The Best of The Dan Patrick Show

Summary

The Dan Patrick Show — The Best of The Dan Patrick Show

Episode Date: June 16, 2026
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

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Episode Overview

This “Best of” episode features highlights from Dan Patrick’s daily radio show with in-depth discussions on current sports headlines, insider perspectives, and candid interviews with A-list guests. The central themes this episode are the NBA Finals (Knicks vs. Spurs), the NFL supplemental draft (Brendan Sorsby situation), and insights into prominent players and team futures. With guests like Mike Florio, Tim Legler, and Knicks champion Mikal Bridges, the episode offers unique perspectives, memorable stories, and expert analysis.

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Key Segments & Insights

1. The NFL Supplemental Draft & Brendan Sorsby Controversy

Guest: Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk)
[02:10–09:26]

How the Supplemental Draft Works

• Mike Florio explains: The NFL’s supplemental draft is “basically a lottery” for players whose eligibility changes post-regular draft.
• Teams are grouped and prioritized by previous season’s records; corresponding draft picks for the next season are sacrificed based on bids.
• Quote: “If you use, for example, [a] third round pick to get Brendan Sorsby, you lose next year's third round pick.” (03:01, Florio)

Brendan Sorsby: Talent vs. Risk

• Sorsby considered “first round talent,” but teams are wary due to PR issues and gambling controversy surrounding Texas Tech.
• Limited scouting time and unresolved issues around Sorsby raise doubt among owners—some might pass entirely.

NFL Policy & Precedent

• Key question: Will the NFL accept Sorsby’s eligibility?
• Past examples, like Terrell Pryor (five-game suspension to simulate NCAA), show the NFL can flex policies as they see fit.
• Quote: “If the NFL wants to find a way to keep him out, they could cobble something together.” (04:54, Florio)

Medical & Mental Health Concerns

• Teams expect full transparency on mental health and gambling history; reluctance could eliminate him from consideration.
• Quote: “If there's any resistance in being fully transparent, then they just won't draft you.” (07:55, Florio)

Biggest Question for the NFL

• Florio: “I would just want to have a very reliable snapshot of what's going on with [Sorsby] right now... is he ready to jump straight into an NFL training camp with no off season?” (08:50, Florio)

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2. NBA Finals: Knicks Triumph & Spurs Lessons

Guest: Tim Legler (ESPN Lead NBA Analyst)
[13:49–28:40]

Why the Younger, More Athletic Spurs Lost to the Knicks

• Fatigue played a role, but Legler highlights the Spurs’ “uncertainty and lack of identity” in clutch moments, compared to Knicks’ clear endgame strategy around Jalen Brunson.
• Coach Mitch Johnson’s inexperience a factor, as was the youth of Spurs’ core trio (all 22 or under).
• Quote: “I really think that was the biggest factor and experience is a big part… for me, it starts with your identity, where you want to go when the game's on the line.” (14:23, Legler)

Victor Wembanyama’s Finals Performance

• Wembanyama had “a good finals,” but lacked consistent dominance in crucial moments and in the fourth quarter.
• Legler identifies a need to evolve Wemby’s mid-range game, referencing Dirk Nowitzki’s signature top-of-key area.
• Quote: “It's that area from 15 to 20ft in that Dirk Nowitzki type...he doesn't really operate much in that area...that's the next step in the evolution for Victor Wembanyama.” (15:56, Legler)

Knicks 2027 Outlook: Contenders Again?

