. But I said this on the air the other night and it's something I believe for a long time. How much a team runs is really not going to be determined by the coach and your philosophy. It's going to be determined by who your point guard is. Tyrese Halliburton, you're going to run and the reason you're going to run is not only does he get the ball up the floor quickly, that's a natural thing for him. But he will throw the ball ahead to other people. So other people are going to want to run because they know they're going to get the ball and have a chance to score. When I was coming, it was Jason Kidd. When I was first in the league, Jason Kidd, it didn't matter what team he went to. That team was going to run. Didn't matter who his head coach was. That team was going to run because Jason Kidd was going to push the ball, and if you were open ahead of him, he was going to give you the ball. So guys ran hard. If you have a guard who's going to pound the ball and will not throw the ball ahead, guys are like, why am I going to run down the floor? I'm not getting the ball anyway. And so you're going to be a half court team. I think point guards determine tempo. I don't think there's a coach out there that doesn't want to run. I really don't. I think we all understand that our most efficient offense is going to be before the defense is set. But it's a matter of, do I have the person who can make that system work? Is he going to push the ball, will he throw it ahead, and will he take care of the ball and make good decisions? Well, we were talking the other night on the air, like, what was the most impressive thing about Halliburton's Game 4? To me, the most impressive thing was zero turnovers. And it's the thing that has impressed me the most about Halliburton throughout his career is this is a guy who takes care of the ball and not a guy who's just playing it safe to take care of the ball. This isn't a guy who walks it up the floor and just makes the pass from the point to the wing and doesn't. This guy's a creative passer who also scores the ball high usage rate, does not turn the ball over and makes quick decisions. He's not a ball dominant guy. Look, I mean, if you went around the league and just started asking players, I'm not sure there's a guy that any wing or big guy would rather play with in the league as a point guard than Tyrese Halliburton.

[Jon Weiner]

All right, Stan, I've got to stop you because you said, I mean, and it sounded like you were saying, I mean, but that's not even the offensive part after. Again, I just corrected you moments ago. I said, do you think I can't hear you because you said listen to me several times now. Now you offend me even more because you've asked me several times now. Look, look. Do you think I can't see you, Stan? Are you of the opinion that I need to look because I am looking elsewhere or that I can't see you?

[Dan Le Batard]

You know, Dan, the thing that's really nice about coming on your show is. Is to be able to come on and give you just, I mean, pearl after pearl of wisdom here, okay? And then still be criticized for it. It's really. It's really enjoyable.

[Jon Weiner]

This is one thing I wanted to ask you before you left here today. I want you as somebody who enjoys all of the analysis and you know a great deal about why and how things happen, but some things are out of your control. If the shot that Halliburton made that bounced over the shot clock and went in, I asked Halliburton to take that shot 10,000 times. How many of those 10,000 times would that shot go that high and go that way and then drop through without touching any part of the rim? Out of 10,000 tries, Lou, al dente.

[Dan Le Batard]

Once, twice, maybe.

[Jon Weiner]

I mean, zero. Zero is the answer.

[Dan Le Batard]

Zero may be the answer. You know, as soon as I saw it, everybody started talking about Kawhi shot. Of course, coming from where I come from, I was thinking about Alan Houston against the Knicks. The ball bouncing up and going in.

[Amin Elhassan]

I said, don, you know, it's just sometimes.

[Dan Le Batard]

What's that?

[Amin Elhassan]

Don Nelson, 1969 is what I said.

[Dan Le Batard]

I mean, you weren't around in 1969. All right, my man.

[Jon Weiner]

Like, oh, my man, my man, he hit you.

[Dan Le Batard]

You know, there's no way you were around in 69. I mean, I appreciate your knowledge of the history of the game, but you didn't see that shot.

[Stan Van Gundy]

You weren't there, hotshot.

[Amin Elhassan]

Hey, I'm an old soul. And video exists, Stan.

[Dan Le Batard]

Video does exist.

