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Dan LeBatard
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Stugotz
This episode is brought to you by Disney's Lilo and Stitch, only in theaters this Memorial Day. A reimagining of Disney's animated classic, Lilo and Stitch is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl.
Mike Ryan
Lilo, and the fugitive alien Stitch, who.
Stugotz
Helps to mend her broken family.
Mike Ryan
Lilo and Stitch crashes into theaters May 23rd.
Stugotz
Rated PG.
Mike Ryan
Get tickets now.
Greg Cody
Welcome to the Big Sui, presented by DraftKings.
Stugotz
Why are you listening to this show.
Greg Cody
The podcast that seems very similar to the other Dan LeBatard podcast? I'm sorry, I'm not gonna apologize for that.
Stugotz
In fact, the only difference seems to be this imaging. 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. I've done it.
Greg Cody
And now here's the marching man to nowhere fat face and the habitual liar.
Stugotz
I actually hurt my ankle a little bit there. That was not a fake fall. I think Tony felt me tumble into him and yeah, I needed some training and some help there. Tony's not wrong on everything he said. No. No disagreement. Right. I couldn't hear on the floor what people were saying to you and you sounded a little winded. But yes, of course, it would be really nice to have Cooper flag. In fact, it felt to me somewhere Bill Simmons is rooting for Cooper Flagg in a way that seems sweet. And he has been understanding that this is a player that can be transcendent.
Greg Cody
Well, this is why I. Probably the same thing. I feel I didn't want to go to Charlotte. I didn't want to go to Washington. Dallas is probably, probably like when it came down to the final two picks, Dallas and San Antonio, it's like, all right, he's going to go to a pretty decent spot.
Mike Ryan
Well, is he?
Dan LeBatard
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
Or is it going to get traded for Giannis because you were. You were the one to throw out immediately with the Giannis reports. Like, you get the number one pick, you call a Milwaukee. This is one of the more valuable number one picks of all Time.
Greg Cody
Okay, so I'm. I'm only going by what Nico Harrison has told us. Like, Nico Harrison traded away Luca for Anthony Davis because he has a three year blindo. They have a three year window as an organization now to win a championship. So if that's the case, you have to trade the number one pick, right?
Chris Cody
But the Kyrie Irving injury now changes the math there a little bit. Because if you had Kyrie Irving with AD and then you had a Cooper flag, okay, you've got a nice core. Now Kyrie's out, and it's like, all right, do we have to make something else happen? Because that championship window, that championship core is as now missing a third.
Greg Cody
Well, then what you're saying is then he has to now trade Anthony Davis because the three year window is based around Davis, and if they're abandoning that three year window again.
Mike Ryan
But these first championships. His words.
Greg Cody
His words.
Mike Ryan
You get Giannis and Anthony Davis. I don't care who the third piece is.
Greg Cody
That is his words based on the reason he made the Anthony Davis trade is because they have a three year championship window. And if that's the. Unless he's changing his entire plan. Well, you know what?
Stugotz
I'm sorry, Billy, to interrupt you, but Cody has made some fun of Zaslow on this, saying that Cody is more of a journalist than Zaslo is. Well, but I happen to know that Zaslo's got legitimate sources. I believe that Zaslo could break news right now about knowing what the Miami Heat is already in play for.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, this is not about them.
Billy Corben
Here we go.
Mike Ryan
Well, but.
Stugotz
No, but I think. Do I have this wrong? Do you not have. Hold on. Do you not have exclusive sources that would say to you exactly who could be. Look, guys, guys, I know it's not about the Miami Heat, but Zaslo has breaking news here.
Greg Cody
From what I understand, Giannis interested.
Billy Corben
Wow.
Tony
Yeah.
Greg Cody
Now. Now, I know we saw the report yesterday from Sham.
Mike Ryan
He's open everything.
Greg Cody
He's open to everything.
Billy Corben
He's interested in literally every team.
Greg Cody
Every. Well, he's definitely not interested in every.
Billy Corben
Are you saying Shams is a liar?
Mike Ryan
Yeah.
Greg Cody
Well, no, but I'm saying that if.
Billy Corben
Hold on, hold on. Did you say Shams is a liar? Just be clear.
Greg Cody
Giannis is open to everything. Right. Okay, well, I'm saying that's a little bit much. He's definitely not open to being traded to the Washington Wizards. So I'm not calling Shams a liar, but I'm just saying he's not open to everything. He's not open to going to the worst teams. But I will tell you, Giannis interested.
Stugotz
In the Heat and not the only one in this group of people that you're talking about. Because I do believe that Anthony Davis would have some moves here. Would he not like it? Anthony Davis is a power broker, whether he's injured or not. Like he's. I don't know who you think these 10 players are in the league, but when Anthony Davis is healthy, he's one of them.
Greg Cody
Yes. So that, that's where this also becomes interesting. Right, Because I'm going by Nico Harrison's words, he has a three year championship window. But if, because like Tony said, if the Kyrie Irving injury is going to change everything, well, you kind of got to go around and trade away Anthony Day. Like pick a, pick a lane, pick a direction. If you're the Mavs and if they're picking the direction of Cooper Flag, then you need to trade away Anthony Davis because that's not a three year window and Davis could be another guy. Well, again, power broker who could be interested in Miami.
Billy Corben
I mean, but Cooper Flag was part of the Luca trade. So like he knew this was happening. Like the league said, we'll give you the number one pick in Cooper Flag if you just gift them. Well, give Luca to the Lakers.
Stugotz
Billy. So you speak for not. Not quiet minority that believes everything that happened there is bullshit. Because it's too perfect a story, all of it. And Nico wins. How does Nico win in the end? That is a stunning move. It's against all odds the Nico story.
Billy Corben
How he manages this also situation in.
Mike Ryan
The history of the NBA. Like big time controversial trades. Remember the league stopped Chris Paul from getting traded to la and they said, hey, you better trade him to the other LA team. Guess what? We own the, we own the Pels at this time. You get the number one pick, Anthony Davis. Everybody wants Anthony Davis. Oh, we're going to trade him to la. Great. You trade him to la. Guess what? You get the number one pick. Luka Doncic no one knows that he's.