• Knicks benefited from injuries/weaknesses among competitors, but have proven championship mettle and now have genuine self-belief.
• Quote: “There is no reason to think that the Knicks can't return to the Finals...they're going to be one of those teams on a very short list.” (17:43, Legler)

Spurs’ Future: The De’Aaron Fox Dilemma

• Fox viewed as a potential “elite scorer off the bench,” but the future belongs to Stefan Castle and Dylan Harper.
• Quote: “The future is Castle and Harper, there’s no question about that...they're going to have one of the best backcourts in the NBA within the next couple of years.” (18:35, Legler)

Jalen Brunson’s Rise to NBA Elite

• Brunson’s “certainty,” clutch play, and leadership set him apart, described as having rare “Mamba mentality.”
• Not compared to anyone athletically, but praised for footwork, intelligence, and poise.
• Quote: “He's literally elevated himself to right there at the top of the list...because what he has shown you is he has an ability to process high pressure situations in a way that most guys are never capable of getting to.” (21:20, Legler)

Criticism of Spurs’ Defensive Gameplan

• Surprisingly little doubling of Brunson, despite his domination in Game 5.
• Quote: “You have to force that ball out of his hands and see who else can go make a play...they didn’t, to me, take the ball out of his hands enough in game five.” (25:13, Legler)

Hypothetical: Giannis to Boston or Miami?

• Miami would be “more interesting,” making another team a real contender, whereas Boston is already strong.
• Quote: “Giannis is that kind of tipping point player. Boston’s already going to be in that category, even if they don’t make a move.” (26:45, Legler)

Dylan Harper or Cooper Flagg?

• Legler leans Cooper Flagg for versatility but sees both as future all-league players.
• Quote: “Do you like ribeye or sushi? I like both. That's how I would answer that question. Give me the surf and turf.” (27:20, Legler)

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3. New York Knicks’ NBA Title Run – Mikal Bridges Interview

Guest: Mikal Bridges (Knicks Forward, NBA Champion)
[31:36–40:31]

Realization of Winning

• Still hasn’t sunk in; expects the parade to make it real.
• Quote: “Not yet. I think when that parade happens, I think it's probably going to be the most right there.” (31:46, Bridges)

Overcoming Game 4 Deficit

• Coach Mike Brown: “Just one possession at a time.”
• Team mentality focused on incremental comeback rather than overwhelming pressure.

Knicks’ “Extra Gear” vs. Young Spurs

• Bridges didn’t see Spurs as tired; credits their fight and attributes Knicks’ edge to experience, not energy.
• Quote: “I couldn't tell if they was tired or not. They're a really good team, young...personally I didn't think they were tired...” (32:49, Bridges)

Jalen Brunson’s Unique Style

• Skill, footwork, elite shot-making—fearless mentality noticed by teammates since college.
• Quote: “Skill and footwork. That's pretty [much it]. And, like, elite shot making. So that's my three right there.” (33:17, Bridges)

Behind the Scenes: Jay Wright’s Villanova & Early Nicknames

• Jay Wright’s insistence on toughness for Brunson; Bridges’ redshirt year taught him patience and work ethic.
• Stories about nicknames: “The Warden” (Phoenix: defensive prowess), “Brooklyn Bridges” (Nets), and the “five draft picks guy.”
• Quote: “Because they say I lock people up on defense.” (38:46, Bridges, on the nickname 'the Warden')

Team Culture: James Dolan’s Support

• Unusual for Dolan to address the team; Bridges saw these speeches as a sign of true belief and commitment.
• Bridges appreciated Dolan stepping out of his comfort zone to connect with the players.
• Quote: “He didn’t have to, but he did that because he truly believed and he truly wanted to win for the city.” (37:01, Bridges)

Memories & Memorabilia

• Keeping everything from Game 5: “Got my sneakers, got the goggles, hat, jerseys. Damn near tights and socks, too.” (38:13, Bridges)

Lightness & Camaraderie

• Asks if celebrity Knicks fans (Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan, etc.) get rings—Bridges generously says “yes to everybody.”