[Jon Weiner]

Put it on the poll, please. At Lebatard show, There's no way you were around in 69. My man. @ Lebatard show, yes or no, Stan, it is nice to see you. I do indeed see you. It is nice to hear you as well. Nice seeing your smiling face, sir. And it has been a pleasure to you. You guys are going out with a bang. Like, if these are the last games for tnt, TNT does it the best till the very end. Because all of this stuff has been wildly entertaining to watch.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, listen, Dan, I really appreciated looking at you today, so it was fantastic.

[Jon Weiner]

Good seeing you, Stan. I. I love you. You know that. We love you. Before we get to Tim Kirkjen, who is very popular around here because he's going to join us here. I did want to ask you guys what you thought of Terry Bradshaw. Terry Bradshaw, as Steeler a voice as there is for 50 years, saying it is a joke that the Steelers would be entertaining the possibility of Aaron Rodgers for a season that the. That Mike Tomlin, who wins every single season without Aaron Rodgers, would make a one year bet on Aaron Rodgers will be a better quarterback than the rest. What did you make of Terry Bradshaw, who's now over 80, if that means anything? Like I said, a voice for this town for half a century.

[Stan Van Gundy]

I don't think he's wrong. I don't think he's wrong at all. I mean, I can get the logic of, yes, he could go with one of his other quarterbacks, produce a winning season, as he's done throughout his entirety of his career as a head coach. But to get different results, you gotta do something different. It is not off to a good start. I am not a believer that Aaron Rodgers is going to be the antidote that takes the Pittsburgh Steelers to Super bowl contention. I think he's past his prime. I don't think he's that player. I also think the level of leader that you would need to be to come into this situation and have those results has also passed him. He has other interests that are off the field. And at that age, to be the very best, you have to be locked in on solely being the best football player because it takes more out of you at the age he is. Like I said, that being said for Mike Tomlin, you gotta do something crazy. Because right now the worst thing you could do is to do what you have continued to do for the past four or five years, or however long Ben Roethlisberger has been out of that building.

[Mike Ryan]

If criticizing Aaron Rodgers were cool, consider Terry Bradshaw, Miles Davis. He's been doing this for years. There's something going on there that is deeper than superficial value. He criticized his reaction to the draft drafting of love. He's called his footwork the worst among starting quarterbacks. He crushed him for the vaccination thing in 2021. Terry Bradshaw has made it very clear he does not like Aaron Rodgers.

[Jon Weiner]

Can I place in front of you, though, the idea of somebody who's a grandpa for a region somebody and Terry Bradshaw, who's been passed down to the most stable franchise in sports. They've had what three coaches like, what Pittsburgh means to that city. Terry Bradshaw is the lead V for 50 years on, I'm the reason this city cares about sports this way when that's the voice filing the criticism from his 80s. I'm asking you, what's the impact of calling this a joke when that's the voice?

[Stan Van Gundy]

I don't think that's. I don't think it's a huge impact. Yes, Terry Brasher has a huge voice in Pittsburgh, and we understand what he represents there in that city. But at the same time, there have been other times where Terry has made comments that depending on where the franchise or the the fan base is, it does roll off the back. And I think they're all in a situation now, like I said earlier, where something needs to be different. They're willing to take a crazy leap now. I don't, I do not believe the Aaron Rodgers experiment is going to be the best case for the Pittsburgh Steeler, but I understand the logic. Angel Reese's Pieces Isaiah Fartenstein.

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[Mike Ryan]

Howdy listeners. It's Mike Ryan. That temperature, it's starting to turn up a little bit. Maybe you're going out on the boat. Maybe you're having a pool day. Maybe you're just hanging out in your backyard, your patio, and you're grilling. Oh, you're prepping the meats. You're looking at the family. You're enjoying your time with the friends. And guess what's in your hand? A Miller Light. That's right. Miller Time is the best time, especially when the temperature starts ticking up a little bit. Because you have a beer that's brewed for people like you and me, people who love their beer and it cools your body down. I've been stocking the cooler with it for years, and for good reason. It's brewed for taste only. 96 calories and 3.2 grams of carbs. This year, Miller Lite turns 50. That's five decades of cookouts, laughs, and ice cold moments that never miss the original light beer. And it's still my Go to Miller Lite. Great taste. 96 calories go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you, or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. Cheers to 50 years of Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.