Greg Cody
You could also add LeBron went to Miami.
Billy Corben
Okay, Cavs, you get the number and they give the Cavs seven number one.
Mike Ryan
Picks to try to go to la. You take care of la, you get the number one pick. That seems to be the deal in this league.
Greg Cody
Here's the thing, here's the thing. If they're rigging the draft, people would go to prison.
Mike Ryan
Nah, I don't think so.
Chris Cody
I don't think you have rich people going to prison.
Billy Corben
Yeah, Come on, man. Also, how are we so certain that Nico is going to take Cooper flag with the number one pick?
Greg Cody
Well, doesn't it get it. Doesn't it get interesting where if Nico says, hey, I got a three year daily. If Nico says, hey, I got a three year championship window, so I'm going to trade away this pick. Like, do the mavs then let him. Like, hey, the reaction to the Luca trade went so well. Yeah, we're going to let you trade away the number one overall pick as well.
Mike Ryan
Can I ask you guys a question? Why does the NBA think this is a good system? The lottery. The lottery system. Why do they think that? Why do they insist on this? Because we really don't have complaints about how the other sports do it. You have a system in which every year people allege is rigged. Everyone thinks that when the draft breaks certain ways, the first accusation from the masses is it's rigged. And also you're not actually doing anything to curb the tanking. You had Utah and Washington tank all year. They knew it wasn't guaranteed. They end up with picks five and six. It ain't stopping the next Utah and Washington from. From tanking. It's. It's. It's literally not doing anything it's designed to do. And also everyone thinks it's rigged. Why is this system still in place?
Chris Cody
I mean, it does curb teams from tanking a little bit, right?
Tony
A little.
Greg Cody
It only curbs one a little bit.
Mike Ryan
It's only curbing this one that resides down here in Miami.
Billy Corben
They also changed the. The system, flatten the odds, and now it looks even more rigged than it did before. Before they changed the system to make it not look rigged.
Mike Ryan
Why is this still around? Everyone has an issue with it. It's the worst of the major sports. It is literally working against the interest that it was designed to protect. I don't get why we still do this.
Tony
And there are models. There are models to improve the lottery. And one of them is to put extra weight on a team's record in the last 20 games of the season. I mean, there are ways that's interesting.
Greg Cody
So you would take chances away from them if they're especially bad. The last 20 games.
Mike Ryan
NBA 2K fixes it. There are options to fix it. You have a little mini tournament. You take the final third of the season into account. There's so many possible solutions where teams can actually play into this and you can reward not tanking. The league just refuses to do it.
Tony
And.
Mike Ryan
And you can only assume they love this stuff. They love Everyone accusing that it's rigged. You love teams tanking because they're not doing anything to actually stop it.
Greg Cody
You see the NHL system, the NHL had their draft lottery last week. Their system wouldn't allow Dallas to get the number one overall pick. You're only able to move up, like, if you win the draft lottery, you're only able to move up a maximum of like eight spots.
Stugotz
Okay. Chris Cody. The Lebatard family tree of friends, Jorge Sedano has been ahead of this particular curve for many years. One of the first controversial things I ever heard Jorge do is he told the commissioner of the league, David Stern, that his league was fixed.
Greg Cody
I remember this.
Stugotz
Yeah, well, can we call Jorge Sedano and just talk to him about this? Because what you guys are alleging here is outrageous. However, if I may just answer your question for a second time, to throw.
Billy Corben
Away all journalistic credibility and get reckless.
Tony
Here is something we like to call reckless speculation.
Chris Cody
You're good.
Stugotz
Thank you, Tony. Didn't seem like anyone else knew what to do there. We missed two got. We missed two guns. Zaslo doesn't know how to replace him. He's a pale imitation.
Greg Cody
Living my life.
Dan LeBatard
Who's putting their name on rigged because we're doing a lot of talking about, oh, it looks.
Billy Corben
Everyone thinks it's rigged.
Dan LeBatard
Why don't they actually, though?
Tony
Yeah, nobody really.
Dan LeBatard
I don't actually.
Billy Corben
I do. Why don't they just give the number one pick to the win of the in season tournament that they're trying to make a thing.
Greg Cody
You know that it's a major accounting firm, Ernst and Young, that is in charge.
Billy Corben
Firms have never defrauded.
Greg Cody
Okay, but why would they risk going to prison for the NBA?
Billy Corben
I mean, people go to prison for all kinds of stupid reasons.
Greg Cody
Stupid basketball.
Billy Corben
Yeah.
Tony
They're not going to prison.
Mike Ryan
Stupid basketball out here.
Greg Cody
Of course they would go to prison if they rigged the lottery.
Tony
Yeah. What's the law? What law covers that?
Billy Corben
Yeah, that's a good question.
Greg Cody
I'm a journalist, not a lawyer, so you're asking me questions I don't have.
Chris Cody
He's a judge.
Greg Cody
Civics, too. I'm also a judge.
Mike Ryan
He's a judge.
Chris Cody
He doesn't worry about the rules.
Stugotz
He is with prejudice.
Billy Corben
Prejudice.
Stugotz
He is climbing up the ranks. He is both judge and journalist, so.
Greg Cody
He'S judge and jury and sometimes executioner.
Tony
Your Honor, I apologize.
Stugotz
But to answer Mike. To answer Mike's question, why do we love this system? Because the NBA is great at knowing before the rest of us did. Hey, stories and storylines are fun. And entertainment. How about we throw in something everyone loves? It's gambling. A lottery. Make it totally random. Everyone loves a televised lottery. Look, you're going to watch a live television program. Were you hurt by Luca? The lottery fixes all of your dreams. Nico goes from terrible executive to star studded one. And I think Billy's question is a reasonable one. Don't put it past him. He might not draft Cooper Flag. He might draft someone. He might draft someone else.