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Sorsby & NFL policies:
  “If the NFL wants to find a way to keep him out, they could cobble something together.”
  —Mike Florio (04:54)

• On the Knicks’ identity:
  “It starts with your identity, where you want to go when the game's on the line. The Knicks have no, no questions whatsoever in that regard.”
  —Tim Legler (14:23)

• Jalen Brunson praise:
  “He's literally elevated himself to right there at the top of the list…he has an ability to process high-pressure situations in a way that most guys are never capable of getting to.”
  —Tim Legler (21:20)

• Mikal Bridges on ‘The Warden’ nickname:
  “Because they say I lock people up on defense. So it was pretty cool. It's an honor, you know, big compliment.”
  —Mikal Bridges (38:46)

• Mikal Bridges on James Dolan’s speeches:
  “He didn’t have to, but he did that because he truly believed and he truly wanted to win for the city.”
  —Mikal Bridges (37:01)

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Important Timestamps

• NFL Supplemental Draft segment: [02:10–09:26]
• Tim Legler NBA analysis: [13:49–28:40]
• Mikal Bridges Knicks interview: [31:36–40:31]

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode is lively and candid, blending detailed analysis with humor and storytelling. Dan Patrick’s style is conversational but incisive, drawing out expert insights from guests while keeping the mood light, particularly during player interviews.

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This episode is a must-listen for NBA enthusiasts seeking Finals insight, NFL fans interested in league policies and controversies, and anyone who loves inside-the-locker-room sports stories.

Transcript

[Tim Legler]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Cindy Crawford]

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[Mike Florio]

I turned off news altogether.

[Dan Patrick]

I hate to say it, but I don't trust much of anything. It's the rage bait.

[Cindy Crawford]

It feels like it's trying to divide people.

[Mikal Bridges]

We got clear facts.

[Dan Patrick]

Maybe we could calm down a little. NBC News brings you clear reporting. Let's meet at the Facts. Let's move forward from there. NBC News reporting for America. Lot to celebrate this summer. And why not take the beverage with you that loves to celebrate with you. Keep it classic. It's Miller Lite. Whether you're toasting the birth of our nation, our soccer team, or maybe just a warm evening on the deck, it's Miller Time in America. That's why I reach for a Miller Lite. And you should, too. All American Summer starts with an all American beer. Go to millerlight.com Patrick Find delivery options near you or pick up Miller Lite pretty much anywhere that they sell beer. It's Miller Time. Celebrate response responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories, 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.

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[Dan Patrick]

Want to drive CarMax? You are listening to the Dan Patrick show on FOX Sports Radio, Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk and whenever I need to be made smarter with the NFL, I always call Mike. And Mike joins us now. All right, Mike, how does the supplemental draft work?

[Mike Florio]

Well, you know Dan, they haven't had one since 2023. No one was picked that year. The last was 2019. And what it is people say the NFL doesn't have a draft lottery. The supplemental draft is basically a lottery. They break the teams into three groups based on how they finished the prior year. Teams with six or fewer wins are in one group. Teams with six or more wins that didn't make the playoffs or in another playoff teams are in the third. They do a weighted lottery, determined priority and then they basically go round by round where you have to put in that you're willing to give up your pick in next year's draft. If you use, for example, third round pick to get Brendan Source, you lose next year's third round pick. You bid in advance of the round and then they see how many teams put in and the team that is highest on the priority list gets it.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay, maybe it's too early to handicap what he's worth. I think he's got first round talent. But what is somebody willing to give up for Brendan Sorsby, in your opinion?

[Mike Florio]

Well, it's going to be a team by team decision, Dan. And I think it would be foolish to disregard the outcry over the past week and just the PR bunglings by Texas Tech and the storm of controversy that emerged. I think it's going to scare some owners off. This is a guy who touches the ball on every play. You're going to want to be 100% sure. You're not going to have an Arch Leester or some other issue. In this day and age where the NFL is trying very hard to walk the line between profiting from gambling but also keeping any scandals from infiltrating the sport, I think that's going to be a big factor. And you get limited time to properly scout them. You've got limited time to get to the bottom of the gambling issue and any associated diagnoses. I think some teams are just going to say we're not going to do it. Now. You're going to have other teams that, like the Browns, frankly, that look at everything as an analytical exercise and they're going to try to project what the value of Brendan Sorsby is and who knows what they will do. Their coach, Todd Monkin, is the only coach who has spoken publicly about Sewersby since all of this first came up.

[Dan Patrick]

Any chance the NFL does not let Source be into the supplemental draft or punishes him retroactively once he gets into the NFL, like Terrell Pryor.

