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Mike Ryan
Hey folks, it's Mike Ryan and if you're watching our show, you probably know and your boy has undergone a little bit of a body transformation. And I gotta tell you, Peloton has helped me on my fitness journey. It got the ball rolling for me because I watch my wife on the Peloton. She takes all these great classes. She has her favorite instructors. I listen to the music, I'm a big music guy. Gets me fired up. Makes me want to take part in this fitness phenomenon known as Peloton. Peloton offers a variety of challenging classes from four week strength building classes to running, cycling and everything in between. Peloton will help you achieve your goals and maybe you'll have some fun along the way. I know I have it's backed by thousands of members whose lives have been changed. Be part of that group, telling you I'm better for it. Have it in my office. Sometimes I can put on the baseball game. Sometimes I can put on a soccer match. Some other times I'm totally locked in on an emo playlist. Find your push, Find your power with peloton@1peloton.com.
Stugotz
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Dan LeBatard
Welcome to the Big Suey presented by DraftKings.
Jeremy
Why are you listening to this show.
Dan LeBatard
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.
Jeremy
I have been tempted in restaurants just walking past tables to grab somebody's fries that if they're just there, that hasn't happened to you guys.
Dan LeBatard
I've done it. And now here's the marching man to Nowhere Fat Face and the Habitual Liar.
Stugotz
This episode is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours.
Jeremy
So anyway, stugats in the ramble of social media shame that I was talking about, one of the points I meant to make as I staggered and stumbled and rambled about is just sort of about a lack of confidence, how social media can affect you if you are in a state that lacks confidence. And I don't think I've said to anyone around here more than I've actually said to Jessica when we're in breaks apologizing for something. I'm like, man, I just don't have my confidence where it needs to be today. And so something that happened in the first hour that perhaps nobody would have noticed but that I couldn't help but notice is that I was just sort of sloppy in a way that I was forgetting to get to Miami Heat talk in the local hour I normally have. And I don't know if it's Jeremy that did this to me, just his face, but I actually wanted in the local hour to talk about simply a playing game against Chicago that they will lose late after leading because they can't do anything late in games because they have a systemic problem of Barry Jackson did a very good deep dive on the data where they're really bad five feet from the rim. They don't get fouls and in late in games they got no chance because they don't have the kind of shot maker you need at the end of games. They're worst in the league at the end of games. And if you're worst in the league at the end of games, you've got no shot in that league and so you're not going to do anything. And so while I would like to think that they can beat Chicago and want to hope in in one more game of season, the metrics on this team are damning. And when you read the Terry Rozier stats, I imagine it has to make Mike Ryan a version of crazy to see everything that is happening with the Miami Heat and have Terry Rozier flame out in a that like Eric Reed is Just baffled. Eric Reed is watching the game. Eric Reed, Eric Reid. In the history of this market, there have been no voices. I would say not a one. Maybe fellow Ramirez, I don't even know. Not a one. That are associated with the team the way that guy is and associated the way that team would want him to behave as a broadcaster, which is professional. But you're going to be pretty fiercely protective of the Heat. You're going to be somebody who can somehow be a broadcast professional, who is credible. But everyone knows he's really rooting hard for the Heat. He can't. He can't even hide it.
Stugotz
I'm the third biggest homer in the market. Every regional broadcaster, right? I mean, they're. Every regional broadcaster is broadcasting for their team.
Jeremy
Okay, but go ahead, do your thing, Jeremy.
Stugotz
You want me? I will.
Jeremy
Even. Even he was confused and sort of angry at Terry Rozier.
Stugotz
Oh, my God. I've never heard Eric Reid talk about a player the way that has with Terry, which is just simply over and over again being like, man, nobody wants it more than Terry. He's trying so hard, and nothing is going in the hoop for him. I mean, it was those types of exasperated calls all year long. Just one. I. I think what he might have said in the last game was, I've never seen a good player have as bad of a season for the Heat as Terry Rosier. So still couching it with good player because he's been a good player. His whole care this season was miserable. I wonder what the Heat's metrics would be if you just simply remove Terry Rozier from them.
Dan LeBatard
But Dan is saying that this must drive Mike crazy. Mike feels vindicated. Mike's got his feet up on the table.
Jeremy
What I forgot. This is what I forgot, okay, that Mike is, as a sports fan, the single biggest fan there is on earth of being right. And he. He nailed this one.
Dan LeBatard
He learned that from us.
Jeremy
Not only did he nail this one, though, he nailed this one. And this is what I'm worried about. He's playing both sides on the Panthers and Marshawn, where he wants them to win the trophy, but if they don't, he's got the person to blame.
Stugotz
Yeah, that's Mike.
Jeremy
That. That. That he is. He is ready to pounce on the Panthers with the ego and arrogance of. I was right about Marshawn in a way that makes me think he's now rooting against the Panthers. I'm now looking at his face, and what I see is someone who might actually be rooting against the Panthers to Defend their title.
Dan LeBatard
What happens if they win, Mike? What do you do? You praise the.
Jeremy
Well, then he wins.
Dan LeBatard
That's.
Jeremy
It's the perfect position.
Dan LeBatard
So when it is, it's the.
Jeremy
He's. Wait a minute. He's figured something out formulaically in the talking about games of how it is to immediately seize on the new traded player so that you can have a scapegoat at the end of it. But I'm trying to figure out how he could have been more right about Rosier, the local broadcaster. Like, that's. That's for him spitting acid. I remember one time. I still laugh with Zaslo about this. I'll text it to every once in a while. There was a loose ball once, and Eric Reid was trying to frame it with the proper enthusiasm during a bad season and with a player that was mediocre. And so there was a pause in his professionalism for just a moment, an uncomfortable moment. Loose ball, Heat player falls down. Heat don't get the ball. And Eric Reid gets a little carried away, and he goes. And Samaki Walker is a contributor, which is like. It's just sort of like, I know you guys know what I know here, and I'm just gonna wrap it in some Heat gift wrapping.
Stugotz
Well, if you want to talk contributors, Dan, I mean, Kyle Anderson has been great the last 15 games.
Dan LeBatard
Can't believe Eric Reed did that to Slow Mo.
Jeremy
I mean, all right, I'm not gonna do. I'm not gonna do the Heat talk anymore unless Mike Ryan. Sure to gloat one time.