Greg Cody
Rolando Blackman was pretty non committal when they spoke to him after they won.
Stugotz
But the answer to Mike's question on what's fixed, because it is fascinating. I want to hear you guys actually argue about this. Where the conspiracy theories lie. But it's not the games or the lottery that's fixed. It's the costs. Like if you keep all of the fixed costs with all of these young players that are worth a huge amount of money. Jason Tatum. And you negotiate the business of this. Like, I understand your skepticism, but Zaz is right when he says all of this would be profoundly illegal to fix the lottery.
Mike Ryan
Right, but it's not stopping people from saying that it's fixed, which is a perception issue. And more importantly, it's not actually stopping teams from tanking.
Billy Corben
But also like, where is it in the Constitution? Because like, right to bear arms, right to freeze free each. Don't rig the NBA draft lottery. Like, I missed that amendment.
Greg Cody
You know, it also doesn't help the whole draft lottery is rigged is when the most famous player in the world, LeBron James, insinuates that it's rigged. Like, why does he insist on doing that? He puts out the laughing emojis immediately after. And don't forget when he was on the McAfee show, what was it like four or five, six months ago? And he straight up says he believes the NBA rigged the draft lottery in 2003 to get him to Cleveland.
Stugotz
I'd like, I'd like a crack at answering that question psychologically, actually, because I've come around on like Billy's theory when he says Aaron Rodgers just is somehow addicted to attention. That's what the virus is. LeBron James, when Mike said yesterday of Pat Riley, he's being Prideful here, duh. LeBron James has realized over the last 20 years the power he actually has. And it's because at this time of year, he's always the one everyone's talking about. It's been for 20 years. Like that's where he went from kid to adult, you know, 20 years old. On, he's Been the most famous athlete in the world, surprisingly normal in public, and the league just got taken away from him. Like, we. Where everyone understands that Steph injury, what it means, right? Like, they got Jimmy Butler. They got Jimmy Butler for Jimmy. Give us 24 games of the crazy.
Chris Cody
By the way, Jimmy last night.
Stugotz
No, but give us, please, all the needles to the legs you need. Give us just 24. Get Steph to the end. We'll take 24 days of crazy. Steph and LeBron are giving over the league right now. This is cold to say Jayson Tatum and the Celtics machine didn't just blow a tire last night. The engine blew. Like, the teams will get better at threes faster, and next year, OKC will be better because they've got.
Mike Ryan
They've got.
Stugotz
They've got fixed costs. They've got. Hey, you guys all got to stay in. Seven years in okc. Shea, you can't leave. You know why we got you locked in? Please sign an extension now. Because we had James Harden and Kevin Durant and. And we had Russell Westbrook, and we learned in a small market, the thing that New York had to hire, like, a bunch of agents to figure out, which is if we have all the draft picks, we can keep them. Okc. Fixed costs. Because that lottery. That lottery, it pays for everything.
Mike Ryan
Like, yeah, but you can have fixed costs without a lottery. I'm talking about. I simply do not comprehend using the fixed costs as an argument to keep the lottery.
Greg Cody
You're just saying the draft.
Stugotz
I'm saying the business of the sport on display for all of us to see, especially in the age where the transaction is so important that we're talking as much today about Giannis and about the draft as we are about the game that was played.
Mike Ryan
It's not for all of us to see. It happens behind closed doors with an accounting firm that the NBA hires. And the sources are. Just trust us, bro. I can understand.
Greg Cody
It's every team in there, too.
Mike Ryan
I understand. I understand.
Stugotz
It's not wrestling.
Mike Ryan
I'm not. I'm not alleging that it's rigged. I'm saying that everyone thinks that it's rigged. And there are reasons why everyone thinks.
Tony
That it's rigged, but nobody talks about it being rigged. The year that the team with the highest percentage likelihood wins. They're talking about it now because 1.8% won.
Billy Corben
I tell you, throw them off the set.
Mike Ryan
That's the year LeBron did. LeBron gave voice to. Yeah, they had the best odds that year. And what they. They still fixed it to make Sure, I got there. There's plenty of reasons as to why people think it's fixed because it's not super transparent.
Dan LeBatard
But the idea of risking the credibility of a league just.
Greg Cody
Just for take away credibility, they.
Mike Ryan
Risking the 06 finals. They. There was a referee rigging the 2006 NBA finals. What are we talking about?
Dan LeBatard
This is a rogue referee. This is like a league decision of like, all right, we're going to manipulate all these things.
Mike Ryan
Rogue referee that officiated a lot of games and was allowed to continue to officiate while an investigation was pending and had other close referees that I should remind you are still officiating to this day.
Dan LeBatard
You're playing both sides, though. You just said you don't actually believe it's rigged, and now you're like.
Mike Ryan
But no, I'm. I'm not telling you what to think. I'm asking you if you'd like to. There's plenty of reasons as to why people think it's rigged. And also one of the reasons are it was.
Billy Corben
You also have their officials went while not making bets impacting the outcome of games where, like, you know every team. Exactly how the officials going to referee that team. Like, the human element in basketball is crazy how much they impact the game.
Mike Ryan
Billy's dead on. There are so many betting trends for certain officials. Oh, you're going to want to take the road team here. There's a human element here. There's also, like, this guy favors this one team. There is absolute stats for that.
Stugotz
I'm sorry if you're being distracted by the automated voice in the background. Greg Cody, do you want to give a recounting? I don't know how much of this is going out on air. I've been sort of howling with laughter inside since Mike got to another octave of condescending with the phrase that I should remind you. Yeah, like, once you get to that, I should remind you. Like, you're just lost in the smell of your own fart.
Mike Ryan
No, dude, we. I mean, we're here having a conversation. Why would the NBA rig this? They rigged the finals one year. They rigged the finals one year. There's three banners up there. One of them was rigged.
Tony
Here is something we like to call reckless speculation.
Greg Cody
Are you good?
Mike Ryan
Nothing reckless about it. This is proven. This was documented. Do you know not remember the NBA finals in which Dwyane Wade got every call? All right.