[Mike Florio]

And those are the two big questions, Dan. First, will they accept his application for eligibility? I was looking at the CBA today. There's enough language in there to let them basically do whatever they want. They could say, for example, if they want to, that you knew you weren't going to be eligible for 2026. You knew what you had done. You knew which way this was going to go. You deliberately waited until after the regular draft and then played your cards and realized it wasn't going to work. And then you went into the supplemental draft. I'm not saying they're going to do that, but if the NFL wants to find a way to keep him out, they could cobble something together. And then as to the suspension. Yeah. In 2011, Terrell Pryor was facing a five game suspension from the NCAA. He entered the supplemental draft, they let him in, but then they suspended him five games to simulate what college football had done. There are people around the league who already are concerned that he may not be allowed to play at all in 2026 under the same reasoning that the NCAA applied. But the counter to that is two things. One, he has violated no NFL policies. He's done nothing wrong as far as the NFL is concerned. And number two, Keisha Booty, the Patriots receiver, he admitted to a gambling addiction. He admitted he bet on LSU when he played for lsu. And when his underage betting came to light, the NFL didn't do anything. Now, he'd already been in the NFL for a year, but the NFL did nothing to him.

[Dan Patrick]

I couldn't help but notice the lawyer that he hired, Jeffrey Kessler, who's been a thorn in the side of the NFL, I think work for the NFL Players association, if I have that right. Mike.

[Mike Florio]

Yeah. He's been a long time advocate on behalf of the players. He's been one of the instrumental figures in the various antitrust cases that have basically left the NCAA toothless. And when that hire was made, that was one of the first points we made at pft. This is a two pronged hire. This is. All right, let's try to, let's try to figure out what's going to happen with NCAA eligibility. And if that doesn't work, you've got a guy who, who has been in the, in the mud with the NFL many times and I'm told he's already working on the NFL to make sure they don't throw up roadblocks for Brendan

[Dan Patrick]

Source, who had a good day yesterday, Mike.

[Mike Florio]

A good day.

[Dan Patrick]

NCAA, Big 12, Texas Tech.

[Mike Florio]

Existential. Look, it was a good day for the NCAA. It was a good day for the Big 12. I think what happened yesterday between the Big 12 filing its lawsuit against Texas Tech and the NCAA filing its appeal in the ruling that would have allowed Sewers to be to play this year, I think he realized, I can't take the chance that I ultimately don't play at all in 2026. They put him in Checkmate. And the only smart move at that point was to say, I'm just going to fold the tents on this one and go to the NFL.

[Dan Patrick]

I don't know. Access to medical records. Mike, you know, the gambling part of this. I was also told that through all of this, he has anxiety and panic disorder issues. Like, I don't know what's fair game here if I'm a team that I can ask for and that they would accommodate.

[Mike Florio]

Well, you know how this goes, Dan. They get everything. They get everything. That's why they do the scouting combine. They go there to poke and prod and find out anything they can physically and medically about the player. And if there's any resistance in being fully transparent, then they just won't draft you. And so he's going to have to be ready to let them ask any and all questions they want to ask. He's going to have to answer them persuasively. And that's the kind of thing where I think owners who are already on the fence, if they get the impression they're not getting the full story, they're not going to authorize next year's draft pick on a guy who may not play for them this year, if ever.

[Dan Patrick]

If you're the NFL and I give you one question to ask in this situation, what are you asking?

[Mike Florio]

Wow, that's a good question. Which is my way of buying time. I don't think there's any one question. I think you just need to know everything you can about how he got here and where he is now. What is his status right now. And, you know, any rediction, any addiction, you don't just flip a switch. It's a process. And I would want to have somebody fully evaluate where he is right now, and is he ready to jump straight into an NFL training camp with no off season? He's going to get drafted if he does, and he's going to go straight to training camp, That's a hell of an adjustment for a guy who's apparently dealing with anxiety and stress and trying to overcome this addiction. So I would just want to have a very reliable snapshot of what's going on with him right now.