Mike Ryan
I'm totally checked out. I'll watch a game they'll lose, and hopefully they won't watch the game. No, I'm not gonna watch the game.
Stugotz
Right, of course. You haven't watched one, like, two and a half years.
Mike Ryan
The game's tomorrow.
Stugotz
Yeah, Wednesday night.
Mike Ryan
I got a thing.
Stugotz
You want some stats to try to convince you that the thing can happen? Because I compiled a bunch just to try to convince you that the thing could happen. I don't know if I believe it or not. They could do the run again.
Jeremy
No.
Stugotz
You want to hear it? You want to hear why I've compiled a whole bunch of them?
Jessica
Because, remember, everyone said no, but you kept going.
Stugotz
Well, Stugots eventually said yes because I badgered him.
Dan LeBatard
I think we'll get it over quickly if we just let them do it. Yeah, that's the faster route.
Mike Ryan
That's been my whole approach. Catch your shots up, Kate.
Stugotz
All right, let's do it. In the last 15 games, the Miami Heater fifth in net rating, only behind the Clippers, Thunder, Celtics and Wolves. And you know that when it comes to making a run like they did in 20, 22, 23, it's about shooting well from three. Remember in that season they shot just 35% from three. Ultimately ticked up to 45% in the playoffs. If you look at the Heat this season, they were shooting about 36% throughout the year. But over those last 13 games, 40% from three. Now that means they've gone nine and three over that stretch. Nine and three this season with this group post trade deadline shooting 40% from three. Dan, you have thoughts on this?
Jeremy
Jessica, I'm sorry, is one of the thoughts that I have. One of the things that I would like to do with you though, if we must insist on you giving all of the Heat homerism, is that I on the other side will just read some things from Barry Jackson's article that are less positive than that. Perfect for you, not for Jessica, not for anyone else listening to this.
Jessica
Can we do some sort of Chicago Miami wager? Like if Chicago wins, I get the week off work. If Miami wins, we don't have to hear about from Jeremy for the rest of the playoffs.
Stugotz
Well, that doesn't feel very fair.
Jeremy
Wow, those are some serious.
Stugotz
I'm okay at talking about the other.
Dan LeBatard
Teams rooting hard for the Heat.
Jessica
I mean, I think I might be too.
Jeremy
During the final five minutes of games, with a margin of five points or fewer, the NBA's definition of clutch, the heat was outscored by 61 points. Only Toronto and Utah were worse. Shot 39.9 from the field, fifth worse, and shot a dreadful 25.6% on threes. Only Orlando was worse. No wonder the heat was 18 and 24 in those games. One of the things that always happens in this sport, and this was interesting to hear Denver's owner Kroenke talk about this. On why he was about to fire Malone. He was about to fire everybody. And then Denver went on an eight game winning streak. During that eight game winning streak, they beat no winning teams except for Orlando. And so they decided not to fire them then masked by the schedule. Right. It's not. They didn't get any better.
Dan LeBatard
They can't fire someone after eight consecutive wins. I don't care who they come against.
Jeremy
That's what Cronky said. He said which is worse a few games before the end of the season in the middle of an eight game winning streak. Like put it on the poll at LeBatard show. Can you fire someone during an eight game winning streak.
Stugotz
Well, a lot of your stats there, Dan, actually lead right to mine because to me, it seems like the Heat were one of those teams that got severely unlucky toward the end of games this season. You know, you talk about a season where they're 3 and 11 in games decided by three points or fewer. That's not only the most losses in the league in games decided by three points or fewer, that's the most in team history. They have 17 losses by five points or fewer. So in all of these games. But sometime the bounce goes the wrong way. They had 14 of those losses in 2023. So if you're keeping track, you're looking at a team that lost a lot of close games is getting hot from three. There's the defensive side. Damn. But I imagine you might want to counter some.
Jeremy
All right, well, but just they were bad late in games and so they lost close games.
Stugotz
Those stats were just like. They've lost a lot of games by five.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah, but he's saying their luck's going to change. Okay, it has to.
Jeremy
But it's not change.
Stugotz
Eventually it changed in 23.
Jeremy
What. What. What I'm saying is that.
Dan LeBatard
That's not getting there.
Jeremy
It's not luck. It's what I'm saying. What I'm saying is this is what happens when you're.
Stugotz
This is what happens when your team's decimated by your superstar tanking games. Well, trying to get out of here.
Jeremy
So. So look here, look. This is it.
Mike Ryan
Please don't invoke his name.
Stugotz
I didn't.
Mike Ryan
I did it. I did it.
Jeremy
I'm not going to do it. It's just simply quantifiable. Getting free throws late is really valuable in this sport. In close games to slow the game down and just getting points at the line, Rozier shot 29.5% on threes, which was tied with Franz Wagner for second worst among 174 qualifiers. Is that it? Was it the Wagner that got you? Was it just Franz?
Stugotz
The percentage?
Dan LeBatard
No, but when I love the Bogner.
Jeremy
Yeah, well, no, that helped too well. But I was so tempted to pronounce it Wagner. But Wagner puts an extra little flair on. Holy shit, Terry, you were bad. Because this is a comically funny name for a bad basketball player. Franz Wagner.
Dan LeBatard
It's a great name for a movie villain. I mean, it is.
Mike Ryan
He's solid, especially when directly compared to Terry Rozier.
Jeremy
Put it on the poll. Does Franz Wagner sound like a movie villain?
Dan LeBatard
He does.
Jeremy
Ahead of only spurs rookie defensive wizard Stefan Castle and then here he goes in on as Heat TV announcer Eric Reed said Sunday, it's difficult to think of a good player who had the sudden in his prime regression to the extent Rozier did. And then this is the killer. Rozier has one season left on his deal at $26.7 million.