Greg Cody
Bet it's Salvatore made those calls. It wasn't Tim Donaghy.
Mike Ryan
Come on. Come on.
Greg Cody
What?
Mike Ryan
It was proven to be rigged.
Greg Cody
What are we doing Judge Dazzlo rigged or not rigged? 2006?
Stugotz
Yes.
Greg Cody
Not rigged. Legit championship.
Tony
Not rigged.
Mike Ryan
He rules with bias. With prejudice.
Billy Corben
With prejudice.
Greg Cody
With prejudice. All right, there will be order in this court.
Stugotz
All right, all right, all right. Listen to me.
Tony
Bailiff, take that man out.
Stugotz
Judge and journalist, real quick. Zaslo, any other Heat reporting that you have for us? I just to be clear, is Zaslo reporting?
Greg Cody
Yep, I am.
Stugotz
Greg. Greg. No, I. I believe it would be news.
Greg Cody
School's in session here, Greg.
Stugotz
I believe it would be news, and I believe that Zaslow has good sources. Did you just report. Because Billy is skeptical of all these bullshit reports, did Zaslo, with his credibility at stake, just report that Anthony Davis and Giannis have expressed whatever it is that needs to be expressed so that the Miami Heat could get a whiff of that wonderful scent of joining the Hope Parade?
Greg Cody
Listen, I am a respected journalist. I do have sources. And from what I know and what I've been told from some of those sources, Giannis and Anthony Davis are both potentially interested in the Miami.
Stugotz
Okay, so see, that's news.
Billy Corben
But how do you get them?
Greg Cody
Okay, see, that's where someone who went to journalism school knows. And you wouldn't. I would go to prison before I released my.
Billy Corben
No, no, not the sources. How do you get both of those players?
Tony
It's a good question.
Greg Cody
Completely different question.
Stugotz
Yeah, then it becomes more complicated. Yes, I'd rather go to prison and figure that out.
Greg Cody
A lot EAS time for me to answer what I thought I would.
Stugotz
Okay.
Unknown
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Billy Corben
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Mike Ryan
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Greg Cody
Don LeBatard John, can you rate my Al Pacino from that billiard scene in Carlito's Way if I do it for you? I think it's pretty good.
Stugotz
Yeah.
Greg Cody
Okay. Stugarts, you think you're big time when.
Stugotz
You'Re going to die big time. That is on my infamous scale of 1 to 10. That's a.
Tony
That's a 7.6 solid.
Stugotz
Good job. Good job, Good job.
Mike Ryan
That's a suey nominee right there.
Tony
Good.
Billy Corben
This is the Dan Levatar show with the stugats.
Stugotz
I want to go back to that. I should remind you, Chris, can I get a ruling on this? And, and I have to backtrack for just a second. I, I Greg Cody owes the public an apology and I owe the public an apology because I made a prediction, I guess last week that the producers of this show are now wanting to embarrass me about because I'm woke. Treat the athletes as if they're human guy and don't make sports so important and your hate so important that you would dehumanize the athlete. This is sound of me. I don't know what the sound is that the producers are telling me is meant to embarrass me. That was my only sort of before this series started. Dan's going to give you a prediction and it's going to be the most right prediction that there is. But it's not entirely objective. It seems a bit biased. And the way I feel about both the Knicks and the Celtics fan base make it so that this game I want the meteor to win. I want both teams to explode, both teams to lose, both teams to get injured.
Tony
Woof. Wow.
Dan LeBatard
Not a good look for you.
Tony
No, that's embarrassing.
Billy Corben
Big three lap.
Tony
Meteor. So the meteor is going to hit the arena and just demolish it and then thousands of people are innocent.
Stugotz
No, I wouldn't want innocent bystanders. Just a meteor hits the court and they can no longer play. Both sides lose forever.
Tony
If you had to choose small meteor.
Billy Corben
One arena, though, to get hit by a meteor. Would it be a home game or a road game?
Stugotz
I don't think this is responsible, and I don't think we.
Billy Corben
Your words, not ours.
Stugotz
Well, I need.
Billy Corben
I'm a journalist. I'm just pushing.
Greg Cody
You're not a journalist.
Billy Corben
You would not go. I'm glad you brought that up. You would not go to prison to protect your sources. If a judge came up to you and said, Mr. Zaslow, 20 years, or give me your sources, you'd go to prison.
Greg Cody
Well, as you know, I'm also a judge, and I would never. I would never put myself in that scenario.
Billy Corben
Yeah, okay, sure. Not corrupt at all. Just like the NBA on the up and up. You're a judge. You can do whatever you want above the law.
Greg Cody
No, no, no.
Billy Corben
Yeah. No. That's what you're saying. That's fine.
Mike Ryan
That's fine.
Billy Corben
That's fine.
Stugotz
To be clear that I should remind you, you would be a vending machine for sex in prison.
Billy Corben
Who would want to have sex with him?
Greg Cody
Respectfully, I mean. Okay, well, now I feel better.
Billy Corben
Yeah, no offense.
Mike Ryan
Respectful people that want to have sex.
Stugotz
Put it on the poll at Lebatard show. Who would want to have sex with Zaslow? That seems like a cutting remark from them.
Billy Corben
You left out respectfully, which is very important. There was respectfully there that you left off of that poll.
Greg Cody
Look at this pun up. This put him would not do well in prison.
Tony
I would be holding someone's pocket that actually were.
Greg Cody
Yet I would never reveal my sources. Who told me that Giannis and Anthony Davis are both interested in the Miami Heat.
Stugotz
Look, he's reporting this strongly. Don't make fun of, like, Zaz has better sources than anybody, except maybe Mike in college football and Billy at fiu. Like, he's got better sources than Cody.
Billy Corben
But you guys are real journalists. This is a problem.
Tony
Can I say something? And this is not.
Greg Cody
I'm over here on this side of the room, your finger pointed there, Right?