[Dan Patrick]

Thank you, Mike, and I hope you have a good day.

[Mike Florio]

Thank you. Thank you, Dan. I'll see you, buddy.

[Dan Patrick]

Mike Florio.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Be sure to catch the live edition

[Dan Patrick]

of the Dan Patrick show, weekdays at

[Ryan Seacrest]

9am Eastern, 6am Pacific on Fox Sports

[Dan Patrick]

Radio and the iHeartRadio app

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A lot of interaction, guys not taking themselves too seriously. Those are just some of the things that you could expect from Stugouts Co. And Stugots Co. Live. So listen to Stegotson Co. Live and our original podcast. Please subscribe, rate and review Stugatson Co. And God bless football. Taylor's livelihood depends on it. Do it today and you can check all of those out on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast. Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway for you. Save Days are here now through June 23rd. Find hot deals throughout the store and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from General Mills, Pillsbury, Snickers, Oreo, Chillamook, Ziploc, Gold, Peak and Heinz. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Stack up those rewards to save even more. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy pickup or delivery. Restrictions apply. See the website for full terms and conditions.

[Dan Patrick]

Hey everyone, it's Kal Penn. I'm the host of Irsay the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club. This week on the podcast, I am sitting down with Ray Porter, the narrator of Andy Weir's audiobook project, Hail Mary Massive sci fi adventure about survival and science and what happens when you wake up alone, very far from Earth.

[Ray Porter]

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[Dan Patrick]

See full [e-mail] I refuse to let Tim Legler start his summer vacation without coming on one more time. ESPN Lead NBA Analyst Tim thank you. I never thought I would say this, that the younger team seemed more tired and certainly wemby at the end of most of these games. How much do you think that played a role in all the comebacks that the Knicks had?

[Tim Legler]

I think fatigue factored in, Dan. I definitely think that was the case. We commented on it during the broadcast. But I think more than anything it was an uncertainty and a lack of identity in those moments that determine the games. I really think that was the biggest factor and experience is a big part You've got some, some more veteran players on the Knicks, but for me, it starts with your identity, where you want to go when the game's on the line. The Knicks have no, no questions whatsoever in that regard. It's going to be Jalen Brunson. He's going to determine it. Everybody plays off of him. And the San Antonio spurs had moments where they kind of looked around at each other, unsure about what exactly it is that they wanted to do. And I think, look, part of that is Mitch Johnson, also a very young coach, going through it for the first time. But he has limitations as a coach. If some of his players have some limitations in those moments, and they do, and that is now the next step for this group. They've got their three best players are 22 and under. They've got to address, look in the mirror and address some of the things that they need to improve and grow upon so they won't be in that situation anymore where they don't have answers late in games, because that was the difference in the series.

[Dan Patrick]

Did Victor Wembanyama have a good finals?

[Tim Legler]

Yeah, he had a good finals. He. Well, he didn't have a sensational finals. He wasn't the best player on the floor. They probably needed him to be more often, particularly in the fourth quarters of games. I'm not going to say he didn't have a good finals. I think he did. And I think there were times that he went through stretches where he had dominance, but it was for short bursts, more, more so than sustaining it throughout the 48 minutes. And certainly in those moments that determined this series, that I think is where his biggest challenge comes from. And look, we've talked about it before. He's 7 4. It's not like he can just bring the ball up, operate over the ball screen as the ball handler, or just go ISO from wherever he wants on the floor. Like most of the elite scorers in this league, it's different for him. Doesn't mean he can't be equally dominant. I just think there's a. There's an area of the floor he hasn't mastered yet that he has to. And it's that area from 15 to 20ft in that Dirk Nowitzki type. Top of the key, elbows. Jab, step, shoot over you, jab step, go by you with one dribble. He doesn't really operate much in that area of the floor. It's either rim runs or he's behind the three point line a lot. So I think that's the next step. In the evolution for Victor Wembanyama and it'll help him decide games.