Stugotz
Nothing better than a big expiring contract. Dano puts you in a good position to move it this offseason potentially. And the good news for the Heat going playing Terry Rosier will not likely see the floor unless there are several injuries that happen in the next 24 hours because he is out of the rotation. And I told you they're shooting 40% from three over their last 13 games. They're not playing well in these close games, but you know what it takes to win in the playoffs. Dan, what do they say? What do they always say? Defense wins championships, right? Stu Gots Defense wins championships well in their last 15 games. The Heater 4th in the NBA in defensive rating Nobody in the NBA this season in clutch moments. So you talk about the Heat struggling on offense. No one in the NBA has more steals in clutch time than Bam Adebayo. He's the best one on one defender in the league. Of the 94 players who have defended at least 100 isolations this season, Adebayo ranks number two in the league in with 0.69 points per game to ball handlers and since becoming a starter, he's the very best in isolation defense. They also have one of the best pick and roll defenders in the league on their team. And Davion Mitchell. Of the 116 players who have defended at least 500 pick and rolls on the ball this season he ranks number three allowing 0.88 points per game. And if you combine Davion Mitchell and Khalel where defending the pick and roll, for instance, they've allowed just 0.68 points per game in the pick and roll, something that the Cleveland Cavaliers do quite often with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland at the top of the key alongside Evan Mobley. So if you're looking for something that could be a recipe for upsets season, it's a team that can get hot from three, it's a team that can play defense, it's a team that can defend you one on one and as a team they have the fourth best net rating in the last 15 games. They've lost a lot of close games. That luck can change Dan just like in 2023, the possibility is there for one of those runs for the Miami Heat.
Dan LeBatard
Chris Cody yawned three times during that.
Stugotz
That's on me, though.
Jessica
Mike was taking notes, though.
Mike Ryan
I made a cool S. It's an.
Stugotz
S. Dan, you okay? Seems like might have taken something out of you.
Jessica
I always wanted to know how to make more of those because I have a lot of S's in my name. And so when I would doodle the S's, I'd be like, well, what about the J and the E?
Mike Ryan
I can make more.
Jessica
How do you make a J like that? How much more?
Mike Ryan
You get to talk.
Stugotz
That's it. I just gave you everything. I mean, you should be convinced by now, right?
Mike Ryan
Right.
Stugotz
I know you didn't listen anything, just like you didn't watch the games. And that's okay. They're bad, but maybe they won't be.
Mike Ryan
I took offense to calling Terry Rozier a good player. Like, when the whole point is hard to think of a good player that. That has this kind of regression during their prime. Yeah, I solved your riddle. My guys, he's not a good player.
Jeremy
Nobody likes the guy who does. My guys there. And Jeremy, we all had. I. I believe you're still muffling a yawn. Chris, Cody.
Stugotz
Chris, Like I said, this is on me, though.
Dan LeBatard
I had a late night. Is it?
Jeremy
What?
Stugotz
It was boring.
Jeremy
What. What Jeremy is doing right now. Great night for women. What Jeremy is doing right now is both reading and math, which I believe our audience is allergic to listening to that into microphones. But he is also doing reading and math at a rate that is way too fast, way too energetic, way too happy.
Stugotz
Oh, I can slow it down if you'd like. You want me to talk again about Khalil Ware and Davion Mitchell averaging 0.68 points per possession on the pick and roll defense or.
Jeremy
No, no, no. I would like you to be quiet for a second because all of us. I'm gonna say that it feels like the show has been tasered. Okay? And so I just need everyone to settle down, and I need to gather myself in a segment. I started this segment by telling you I'm leaking confidence. Like, hold on, Jeremy. Don't. Don't raise your hand to talk again.
Stugotz
I was going to defend you in the pace.
Jeremy
Please don't. Jeremy, just let me help you here, okay? Just slightly. I want to. I want to help you with me, with the audience, with. With everybody. Okay? You have to understand something that's happened around here because we're headed into the hockey playoffs, and this show's about to get obnoxious again, and we're going to alienate audience. Don't love leaking confidence and alienating audience. Don't love. Don't love that.
Dan LeBatard
Not how this show was built.
Jeremy
Correct.
Mike Ryan
So let's We've had a good run alienating this.
Jeremy
Okay, listen. Yes, we have had a good run.
Dan LeBatard
But we've done it with confidence.
Jeremy
Yes. So 20 years in to this thing and again, I want to apologize to Jessica just in general. Jessica, I'm apologizing to you for Heat talk again that you're in the middle of. Talk about the Heat again. When there are a million things about the playoffs that are interesting. The Heat are not one of them. And so to be leaking confidence to start talking the Miami Heat simply because it's the wheelhouse. It's been the wheelhouse for 20 years. We miss it so much. It's why Mike is so angry. It's why when I read math and tell you among more than 75 NBA point guards, only eight shot worse within five feet of the basket than Terry Rozier, who shot 55.2%, which is what makes Mike crazy.
Mike Ryan
Being right makes me great, man. I'm buzzing right now.
Dan LeBatard
Mike feels great.
Mike Ryan
Dude. This dude was so bad from the jump.
Dan LeBatard
He was right on Terry. He hasn't out of the Panthers don't advance in the playoffs. Mike is in a great spot right.
Jeremy
Now as the playoffs begin.
Jessica
He seems like it.
Roy
The Dan LeBatard show with Stu Gotts is sponsored by BetterHelp. Life gets busy. Boy do I know that. And your mind carries it all. But just like your body needs care, so does your mental health. Therapy is an investment in clarity, in peace, in you. Let's talk numbers really quick. Traditional in person therapy can cost anywhere from 100 to 250 bucks per session, which adds up fast. With BetterHelp online therapy, you can save an average of up to 50% per session. With BetterHelp, you pay a flat fee for weekly sessions, saving you big on cost and time. Therapy should feel accessible, not like a luxury. With online therapy, you get quality care at a price that makes sense and can help you with anything from anxiety to everyday stress. Your mental health is worth it, and now it's within reach. With over 30,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. And it's super convenient. You can join a session with the click of a button button, helping you fit therapy into your busy life, plus switch therapists at any time. Your well being is worth it. Visit betterhelp.com DLB today to get 10 off your first month. That's better. Help H-E-L-P.com DLB hey, it's Roy and.
Lucy
At the ripe old age of 40 I'm gearing up to learn how to play hockey. I emphasize ripe old age of 40 because I'm not as young as I used to be. I'm tired all the time. I haven't been working out as much so I'm going to need to build muscle and have the energy to accomplish this goal. What's going to help is this drink that I've been enjoying lately called Huel. It tastes great and has been helping me while exercising. You'll enjoy it too. New customers visit huel.comdantoday and use my code DAN to get 15% off your first order plus a free gift. The Huwho Black Edition Ready to Drink is high in protein with 35 grams. It's low in sugar and it has 27 vitamins and minerals to help build the rest of your body. It's better and cheaper than any cup of coffee. Don't feel like cooking? Grab a bottle of Huel. It tastes great so you'll definitely love it. Be a new customer today and visit huel.com dan use code dan and you'll get 15% off your first order plus a free gift.