Tony
Okay. This is nothing against Corner bank shot, but when it's been reported that Giannis is open to everything. The report that Giannis.
Greg Cody
You can look at me while you talk.
Tony
Look at the report that Giannis would consider Miami.
Greg Cody
Yeah.
Tony
Not really big news when it's already been reported that Giannis will consider every credible offer.
Mike Ryan
Shame on you for piecing that one together.
Billy Corben
Wow.
Greg Cody
I would say that it's easy for Giannis. I don't know what Yanis people tell Shams. He's the best. He's the Top guy. But it's really easy to say and make sure that everyone is not offended at this scenario. Giannis is open to everything, which also includes return to Milwaukee. I'm telling you that specifically the Miami Heat have been mentioned by Giannis. People.
Stugotz
But can I. Can I ask you guys? Because I do want to. This is a report. He's reporting this.
Greg Cody
Put it on the crawl.
Stugotz
Can you guys put it on the crawl, please?
Mike Ryan
Like, Cody, do you know. Do you know any other team names that they've invoked, or do you just know that they've.
Tony
Every other one.
Greg Cody
I'm only plugged in for the Heat.
Stugotz
Well, but wait a minute, though. The. Greg, you can make fun of it, but the Anthony Davis component. Look, I don't know who you guys think are the dominoes falling on the finances of the game, but if they're. Let. Let's just say. For the points of this argument, let's just say that the Miami Heat would want to be in play for. I'm going to say, between five or seven players, the last of whom at this point is Kevin Durant. Like, if you want to try to get John Morant or whatever it is that the machinations have to be. Is. Is that guy unhappy? And after LeBron still seeks this attention. How quick are the attention pans in every city where Giannis is already. Okay, time's up. Milwaukee. You didn't do it with Middleton. You didn't fix the things. It's over. He's the first domino. We all know this, but if the Heat wanted five other calls, they did.
Mike Ryan
Do it with Middleton.
Stugotz
If the Heat wanted five calls from people, who would the people be? Embiid is on this list. Yes.
Mike Ryan
Oh, my God. This is why people hate us.
Billy Corben
Why did. Why did he only have to get one? What do we do? Like, why not all five? There's five positions.
Mike Ryan
They have dick.
Billy Corben
They have dick, and they get five of them.
Mike Ryan
They have, like, a pair. And it's not suited. Like, it's just like, what is happening.
Chris Cody
Could add the first pick.
Billy Corben
I'm just saying, what's to stop the Heat from getting Kevin Durant, giannis, Anthony Davis, LeBron?
Mike Ryan
A pair can't be.
Billy Corben
And then you just put.
Greg Cody
So let me ask you something. Let me ask you something. All right, because I'm just telling you. I'm being serious. I'm just telling you.
Mike Ryan
This is why us Knicks fans hate you guys.
Billy Corben
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
It's just ridiculous.
Billy Corben
For the next.
Mike Ryan
You guys don't belong in the conversation. You have nothing to trade for. You're an afterthought. The ringer took your knees out from under you. You're incapable of landing a superstar.
Greg Cody
I'm telling you, though, they're not an afterthought. And the question that I would have to you is when Giannis's people tell the Miami Heat that they are interested, which is what I'm telling you. They know. Giannis. People know that the Heat in your woods don't have dick. Like, they know who's on the Heat's roster. They know the Heat's assets, yet they are still telling the Heat that Giannis is interested. So, like, what do we do with that?
Mike Ryan
Yeah, they're telling a bunch of teams that. And maybe a lot of the teams that they're telling that have much better capital to make this deal happen, maybe.
Greg Cody
They'Re telling other teams that. That. I don't know.
Mike Ryan
Maybe. No, no, no. They. They're talking to teams that have Dickens.
Stugotz
Well, who's. Okay. Who's got the better sources in this particular realm? Because I think I'm going with Zaz, Mike, Ryan. We're having a dick off. No, no, no, no. Everybody stand back. Stand back.
Mike Ryan
I'm not going against his report.
Stugotz
That I should remind you.
Mike Ryan
I'm not going against his report. I don't doubt that this has happened.
Stugotz
It's time for a dick off.
Dan LeBatard
Dallas's dick got a lot better last year.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, they have a much bigger dick.
Billy Corben
Right, But I thought the Heat had dick, in your words. No, they don't have dick. A good thing or a bad thing?
Mike Ryan
Dick is a good thing.
Stugotz
Or it can be.
Mike Ryan
Especially if it's like a big old honking.
Stugotz
Okay.
Mike Ryan
Massive hammer.
Stugotz
All right?
Mike Ryan
And that's what Dallas.
Stugotz
They got a huge showing. Like a hammer.
Mike Ryan
They got a hammer. Like that guy that they would text.
Stugotz
You during for the audio audience on a second. No. Jesus Christ. No, no, no. Look, that's not the show.
Dan LeBatard
We're doing five minutes major come out.
Mike Ryan
You get like, a San Francisco Times link, and I click it, and all of a sudden, huge, and you're, like, showing off out.
Stugotz
What's the matter with, you know, the.
Mike Ryan
Guy that I'm talking about?
Dan LeBatard
We all do.
Stugotz
Stop.
Mike Ryan
Legend.
Stugotz
You grow up. I mean, Wild Bill.
Billy Corben
Yeah, he's right.
Tony
We're talking about Uncle Greg.
Stugotz
What do you need to apologize to the audience for? For something that happened on the Greg Cody show featuring Greg Cody with.
Tony
It was a. It was poor timing on my part.
Dan LeBatard
It was fantastic.
Tony
No. Okay. My gripe of wrath this week was to rail against parents and coaches who turn their uniformed kids into money whores, if I'm being honest, to beggars who are outside a supermarket entrance begging money from people who walk in.
Greg Cody
I ran into that at the Panther game two days ago.
Tony
Yeah, that's right. I don't like that. Okay, I don't like that. But that was a very popular opinion because earlier in the show I happened to mention that my wife and I had just been to a Michelin star restaurant at the Four Seasons and spent more money on a dinner than I have ever spent in my entire life.