[Dan Patrick]

Oh, let's look at the immediate futures of both of these teams. Start with the Knicks. They're set with their starting five. I don't know if they have any pending free agents. Money issues with these guys. So handicap the Knicks going into next season.

[Tim Legler]

Yeah, look, I think the Knicks are now, the thing that they've done is they've, they've answered questions that maybe they even had internally about themselves. And look, the path was cleared slightly for them this year with, you know, Boston missing Tatum for most of the season. No Halliburton in Indiana. Indiana Detroit doesn't have enough shooting. They were exposed for that later. The Cavaliers, we've seen like that mental toughness that you need is lacking. Philly was hurt most of the year. So there were things that went right and I'm not trying to dismiss or diminish anything the Knicks did because they played incredible basketball, but they took advantage of the situation, which is what you have to do because you never know when these opportunities present themselves. So now they look at themselves as champions. They're going to feel differently about themselves and their ability to navigate any situation going in to next year. There is no reason to think that the Knicks can't return to the Finals, can't have an opportunity to repeat next year. There's no doubt in my mind that they're going to be one of those teams on a very short list of teams that could win a championship next year.

[Dan Patrick]

And then the spurs, you've talked about their young players. I mean, you do have the Deer and Fox question because now he's going to be your highest paid player by far. Can you use him differently? Maybe.

[Tim Legler]

I think you can. And I also think people out there that now want to take it to the extreme and oh, you got to move them, you got to cut them. You know, you should never see the floor again. You know, that's just not the way the NBA works. The guy's going to make a lot of money. He's still a very good player. There's no doubt he struggled not only in the finals, but during the postseason. I think in general he took a step back offensively because he could and he accepted that. But I think that going forward, the future is going to be Stefan Castle and Dylan Harper. There's no question about that. Now both of those guys need to continue to improve their offensive games because Castle improved his like wide open three point shooting. I think he was over 40% after the all Star break. That's still a weakness in Dylan Harper's game. He can make them in rhythm, but the combination of what those guys do offensively and defensively, the pressure they put on you in the paint, address their shooting, continue to improve that area that is your backcourt. And for de' Aaron Fox, I almost think feel like now he should be a guy that's, he's still going to play 25, 30 minutes a night. Maybe he's the guy that's more anchored to your second unit because I still think he is still can be an elite scorer a lot of nights. If he's out there more as your combo guard off the bench, that might be a better role for him. But that's a lot of money for a guy coming off the bench. I get it. But the future is Castle and Harper, there's no question about that. He's gonna be one of the best backcourts in the NBA like within the next couple of years. I think Dylan Harper has a chance to be like an all league type of player. That's where you need to go. And it was obvious to me throughout the finals they were a better team. When Dylan Harper was on the floor

[Dan Patrick]

talking to Tim Legler, ESPN lead NBA analyst, trying to explain the Jalen Brunson ability to close, we had somebody call in, say, you know, this is like Mamba mentality. It's Michael Jordan at the end of games. And I, I, you know, once again we have a rush to judgment. You know, it's, it's recency bias. Brunson had a fabulous postseason. Can you start to put him in any other categories here as far as more than just, hey, you want a title and you're a great player. Has he elevated to a different platform for you?

[Tim Legler]

He definitely has. And I mean, I don't know that it was going to take like this Finals run or that Finals performance in game five. To me, it sort of had already gotten there because of what he's done here since he got to New York. And more importantly, the way he typically plays in the fourth quarter of games, the way that he takes over games, the fact that he's completely unfazed in those moments in the game that speeds guys up. It clouds thinking. It's, it's difficult to operate with that level of pressure on you that efficiently. He's done that since he got to New York. Really before that, I mean, go back to college, certainly. He had a playoff run in Dallas where he started to see it. Now he's at the point where you go, is there anybody else in the league that you trust more with the ball in their hands with the game on the line than Jalen Brunson? I mean, that's. He's literally elevated himself to right there at the top of the list. If you don't want to say he's, you know, clearly the guy, he's certainly on the. On that top two, three guys in the league that you want the ball in his hands, because what he has shown you is he has an ability to process high pressure situations in a way that most guys are never capable of getting to. And it's amazing because he doesn't do it with anything that he's relying on athletically. It's all based on footwork, playing multiple speeds, getting you off balance, touch iq, strength, you name it. Like, that's what it is. But it's not. It's not getting off the ground to elevate over guys. It's not blowing by guys. It's not a crazy handle. It's just an ability to understand where he wants to go, keep you off balance to prevent you from dictating to him anything. He dictates terms to you, whatever's in front of him. Very few guys in this league right now can dictate to the defense the way that Jalen Brunson can. He's never at your mercy. You're always at his. And that's a very, very, very unique quality to have.