Stugotz
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Jeremy
Don LeBatard.
Chris Cody
He seems like a not nice guy, and he's always been a not nice guy. I don't care for him, and I hope he has the day he deserves.
Jeremy
Oh, wow. Stugats. I hope he has the day he deserves.
Chris Cody
That's how I get people when they're really mean to me. I'm not like, go f yourself. I'm like, I hope you have the day you deserve.
Jeremy
It's a great kind. It's a great kind. Insult. Yes.
Jessica
It's beautiful.
Jeremy
It's leaving it to the cosmos to sort it out.
Jessica
That's a less Southern.
Chris Cody
Bless your heart.
Lucy
This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugach.
Jessica
I have an idea, though. Dan, there's another woman here that you can apologize to for too much Miami Hurricanes talk. And it's Lucy.
Jeremy
Ah, it's a big day for women. It's a look. She's wearing hurricane colors.
Jessica
She's wearing hurricane colors because Katy Perry went to space.
Dan LeBatard
Lucy.
Chris Cody
Oh, she did?
Jessica
What did you think about that? We hated it.
Chris Cody
Well, I saw a great joke that, like, she started singing. That's why they came back so fast. Thanks for laughing. I didn't come up with that. I want to give credit to whoever said it, but I.
Jeremy
Well, you're not giving the credit.
Chris Cody
I can't remember who said it, but I'm not saying that I said it.
Jeremy
Why did you say what? Why? Why did you say why was it a great day for women? You had the WNBA draft. Hockey's not playing games.
Chris Cody
I thought you meant today.
Jeremy
Not both. All of it. Well, we're here talk. We're celebrating women. That's how Jessica decided to introduce you. What?
Chris Cody
Yeah, I'm a little lost.
Jessica
On behalf of Mike Ryan, he would like to apologize for being so annoying about the Miami Hurricanes for the last forever. And also, Dan wants to apologize for being annoying about the Miami Heat. Do you accept?
Chris Cody
No.
Jeremy
Okay.
Chris Cody
Well, now, I think it's a good first step.
Dan LeBatard
Wow.
Jeremy
Okay. Well, what else needs to be done? Because I.
Chris Cody
Did you get us gifts?
Jeremy
I feel. Well, here's the thing. I feel like phrases. I feel like shameless.
Jessica
Dan.
Jeremy
You guys. Yeah. I thought you were Sue Gods. I thought that you guys were going to speak for the audience here, that Jessica and Lucy would look at me and Mike and Parakeet, Cortez and Jeremy and all of these Heat homers around here. And hurricane homers and that the two of you would enjoy mocking us because we're not in a great place.
Chris Cody
Well, yeah, but we do that all the time. But then you just keep yapping anyways. It doesn't even serve a purpose.
Dan LeBatard
That's right.
Chris Cody
It was like a year of me mocking you. I had to move because it wasn't working.
Jessica
Is it better now that you're in New York?
Chris Cody
Oh, yeah. No one talks about Miami at all. Let it take some notes.
Jessica
I'm taking notes back here.
Jeremy
All right. Can we. Can we make the Giant bet? Can we make the Giant bet? What are the stakes on the Giant bet here? Jessica, If Chicago and Miami play in Wednesday's play in game, you can move to New York, too.
Jessica
Sure.
Jeremy
And what do I.
Jessica
But if Miami wins, I can't.
Dan LeBatard
Huh?
Jessica
I like to keep my options open.
Dan LeBatard
Wait, so if Miami. When'd you have to stay?
Jessica
Okay.
Dan LeBatard
Right. You sure?
Jessica
I don't know. Jeremy's. I wasn't listening to him, but it sounds like he thinks they're gonna win. But he always thinks they're gonna win, right?
Stugotz
I don't know if they'll win the one game. Oh, all right. I got taste.
Jeremy
It is okay, Jeremy, just stay in the corner for a second. Let me get to Lucy here. She was at the WNBA draft last night, and there are a number of different things that I want to talk to her about, but it was a glamorous night. And having the sports night to yourself, really, where it's just baseball and stuff, like, it was a real celebration of the sport. That was cool to watch.
Chris Cody
No? Yeah, it's. It's cool to see the way this event has kind of progressed through the years. And I think specifically what I love the most is, like, objectively, I'm just going to say it. Drafts are, like, maybe not the most interesting thing in the world. You're just, like, saying a name. But to see the way that, like, the WNBA does such a good job of, like, combining the culture and the fashion and really just making this a celebration of the sport is super fun. And my personal favorite thing was to see the fashion of the night because, like, just, you know, 10, 15 years ago, the dress code was business casual. So everyone looks like they were taking a LinkedIn headshot when they were getting drafted. And now it's some of the most beautiful fashion you've ever seen. Like, Kiki looks like a goddess. She was ethereal. Walking through the place. Paged an outfit change halfway through. Looked phenomenal. Georgia Amore was styled by Russell Westbrook like the whole thing was just so phenomen phenomenal to see and it is such a benchmark of just how far this league in this event has come.
Jeremy
Well, can we talk about that part though? Because the NBA got popular, at least in here somewhere they were good. The NBA was at creating image. Like the sneaker business is fashion. The whole thing is built on how do we present. Russell Westbrook is a, you know, fashion icon, even though many people will laugh at the way he often dresses. So that the idea that they can be trendsetters on fashion too and culture is where it is. You see that the sport arrives because everyone is talking about oh, what an amazing party they threw and everyone looks fantastic and you can watch it and just enjoy a celebration. But many people are also doing what I'm not capable of doing, which is breaking down that draft and what the surprises were like, what were the things that were dramatic speak to that. I don't know enough about the league.