Stugotz
I love saying what you said.
Tony
So that juxtaposition of me having a very expensive dinner and then what kind.
Stugotz
Of dinner was it?
Tony
It was, you know, it was one of those nine or 12.
Stugotz
Do you know what you were eating? Like, how wonderful was it how many stars? You love telling people this. So what is the, the genre of.
Tony
Food there were, as you can imagine, from a 12 course meal, it was all different things, including, you know, wagyu beef.
Dan LeBatard
And it was just my dad having such a blind spot for one minute, bragging about $375 per person and then like five minutes later ripping these kids for asking him for a dollar outside.
Tony
Of publix, you know, oh my God.
Stugotz
Your father is disgusting. No, but your father, in terms of entitlement is one of the great white men I've ever seen.
Dan LeBatard
And then it was great. His logic on donating, he's like, if it's my kids team, yes, I'll donate. And I'm like, you realize with that logic, nobody would ever donate to any.
Stugotz
It's so great.
Tony
Okay.
Stugotz
It's so great. Your father is awful. Here is a 70 year old man who's my granddaughter.
Tony
I'd give five handling.
Stugotz
Here we go.
Tony
Have a car. Something for the transaction. Here we go. I'm giving you $10. Wash my car.
Greg Cody
Well, don't they usually have candy they're selling you for?
Stugotz
Zaz, I'm going to need you to stand back, sir. Stand down.
Tony
If they Girl scouts, if I give them $5, they give me a box of cookies. You know, since when do you just. Could you give me money and they all have a bucket or something?
Stugotz
Okay, so I am. They all have a bucket or something, ladies and gentlemen.
Tony
These kids don't want to learn. They don't want to earn. You know, they're looking for a handout.
Dan LeBatard
The best is my dad also falls on both sides. He does.
Tony
He.
Dan LeBatard
He's on both sides of the argument. He doesn't have cash, but he doesn't also do the. Oh, Venmo, you have a barcode. I don't have that. And I don't have cash.
Tony
I don't. Okay, you know what I've done? I've mastered the art of pretending to be on my phone. Oh, that's terrible.
Billy Corben
Wait, wait. Show us how you do it. So, Dan, go ask him for a dollar.
Stugotz
Okay, can we recreate this in another room, please? Because I'd like. I'd like you all to experience. Okay. What an entitled classist my friend Greg Cody is, who has no problem telling you down his nose about the expensive wines he had that he doesn't understand and the gourmet spices that had that cost. That cost hundreds of dollars. I've never spent so much on a meal. It's crazy excess. Also, as I'm leaving, I fart and burp on the person asking me for a dollar. As I leave the Michelin.
Tony
What accent is that?
Stugotz
Five star restaurant.
Tony
Who are you?
Stugotz
It's obnoxious, arrogant, entitled Greg Cody.
Tony
I raise my kids not to panhandle.
Dan LeBatard
Here, we can do it right here.
Stugotz
Hey.
Dan LeBatard
Hi, sir. I. I'm with the. The Sunrise football team. Can you donate to my team?
Tony
I'm on an important call.
Dan LeBatard
Oh, well, maybe on the way out, maybe.
Tony
Yeah, the McGillicuddy file is in my up. You can't do it.
Stugotz
That.
Dan LeBatard
Your go to. Like, what's your go to? I'm not really on the phone. Like, what do you say?
Stugotz
Do that.
Tony
The go to is because you only.
Dan LeBatard
You actually say McGillicuddy.
Tony
No, the go. The go to is. I'm walking into Publix right now. I'll probably be home in about 20 minutes. Do you need a carton of eggs, even though they're really expensive now? Okay, yeah, I'll get you a couple of dozen eggs.
Dan LeBatard
I hope you actually put your phone up and not just use your hand.
Tony
No, I use my hand. They're kids. They don't know any better.
Billy Corben
It's weird that, like, people go to these fancy restaurants because, like, a tire company told them to. Right?
Tony
That's true. It is the Michelin tire company.
Billy Corben
It's the same company. That's a weird thing. It's like, well, the tire company said.
Stugotz
I gotta go here, so scandalous. You've got it exactly right.
Tony
And by the way, a week after winning that Michelin star, this restaurant pretty much doubled their prices.
Billy Corben
Wow.
Tony
And we fell for it anyway.
Stugotz
All right, so again, Greg dying to tell you this story. Dying to tell you that he dined better than A peasant man.
Chris Cody
I will say this in Greg's defense. There is a couple times where I'm on the street, I'm at the stoplight, and then I see a gentleman who is not of youth football age.
Greg Cody
Go on.
Chris Cody
Who's walking up to me and has got the helmet, and I'm like, buddy, I don't think you play football. Buddy, I don't know what you're doing with this. I don't like it. It's rife for scams, though. That's. That's the one thing I will give you.
Tony
Greg. Correct. And by the way, I wasn't dying to tell people how much money I spent on dinner.
Dan LeBatard
The Internet just criticized you for not for your blind spot of I had a rich dinner.
Stugotz
Oh, you don't want to come up.
Tony
On my podcast, Chris. Cody.
Stugotz
So what's the apology?
Tony
The apology is the timing of it was bad. The timing, I should have had better foresight.
Greg Cody
Not the message, though.
Tony
Well, I don't think the message is bad.
Dan LeBatard
That's not an apology.
Tony
And I don't think people disagree with me.
Stugotz
Chris, can we get the PR firm of McGillicuddy? And I don't think most people disagree with me. Is not just an apology. It's. It's doubling down.
Tony
Okay, parents. I'm talking to parents and coaches now of you sports athletes. Earn the money that you're asking for. Have a car wash, have a bake sale. Sell lemonade out of an old timey. Stand on the sidewalk out front of your house. Do something to earn the money. Don't just teach your kids, which I never did, to go out to total strangers with your hat in your hand and say, could you please give me money, sir?
Stugotz
Why do you think your son has a career in this business? You gave him to me. And that's been you panhandling for 20 years.