[Dan Patrick]

I think he learned something from Luca because Luka does the same thing. You know, he's not blowing by you. He's not jumping over you. He has ability. Kawhi had had this ability where they kind of create the tempo. You go to their speed. And I can't help but think that when Jalen was there in Dallas watching what Luca was doing, it's basically, I'm going to control the tempo as well. I'm going to play the angles. I know what I can do and where I can do it. You just have to try to figure out getting there before I do.

[Tim Legler]

He has a quality, Dan. And look, you don't. And you're, you know, you're not comparing him to, like, players because they're all so different. But there are guys, historically in all sports, not just basketball, that have that quality of certainty. And, man, does that mean a lot to a team. Like, when your best player is that sure of the moment, of themselves and their ability to operate in those moments and be able to see things at the same speed that they do all the rest of the time with the game hanging in the balance is an incredibly rare quality that the greats have had. In all of the team sports that we watch and cover and even individual sports like golf, we see guys that have that ability, that, that laser focus ability to be so sure of themselves that you basically take any self doubt out of the equation. Now it's all muscle memory and that's what Jalen Brunson has gotten to. He's just in that place where when you need to have it, he's going to deliver because he's that certain of the outcome. It's, it's, it's really fascinating to watch. And he put on a game, he put on a show on game five that we're going to be talking about for years and years and years to come. And that series had moments obviously that we'll be talking about that are iconic. 50 years from now they'll be showing the OG Anunoby tip in as the open to the NBA Finals. There's no doubt in my mind.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah, Isaiah Thomas had this, you know, smallest guy usually on the floor, but he had that confidence and wanted the ball game on the line. And I mean there's something about that, you know, it's your DNA. They're just certain guys who were made for those moments. I still don't know why San Antonio didn't double Jalen Brunt. Like I never ever want him to beat me. I know he's the only guy on the floor who can beat me.

[Tim Legler]

He's the only guy talked about it repeatedly, you know, and it's, you never give him the same look all the time. And so they, you know, you got to mix it up. So sometimes you blitz them, sometimes you don't. Here's what I, what I felt like I saw at a San Antonio. When they got leads and they had double digit leads in every game. When they got double digit leads, they got so conservative with their approach to him because they did not want to give up three point shots. I just, I just didn't understand. The guy had almost half of their points in a closeout game. You had to go, OG Anunoby wasn't in rhythm. Mikhail Bridges wasn't really in rhythm. Carl Anthony Towns had two points in the game. They weren't getting anything off their bench. You have to force that ball out of his hands and see who else can go make a play and then you can always adjust back. But to repeatedly have that much faith in your individual defenders that they can handle him one on one because you got Wemby back there, he's not trying to get all the way to the rim. Typically, he's trying to operate in that mid range area. That means one guy's not going to be able to handle that unless you take it out of his hands. So I agree with you, and I said it repeatedly throughout the broadcast. That's how I'm the same. Like, I wouldn't want to go into the summer playing against that team knowing I didn't force that to happen. And maybe a team gets in that situation next time around, you're going to see something different. You can't give it to him the entire time because then it's too easy to draw up a game plan to pick it apart. But they didn't, to me, take the ball out of his hands enough in game five.

[Dan Patrick]

Since I won't be talking to you for a while, if you could put Giannis in Boston or Miami, which appear to be the two front runners, which situation makes the most sense?