Chris Cody
I well, one through four was expected. That played out pretty much exactly how everything was sort of like mocked out to be. Things kind of weird with the Valkyries pick with the girl. I think I can't remember exactly from Lithuania. Tahina Powpow dropped. Cheyenne Sellers dropped. Like you were seeing people really move in directions that I wasn't expecting it. I wanted to highlight that I think the Mystics had a great draft. I was really, really impressed with what the Mystics did. Obviously you have what, four, five, six. So you're in a pretty good spot with Sonia Citron. Kiki Georgia Amore was just a like collective real bunch of like that that franchise really needs a spark of life and I think they got it. And I think something that actually goes back to your point earlier just about kind of the culture and what makes it so cool is that it's interesting to see the way that TikTok is really factored into this because this morning I was scrolling and like so much of my feed was direct player to media content of getting ready for the draft. Here's how I put my outfit together. Here's what the experience is like and I think that's really opened up the doors for the culture to become just like such a phenomenon within the wnba. And it was really cool to see how everything came together.
Jessica
Lucy, I have a question for you because on TV it seems like the audience this year's in Hudson Yards was like way bigger than last year where it was in Brooklyn and like a Brooklyn Music Hall. I think something camera the venue is called but It's a lot smaller. This year is a lot bigger. And you have, like, Ryan Ruko and Lobo and Andrea Carter on the desk and they're talking. And they did the same thing last year, too, but last year seemed like it was a little bit more smaller, intimate. This is like a big venue and there's people at round tables and, like, lots of people in the audience. But on tv, it seemed like everyone in the audience was just silent while they were doing, like, the draft analysis. And it seemed like if I were there, it would be a little awkward. Did it seem awkward at all?
Chris Cody
Well, bad news. They wouldn't let us into the actual draft, so we watched the whole thing on a TV at the.
Jeremy
You're not supposed to give that up, Lucy. You're supposed to do that privately. That's not ethical journalism.
Chris Cody
But it wasn't our fault.
Jeremy
You wait. You wait a minute. You are. That is not ethical journalism competence.
Chris Cody
No, it wasn't our fault. We didn't do it wrong. It just like. We just didn't get the, like, credential. I mean, it makes sense for a lot of people. So I don't even know.
Jessica
Well, it seemed awkward and the fashion was great. And Lucy's defense, like, the people that are sitting at the roundtables are like the players, their parents, Geno Auriemma, Don Staley. Like, it's all coaches. Like, it's. It's very, very, you know, front facing WNBA and like, college basketball people. And Lucy, I imagine, will be there soon, but maybe not this year.
Chris Cody
Yeah, I didn't get the cut this year. And last year, I don't even think I really got the cut. Like, last year was just a little more lax. But what, remember from last year was like the. The energy is like a little lower. It's not like the NFL draft where the NFL draft is so fan focused and it's so heavy on drinking. Like, it's a. It's kind of a big party where this is definitely way more of a formal event. The energy you really get is when teammates get drafted. And so when everyone brings in their teammates and you're just like, rooting on for your friends, like, that's awesome. Like, Caitlin Chen was sort of the moment of the night of just, like, excited. The vibes are so high. But it's. Yeah, it's, you know, like, objectively, drafts are like, just kind of weird. You know, there's like calling names. It's a weird process. But everybody looked fabulous. It looked fun from the outside. Love to be in one Day. Love to see it in person.
Jeremy
I want some expertise from you on college football as well. Have you checked out the Atlantics or. No, I'm sorry. The athletics 44 page open document request on Belichick and his girlfriend. Have you checked that story out?
Chris Cody
Out? No, I haven't, but I will. I love her.
Jeremy
What do you love about her?
Chris Cody
That she's a hustler? That she is just like women in sports. I love it. Like, she just. I don't know, she's fascinating to me. She's just, like, showed up and taken this whole thing by storm and, like, is it probably going to be a disaster? Absolutely. But it's kind of one of those things. I'm like, I need her to get a reality TV deal. The Real Housewives of Chapel Hill, please.
Jeremy
That's a great idea.
Dan LeBatard
Chapel Bill.
Jeremy
Chapel Bill. They trademarked that. How have you not seen this story? You're not going behind a paywall. I would think that this would be exactly your kind of story. They're not.
Chris Cody
When did it get published?
Jeremy
Today.
Chris Cody
Okay, well, I was kind of busy doing this.
Jeremy
It's okay.
Mike Ryan
So were we.
Dan LeBatard
He's not blaming.
Chris Cody
And I was at the W draft last night.
Dan LeBatard
Well, you were on outside looking in.
Jessica
But, yeah, it got published two hours ago, so maybe there's a little bit of a grace period.
Jeremy
Okay.
Chris Cody
Yeah. Two hours. That's crazy.
Jeremy
It's just the big story of the day, that's all. I just thought.
Chris Cody
Oh, yeah.
Stugotz
Well, actually, Dan, you probably shouldn't talk about it. It's kind of a spoiler.
Jeremy
I mean, you. You got. That is an excellent tool. Can I have it? Can you take it for a walk?
Dan LeBatard
Dan?
Jeremy
Can. Can. Can you give me that? I'm afraid that I'm going to use.
Mike Ryan
Give you what version?
Jeremy
I'm gonna. I think I'm just gonna hit Jeremy with it all the time. And it's.
Mike Ryan
Don't give Dan this.
Jeremy
It's gonna be abusive.
Dan LeBatard
Chris is doing fine with it.
Mike Ryan
Pays him plenty with your tone when it's okay.
Jeremy
Did you have any thoughts? Maybe you didn't catch this either. J.D. vance dropping the trophy yesterday. Maybe you missed this because you were very busy with the WNBA draft and talking. I was talking to sponsors and schmoozing.
Chris Cody
No, I did see that because that was just like. Like that popped up on the TikTok, right? For sure.
Dan LeBatard
That's not.
Mike Ryan
44 pages.
Dan LeBatard
Yes.
Chris Cody
Yeah.
Jeremy
No.
Chris Cody
Thank God. 44 pages. Oh, my God. I can't. I'm already reading another book.
Jeremy
You're not going to Read the article, are you? Lucy, you're not.
Chris Cody
No, I'll read the article. I've just had things going on.
Jeremy
You're not going to go behind the paywall, are you?
Chris Cody
You know what? No, I will because I believe. Don't we have a company subscription?
Jessica
We do.
Chris Cody
Oh, there we go. See, I don't even have to worry about.
Jeremy
I don't believe you'll send out the email to get the password. I don't believe you'll do anything to go find this.
Chris Cody
You have it.
Jessica
It's account. I got you. Don't worry. I got you.
Chris Cody
Also.