Tony
I think that's apples and oranges.
Stugotz
It's exactly the same thing. You think your son is qualified for the job he's presently in. You think he's the best person in all of America to run this, one of the great sports shows of all time.
Tony
Well, that's a little bit of an exaggeration. No, you're the one who hired him.
Stugotz
Your son has a job because he's been. He's corporate nepotism, welfare.
Tony
Okay, who hired him?
Stugotz
You did.
Tony
No, you did.
Stugotz
By being my friend. We put him in a job. He's totally qualified.
Mike Ryan
Stands up on your kid.
Billy Corben
He's right. That's actually right here.
Mike Ryan
Double nepotism. Double Nepotism. You take care of Greg because he's your friend, and then you take care of Greg's son because Greg's your friend.
Stugotz
And what of it?
Billy Corben
And Grayson's starting her internship next week.
Mike Ryan
Why are you putting this on other people?
Stugotz
It's what we've built. It's Greg Cody's entitlement, saying, hey, you know how good I am at this thing. And this. This is what drives Zaslow crazy. You guys don't understand. You really don't. How. What a wonderful gig we've had. Zaslow is fundamentally offended by how your father treats this job. As if he's such a stellar talent that he should be allowed to dine in all the best restaurants and tell the handler I'm too big for you, so that he can do what Bert Kreischer and his buddy on Two Bears can do when they're breaking white cigar. Whatever that from their audience, because they. They refer to their audience as the poor.
Tony
Okay, let me. Let me tell you something, Levitar, because you're always taking all credit for everything. I earn my money, and Approximately half of 1% of the money I earn comes from the LeBatard show and me doing this show, okay? And that's a fact. Granted, most of the money is made by my wife, but still.
Stugotz
That's a fact, Jack.
Tony
That's. Well, you know, that kind of thing.
Billy Corben
But he's emotional, and you know it.
Mike Ryan
When you get emotional, you forget your catchphrases.
Tony
Okay, I don't forget them. I just like to parse them. You know, I like to separate them.
Stugotz
Zazlow, I love him and his son. But, Zazzle, you've been fascinated by this particular tree in our environment for a.
Greg Cody
Long time, I think. Yeah, I think you guys are lucky. I think you get in here and you're fiddling around with your microphone, and you're. You're showing up late. It'd be like if I wrote a column in crayon.
Billy Corben
What time did you get here yesterday?
Greg Cody
8:59.
Tony
Okay.
Greg Cody
I was on the show start.
Tony
I was here at 8. 25.
Billy Corben
Oh.
Stugotz
Oh. It's not just a dick off. It's a punctual off.
Tony
I am punctual. Okay. And I don't rattle my microphone. I'm prepared. I have topics. I'm a professional.
Stugotz
You do rattle your microphone.
Tony
No, I don't.
Billy Corben
When he's asked to by his son, and then his son starts playing sounds, trying to convince him they're coming from his computer.
Greg Cody
Your computer was beeping last week.
Tony
Yeah, and that was a fake and I exposed it as a fake.
Billy Corben
Yeah, but that's journalism right there.
Tony
Yes. Thank you.
Billy Corben
Investigative.
Tony
Billy knows.
Billy Corben
Yeah, Billy. Dad, I'm good.
Stugotz
For those of you who are looking inside, this thing needs to keep churning, baby. DraftKings needs us to pump it out, and we are pumping it out. Whether alarms are going off and whether the building's on fire, we're going to keep it moving. But I want you to know that this particular fire is real. The connection between Greg Cody and Chris Cody, lest it felt disrespectful, what it is I was just doing and saying around my friends who I love and Greg can get prickly about this stuff, I realize is one of the most valuable things Meadowlark Media has because the people who ride with us most firmly know that this show rode in protection of love and friendship so that Chris Cody could be in an executive producer job in which he's totally overwhelmed. Overwhelmed, Overmatched. It's too big a job. Mike Ryan just wants to watch it from the corner. He doesn't even want to do it anymore. Nobody wants to executive produce the monster. Le's out of control. He's sermonizing.
Greg Cody
Slowing down.
Stugotz
He's going crazy. Why would he go crazy? It's not like America's going to or anything. How's your ankle that legitimately here, Tony? I wasn't acting like, you know, that my ankle gave there.
Chris Cody
It was the shoes, I think. Low cut shoes.
Tony
I thought it was your Achilles.
Dan LeBatard
All right, so here's something interesting. Did you know that sleep actually is really important to recovery? I mean, who knew, right? And everyone needs something different from their bed, which is why sleep number makes these smart beds that let you adjust each side to the firmness you want. Kind of perfect for couples that can't agree on anything. They've even partnered with the NFL since 2018, and 80% of NFL players sleep on a sleep number smart bed. So, yeah, there's a reason these things are popular. They've got beds that cool you down up to 15 degrees cooler on either side to help you sleep better. Especially if you're someone who wakes up sweating like you just ran wind sprints in your dreams. The bed also responds to your movements and adjusts as you sleep, which is wild. Why choose sleep number smart bed? So you can choose your ideal comfort on either side. And now it's the sleep number everything smart bed sale. Every smart bed and base are on sale during our Memorial Day event. Up to 50% off limited time, exclusively at a sleep number store. Near you. See store or sleepnumber.com for details.
Mike Ryan
Hey everybody, it's Mike Ryan. You know, I'm a race fan. You know, I travel to races and I had a great experience a couple of weeks ago sitting outside the rv, toasting the good times with Miller Lights in hand with some of my best buddies. It was truly a memory that I will remember forever and truly a time that was made better by making that time a Miller time. Trust me when I say there just isn't a better feeling than hanging out with your boys, clanging those beautiful white cans of Miller Lite and realizing that you don't gotta worry about the taste of your beer. Because the taste of your beer is designed for people who love the taste of beer. A taste that you know you you can depend on. A great beer. Trusted by beer lovers for 50 years. From game night to race night to parties with friends or a special anniversary, celebrating important occasions means more moments with the coolest people in your life. Cheers to 50 years of Miller Light, the great tasting light beer for people who Love beer since 1975. 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. It's Millerton time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: The Big Suey: Rigged Or Not Rigged
Release Date: May 13, 2025
In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, the hosts dive deep into one of the most controversial topics in sports: whether the NBA draft lottery is rigged. The discussion, laden with passionate opinions and insider insights, explores the intricacies of the draft system, recent high-profile trades, and the potential influence of superstar players on team strategies.
[07:00] Greg Cody initiates the conversation by questioning the legitimacy of the NBA draft lottery system. He muses, "If they're rigging the draft, people would go to prison," challenging the NBA's integrity in maintaining a fair selection process.
[08:09] Mike Ryan counters, expressing skepticism about the system’s transparency: "Why is this system still in place? Everyone has an issue with it. It's the worst of the major sports."
The hosts discuss various models proposed to improve the lottery, such as weighting teams' performances in the last 20 games to discourage tanking. [08:37] Tony suggests, "There are models to improve the lottery... like putting extra weight on a team's record in the last 20 games."
[09:11] Tony further elaborates on potential solutions, including mini-tournaments and adjustments inspired by other sports leagues like the NHL, which has a more controlled draft lottery system.
The conversation shifts towards recent NBA trades and rumors surrounding key players.
[02:35] Greg Cody discusses the Miami Heat's strategic moves, highlighting their interest in acquiring Anthony Davis and the implications for their championship window: "Nico has a three-year championship window. If they're picking the direction of Cooper Flag, then you need to trade away Anthony Davis."
[04:21] Billy Corben reacts to reports of Giannis Antetokounmpo's willingness to consider any team, including the Miami Heat: "Every. Well, he's definitely not interested in going to the Washington Wizards. But Giannis interested."
[05:19] Greg Cody argues that Anthony Davis remains a pivotal asset: "Anthony Davis is a power broker, whether he's injured or not. He's one of the top 10 players in the league."
[07:23] Mike Ryan questions the feasibility of these high-profile acquisitions, emphasizing the economic and logistical challenges: "Why is this still around? Everyone has an issue with it. It's the worst of the major sports."
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the integrity of the NBA’s lottery system.
[16:02] Tony opens up on the perception of the lottery being rigged, tying it to the NBA’s handling of tanking: "Everyone thinks it's rigged. Why is this system still in place?"
[17:13] Billy Corben brings historical context, referencing Tim Donaghy's scandal involving referee manipulation: "There was a rogue referee in the 2006 finals. It was proven to be rigged."
[18:25] Greg Cody defends the NBA against accusations of rigging by challenging the legal repercussions: "Why would they risk going to prison for the NBA? It's every team in there, too."
[19:06] Billy Corben sarcastically questions the constitutional basis for rigging the lottery: "Where is it in the Constitution? Right to bear arms, right to smoke-free..."
[22:49] Mike Ryan reiterates his stance on public perception: "Everyone thinks it's rigged because it’s not transparent, and teams continue to tank despite the lottery system."
The hosts delve into the potential movement of superstar players to the Miami Heat, fueled by rumors and reports.
[19:47] Greg Cody claims he has credible sources indicating both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis are interested in joining the Miami Heat: "From what I've been told, Giannis and Anthony Davis are both potentially interested in the Miami Heat."
[28:05] Greg Cody emphasizes Miami Heat's attractiveness despite their current roster limitations: "The Miami Heat have been mentioned by Giannis. People know who's on the Heat's roster, yet they are still telling the Heat that Giannis is interested."
[30:00] Billy Corben expresses frustration over Miami’s potential dominance if they acquire such star players: "What’s to stop the Heat from getting Kevin Durant, Giannis, Anthony Davis, LeBron?"
[31:02] Stugotz highlights the strategic maneuvering behind the scenes: "The Miami Heat would want to be in play for... players like Kevin Durant, Giannis... They have fixed costs which the lottery pays for everything."
As the discussion intensifies, conflicting viewpoints and personal jabs emerge among the hosts.
[25:40] Tony shares a personal anecdote critiquing parental and coaching behaviors: "Parents and coaches who turn their uniformed kids into panhandlers...".
[28:07] Greg Cody questions the credibility of sources: "Do you know any other team names that they've invoked, or do you just know that they've..."
[35:35] Tony and [35:56] Billy Corben engage in lighthearted banter, mocking each other's attempts to portray entitlement and journalistic integrity.
[38:17] Stugotz criticizes Greg Cody’s nepotism: "You think your son is qualified for the job he's presently in. You think he's the best person in all of America to run this show."
[40:10] Tony defends his contributions: "Approximately half of 1% of the money I earn comes from the LeBatard show and me doing this show."
The episode wraps up with reflections on the NBA's future and the importance of league transparency.
[41:13] Tony emphasizes the need for better practices: "Investigative journalism is critical in uncovering the truth behind these rumors."
[42:17] Greg Cody circles back to personal injuries, lightening the conversation: "How's your ankle that legitimately hurt, Tony?"
[43:37] Mike Ryan and the hosts sign off by reiterating their commitment to discussing pivotal issues in sports, ensuring listeners stay informed and engaged.
Suspicion Surrounding the NBA Draft Lottery: The hosts passionately debate the fairness and transparency of the NBA draft lottery system, drawing parallels to historical scandals and proposing potential reforms.
High-Stakes Player Trades: Discussions highlight the strategic importance of superstar players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis, and their potential impact if they were to join the Miami Heat.
Internal Conflicts: The episode features spirited exchanges among the hosts, showcasing differing perspectives and personal opinions on sports journalism and league operations.
Call for Transparency: A recurring theme emphasizes the need for greater transparency and integrity within the NBA to restore public trust and ensure fair competition.
This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the NBA draft lottery's legitimacy, enriched by the hosts' dynamic interactions and in-depth analysis. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or new to the podcast, this discussion provides valuable insights into one of basketball's most debated topics.