Jessica
Pff. Premium. I've been. I've been deep in the. Nico Leava.
Jeremy
I want to get to that story with you too too. So, JD Vance dropping the trophy. What do you got?
Chris Cody
It was just like emblematic. It was just.
Jessica
That's.
Chris Cody
That's life. That's college football right now. Like you just couldn't have scripted it out better yourself. And it's just. Stay away from my ST stuff. Leave me alone. You break everything. You ruin everything. You were the worst.
Jessica
Here, here. What are your. What are your thoughts on Nico, Lucy? It's obviously the topic du jour and North Carolina, it seemed like maybe he was in the running for landing him, but now looks like they're gonna get South Alabama's quarterback in the portal. So where. Where's he gonna end up?
Chris Cody
I have no clue where he ends up. It's such a weird sort of situation where there are limits to where he ends up because it's the spring. Spring portal where he now has no access to transfer to the sec. You can, but you'll sit out a year. And with the amount of money he's asking for, he wants 4 million. He was making 2.4 million per year at Tennessee. I don't know. I don't know what schools financial situations are. Some of this stuff is kind of private. I don't know who's going to be able to pay that. Having a lot of these rosters have already been kind of set. A lot of these things have already been sort of figured out for schools. They've already made that investment. Investment in a quarterback. And my thing with Nico is, is he's not worth $4 million in my opinion. Like I, I want everyone to get paid. I want. I want players to make money. But like that's kind of a crazy ass from Nico when he was, you know, he was 10th sec in passing yards this year. This was a Tennessee offense that was not fun to watch. It was just. It the whole thing was just kind of a crazy, like the vibe I got Washington, like some. Someone's getting bad advice here, and it's. It's weird to see. And like, it's very much like what's happening to my sport. Even though this stuff has always been happening. I have no idea where he ends up. I.
Jeremy
It's.
Chris Cody
It's such a crazy situation. And I've heard that, like, when he was testing the markets, obviously his agent is reaching out to different places that players were able to use that to get more money and to solidify their spot. So, like, he's not even getting these opportunities. It's just crazy. It's not okay.
Jeremy
So when you say this, though, because I want to examine the macro on this, it does seem crazy to me that in the last five years, you're sitting here blowing through the idea out loud of $2.4 million, $4 million. What's this guy worth? We don't know. Yesterday we were talking and it didn't seem like Jessica, you're coming with a stronger opinion than Jessica. Mike had when I'm giving the stat on him. That is 19 touchdown passes and 11 were against like Chattanooga and two other bad teams. And so what you. 19 is not a lot. 19 season is not a lot of touchdowns. And so when I'm. I'm looking at those quarterback stats and just doing it on numbers, not name, I'm saying the same thing Lucy is, which is like Josh Hypo can say it should be about the team, or he can just say, you know what? I can do better for $4 million.
Chris Cody
I think a lot of this is the fact that, like one. I don't know how much Tennessee has to offer and to pay. And $4 million is a hefty ask. And I think it's important that they went to the playoff. He led them to the play. Playoff, but if you watch Tennessee football last year, their offense wasn't changing the world. It was their defense that got them to where they were. Especially when you think about the offense that Tennessee had just a few years ago with Hinden Hooker and Jalen Hyatt, it is a completely different program now. And that's not Josh Hyp sort of bag as this not great offense and a really solid defense, it's. He just like for $4 million, when you're already making. Making $2.4 million and you had a season that was fine and Tennessee fans weren't over the moon. Like, there was points in the season where Tennessee fans were like, Benjamin, we're done with Nico. To ask for 4 million, I think is kind of crazy. And I don't. And he's also, like, he's in college, I'm assuming. Like, my big thing is, I'm guessing people have told him he's worth more for these teams in these markets. And I just. I hope. I hope it works out for him. I really do.
Jessica
Yeah. I think my point is just that, like, you're worth whatever someone will pay you. And if a team has. Has money and is desperate and wants to, there's plenty of reasons why you can convince yourself that this is going to work out for you. Like, he's. He's not this horrible player. He's. He's young. He wasn't great against better defenses last year, like Lucy said. So if someone wants to pay him that, which he clearly was, banking on the fact that that existed, the market existed for him, then, yeah, like, he's. He's worth it. But maybe not at Tennessee. And it turns out definitely not at Tennessee.
Jeremy
But you would say. Right when. When she says it's just crazy. And I don't know. And there are limited options. I would ask my Mike, who's desperate to get in here and talk about the Miami spring game. I am sure I would ask Mike, is anyone going to pay $4 million for that resume and the idea of growth, Is anyone substantive going to pay.
Mike Ryan
For that during this window? It's pretty tough. I mean, that's kind of. That's a high end of it, but that's kind of the market for quarterbacks this cycle. Like, the marquee quarterback got paid a certain number. I know what Cam Ward was making.
Jessica
And how much is Carson Beck making?
Mike Ryan
Carson Beck is not making what's out there.
Chris Cody
Does he get new cars?
Mike Ryan
It's not. Carson Beck has made a lot of money over his career. Carson Beck? No, he's not getting paid. What I've seen out there, I've seen.
Dan LeBatard
Crazy numbers, but it's north of 2.4, isn't it?
Mike Ryan
I'm not gonna. I'm not.
Jeremy
You're gonna. No comment. You're gonna. No comments. I've been doing this thing for 20 years. No, look, look, Mike's out there. Hold on.
Mike Ryan
It's not what. It's out there. Look, we know what we paid Cam Ward. We know that the market has moved up. We know what other quarterbacks have asked. I would say that Nico isn't that far off base asking for four. He is that off base asking for four in the spring. And I Think part of in doing some digging is it's not the first time Nico's kind of tried to pool. Like, you know, I got other options. He's always looking for stalking horses and there just comes a time where they might be over it. And when you jeopardize the spring game by, by holding out, that's certainly one of those times. And I can understand why Josh Hyple says enough of this. We can't, we can't let this continue. Be a standard around Tennessee.
Jessica
Yeah, I think the crazy thing is like the perception that he had this leverage, especially now, I think that's what's crazy. Not necessarily that, like, hey, I'm one of the best quarterbacks, I should be paid like one. That's not, not that crazy to me. What's crazy is that it was now it happened in this way and that he really didn't have any of this leverage at all.
Mike Ryan
If you recall, like when Nico first came over to Tennessee, it was a reported multi year agreement and they've probably already gone back and fixed that. And he's saying, well, look, I, I'm the chosen one. I came, I delivered. You guys made it to the playoff. Yeah, I wasn't what you thought I would be statistically, but I was, you know, the guy under center and we made it to the playoffs and that's not totally out of line with where the market went. So I understand why that was the ask and can also understand Tennessee being sick and tired of it, saying, we've already revisited your deal more times than we probably should have given how you even came here. And you can't be holding our team hostage every time the spring window, every time a window opens up. We can't be doing this. But look, there were a lot. Jayden Ott entered the transfer portal yesterday.
Jeremy
He's good.
Chris Cody
That was crazy.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, he had a bad year last year. I thought the year before he was.
Jessica
Hurt a lot last year. Like he played hurt almost the whole season.
Mike Ryan
He had a 75 yard, he was touchdown running against Miami that he stepped out of bounds. But nobody seemed to talk about that.
Jeremy
Okay, hold on.
Mike Ryan
You know, I said one thing.
Jessica
Lucy had something to say.
Dan LeBatard
The thing you didn't say then.
Jeremy
Yes, Mike st. The entire segment. Lucy, I'm sorry but Stu. Guys, the entire segment has been complaining in my ear. I can't believe Mike no commented us now.
Mike Ryan
It's not my business.
Jessica
I put him on. I put him on the spot. I put him on the spot.
Jeremy
I know, I know what's sensitive here. I do, I do. But Stu Gotz. I couldn't even hear what anyone was saying because the entire time everyone was talking. Stu, guys is like, he can't no comment us there, Dan. He can't. And I'm thinking to myself, look, he's in bed with the school, but also he does business with the school. He's walking a fine line here. He's informed, he's giving us information, but it can't be damaging to the program. And it's a bit of a high wire and I mean, I know what.
Mike Ryan
You got, guys make you want me to put that out there too. It's not my business.
Stugotz
That feels familiar. That's really interesting, Lucy.
Jeremy
You were saying? I'm sorry, I interrupted you. He did no comment us, though.
Chris Cody
Yeah, it's fine. This is just really important for me to say. It's really, really important. If you want to go see Nico in his new team, wherever that's going to be, you can book the trip with Priceline. Are you dreaming about that trip? Book it and go to your happy price with Priceline. We don't know where it's going to be, thank God. The deals are so good, so it'll be cheap no matter what.
Jeremy
Thank you, Lucy. Would you go to space? Would you go to space?
Chris Cody
Ew. No.
Jeremy
No.
Jessica
What about the club?
Dan LeBatard
Ew.
Jeremy
Ew.
Chris Cody
Like that? Yeah.
Jessica
Ew.
Chris Cody
Why would I go to space?
Jeremy
I don't know.
Dan LeBatard
It seems to be at the final frontier.
Mike Ryan
It's a great conversation starter at a cocktail party.
Chris Cody
Why would I want to go? Because you could say I don't want to go where Katy Perry went.
Mike Ryan
Because the next time they shut you out of the WNBA draft, you can just like, stomp a foot and say, I've been to space. You mean to tell me I can't get in this draft?
Chris Cody
No, I. You know, some pl. I don't. I. Look, space. That wasn't meant for me. That wasn't really meant for any of us. I feel the same way about the ocean. I'm just not going to mess with it. That's. I know where I don't belong.
Jessica
Lucy, if you had to pick one like this is, you know, shop for your life situation, but you had to do this, okay? Go into the deep water of the ocean in like a. One of those submersible things, or go to outer space with Katy Perry.
Jeremy
Wow.
Jessica
Oh, man.
Chris Cody
The Katy Perry one. That. That's what throws you off.
Dan LeBatard
Yes.
Chris Cody
Is. Is she gonna sing the entire time? Then I'm going underwater if she doesn't sing.
Jeremy
No one's choosing underwater there. That submersible thing is more terrifying than space.
Chris Cody
No, it depends on Katy Perry if she's gonna sing. Actually. Hold up. Is she gonna sing stuff from her old albums then? If she sings the new stuff, I have to go.
Jeremy
Such a. It's such a good question.
Jessica
I kissed a girl.
Jeremy
I don't know how many.
Chris Cody
Oh, yeah, we'll go into space.
Jeremy
I don't know how many people listening to this are just terrified of the idea of you're going up in a rocket and that's got danger in it. But if you put me in one of those submersibles and we're going down. No, thank you. Like, no, no, no, no. I'll take space 7,000 times before I will take that down in a submarine. No, put it on the poll at Levitar's show. Do you have any interest in going down in a submarine?
Chris Cody
You're forgetting the Katy Perry part. That's the most important part of the.
Dan LeBatard
She's not in the submarine, she's in the rocket singing.
Jeremy
What is your problem with Katy Perry? What?
Chris Cody
Have you listened to her new song? It's so bad. That album was terrible. I just don't want to listen to it.
Jessica
Okay, but also, Gayle King is there, but she's not going to talk because she's nervous the whole time, right?
Chris Cody
Well, yeah. So that means we don't even get to chat. We just hear Katy Perry.
Jeremy
Thank you, lucy.
Roy
The Dan LeBatard show with Stu Gotts is sponsored by Better Help. Life gets busy. Boy, do I know that. And your mind carries it all. But just like your body needs care, so does your mental health. Therapy is an investment in clarity, in peace, in you. Let's talk numbers really quick. Traditional in person therapy can cost anywhere from 100 to 250 bucks per session, which adds a fast fast. With BetterHelp online therapy, you can save an average of up to 50% per session. With BetterHelp, you pay a flat fee for weekly sessions, saving you big on cost and time. Therapy should feel accessible, not like a luxury. With online therapy, you get quality care at a price that makes sense and can help you with anything from anxiety to everyday stress. Your mental health is worth it. And now it's within reach. With over 30,000 therapist, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform. Having surveyed, served over 5 million people globally. And it's super convenient. You can join a session with the click of a button, helping you fit therapy into your busy life, plus switch therapists at any time. Your well being is worth it. Visit betterhelp.com DLB today to get 10% off your first month. That's better. Help h e l p.com DLB hey.
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Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz—"The Big Suey: Mike Ryan's No Comment (feat. Lucy Rohden)"
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, titled "The Big Suey: Mike Ryan's No Comment," hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz delve deep into the current state of the Miami Heat, dissecting player performances, broadcasting biases, and the team's playoff prospects. Featuring insights from Mike Ryan and special guest Lucy Rohden, the conversation offers a comprehensive analysis for both die-hard fans and casual listeners interested in South Florida's sports scene.
1. Miami Heat Performance Analysis
Timestamp: 02:21 - 09:20
The episode kicks off with a critical assessment of the Miami Heat's recent performances, highlighting key weaknesses and areas of concern. Mike Ryan leads the discussion by expressing his frustration with the team's offensive shortcomings, particularly focusing on Terry Rozier's declining performance.
Terry Rozier's Decline: Ryan emphasizes Rozier's struggles, stating, "Rozier shot 29.5% on threes, which was tied with Franz Wagner for second worst among 174 qualifiers" (12:59). This poor shooting percentage in clutch moments has significantly impacted the Heat's ability to close out games effectively.
Systemic Issues: The team is criticized for being "worst in the league at the end of games," leading to an 18-24 record in close contests (09:07). This systemic problem undermines their playoff aspirations, as consistent performance in tight games is crucial for postseason success.
Statistical Breakdown: Stugotz presents compelling statistics, noting that over the last 15 games, the Heat rank fifth in net rating but have only managed a 9-3 record in games where they shot 40% from three-point range (09:20). This inconsistency highlights the team's volatility and reliance on shooting streaks to secure wins.
Notable Quote:
"If you're worst in the league at the end of games, you've got no shot in that league and so you're not going to do anything." – Mike Ryan (04:00)
2. Broadcasting Bias and Professionalism
Timestamp: 02:22 - 05:36
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the role of regional broadcasters and their inherent biases toward their respective teams. The hosts critique broadcasters like Eric Reid for lacking professionalism and being overtly biased.
Lack of Objectivity: Jeremy points out, "In the history of this market, there have been no voices... associated with the team the way that guy is" (05:25-05:33). This lack of impartiality compromises the quality of sports analysis provided to fans.
Professionalism Concerns: Stugotz echoes these sentiments, highlighting instances where broadcasters fail to maintain a neutral stance, thereby alienating listeners who seek unbiased commentary.
Notable Quote:
"He can't even hide it. He can't even hide it." – Jeremy on broadcaster Eric Reid (07:02)
3. Team Prospects and Potential Upsets
Timestamp: 09:20 - 16:14
Despite the highlighted issues, the hosts explore the Miami Heat's potential to turn their fortunes around and make a significant playoff run.
Defensive Strengths: Bam Adebayo is lauded as "the best one-on-one defender in the league" with an impressive 0.69 points per game allowed against ball handlers (15:00). Additionally, Davion Mitchell and Khalil Ware's combined efforts on pick-and-roll defense have fortified the team's defensive prowess.
Shooting Hot Streaks: The improvement in three-point shooting from 36% to 40% over the last 13 games indicates a positive trend that could be pivotal in securing crucial victories during the playoffs (09:20).
Net Rating: With the Heat holding the fourth-best net rating in their last 15 games, there's a tangible possibility for them to leverage their defense and shooting efficiency to upset higher-seeded teams (15:00).
Notable Quote:
"Defense wins championships." – Dan LeBatard on the Heat's defensive capabilities (16:14)
4. Listener Engagement and Interactive Segments
Timestamp: 16:14 - 20:00
The show transitions into more interactive and lighthearted segments, engaging listeners with bets and hypothetical scenarios.
Giant Bet Proposal: Jeremy introduces a playful wager involving the outcome of a Chicago vs. Miami game, with stakes including moving to New York for Jessica if Miami wins (26:07).
Space vs. Submarine Dilemma: A humorous debate ensues about whether to explore outer space with Katy Perry or delve into the ocean's depths in a submersible, adding a fun twist to the typically serious sports discussions (44:59).
Notable Quote:
"It's a great conversation starter at a cocktail party." – Mike Ryan on the allure of space travel (44:18)
5. WNBA Draft Insights and Cultural Commentary
Timestamp: 27:06 - 43:42
Shifting focus from basketball, the hosts delve into the WNBA draft, exploring its evolution and cultural significance.
Fashion and Culture: Chris Cody praises the WNBA draft's integration of fashion and culture, noting, "Everyone looks like they were taking a LinkedIn headshot when they were getting drafted. And now it's some of the most beautiful fashion you've ever seen" (31:18). This transformation underscores the league's growth and its appeal beyond just sports enthusiasts.
Draft Strategy and Player Selection: Discussions highlight the strategic moves by teams like the Mystics, who secured promising players such as Sonia Citron and Kiki Georgia Amore, injecting new energy into the franchise (28:58).
Social Media Influence: The role of platforms like TikTok in amplifying the draft's reach is acknowledged, with players sharing their experiences and styles, thereby enhancing the event's cultural footprint (29:00).
Notable Quote:
"Drafts are, like, maybe not the most interesting thing in the world. You're just, like, saying a name." – Jeremy on the traditional perception of drafts and their modern evolution (28:03)
Conclusion
In this episode, The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers an in-depth and multifaceted exploration of the Miami Heat's challenges and potentials, while also celebrating the cultural vibrancy of the WNBA draft. Through a blend of statistical analysis, critical commentary, and engaging banter, the hosts provide listeners with valuable insights into both basketball and the broader sports landscape in South Florida.
Notable Quotes:
Mike Ryan on Rozier's Performance
“Rozier shot 29.5% on threes, which was tied with Franz Wagner for second worst among 174 qualifiers.” (12:59)
Jeremy on Broadcasting Bias
“He can't even hide it. He can't even hide it.” (07:02)
Dan LeBatard on Defensive Importance
“Defense wins championships.” (16:14)
Mike Ryan on Space Travel
“It's a great conversation starter at a cocktail party.” (44:18)
Jeremy on Drafts and Fashion
“Drafts are, like, maybe not the most interesting thing in the world. You're just, like, saying a name.” (28:03)
Final Thoughts
This episode stands out for its thorough analysis and balanced perspectives, making it an essential listen for fans eager to understand the intricacies of team dynamics and the evolving landscape of women's basketball. The blend of serious discussion with lighthearted segments ensures that the content remains both informative and entertaining.