[Tim Legler]

Man, my Miami, to me would be, you know, that would be most more interesting because I think that would elevate them immediately to a team that can contend. Boston, to me, is already going to contend. Even if they don't do anything, they're already kind of in that category. So for me to add another team to the mix, that makes it more fascinating to me where Giannis ends up, because that's always a good thing. Just more teams that you look at as relevant, that potentially could make a deep run and maybe even get to the Finals. Giannis is that kind of tipping point player. Boston's already going to be in that category, even if they don't make a move.

[Dan Patrick]

I know you like Dylan Harper a lot. If I said you could have Dylan Harper or Cooper flag,

[Tim Legler]

oh, man, why would you make me make a decision like that? I want both. I want both.

[Dan Patrick]

Is it that close? Is it that close?

[Tim Legler]

Do you like. Do you like ribeye or sushi? I like both. That's how I would answer that question. Give me the surf and turf.

[Dan Patrick]

Is it. That's the surfing turf. So you're saying now, three months ago, if I ask, you're taking Cooper flag?

[Tim Legler]

I would say, listen to me. I would probably lean Cooper flag right now because Cooper flag to me this year demonstrated, you know, more overall versatility in his game. I had more on his plate, honestly. Dylan Harper was playing on a great team, so he had a more defined role, certainly throughout most of the regular season. Now that expanded into postseason, I think both of these guys are going to be all league players. I think both of these guys are going to be the type of guys that could be the best player on teams that can contend down the road. But right now as we sit here, Cooper Flagg has demonstrated he's just got a little bit more well rounded versatility and obviously he's bigger. So that always is going to help. But I have no hesitation in saying that I think Dylan Harper not only is going to be an all league player, like a first team all league guard down the road and I don't know how long he stays at Wembley in San Antonio, but at some point these guys typically kind of want to be the best player on their own team. If that gets to the place down the road. I think Dylan Harper is going to be that good that he can be a top flight guard that can, that can lead a team deep into the postseason.

[Dan Patrick]

Great stuff this year. Thank you for being available. Timmy.

[Tim Legler]

Always, Dan, anything you need.

[Dan Patrick]

Tim Legler, Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our [e-mail] and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Dan Patrick]

Hey everyone, it's Kal Penn. I'm the host of Irsay the Audible and iHeart Audio Club. This week on the podcast, I am sitting down with Ray Porter, the narrator of Andy Weir's audiobook project Hail Mary Massive sci fi adventure about survival and science and what happens when you wake up alone, very far from Earth.

[Ray Porter]

I really had to make a decision because I caught myself getting that frog in my throat and starting to get teary as I'm narrating some of these sections. And it's like, okay, yo, yo, yo, is this indulgent? And I really thought about it. I was like, no. At this point it would kind of be betraying the trust the author and the listener have in telling this story if I don't go through it. But there's places in this book that that deeply, emotionally affected me and I left it on the mic.

[Dan Patrick]

That's great.

[Ray Porter]

Because it served the story. People will say like, oh my God, I cried at the end. It's like, yeah, dude, me too.

[Dan Patrick]

Listen to Irsay the Audible and I Heart Audiobook Club on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cindy Crawford]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Dan Patrick]

But that's weird.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Mike Florio]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Dan Patrick]

See full [e-mail] he is now an NBA champ. McHale Bridges New York Knicks forward Is that sunk in yet?

[Mikal Bridges]

Not yet. I think when that parade happens, I think it's probably going to be the most right there.

[Dan Patrick]

Well, what left you more exhausted, playing in the finals or celebrating after playing in the finals?

[Mikal Bridges]

Mix of both. The Southern. That's a mix of both. More files a little more mentally than anything, but physically, I don't know what to talk. I don't know if I give you the answer on that one.

[Dan Patrick]

Let me go Back to game four. When you're down 29, what's Mike Brown say to you guys?

[Mikal Bridges]

Just one possession at a time. That's pretty much it. And just keep, you know, keep chopping at it. You know, you can't get it back on one possession, so just take it, you know, one position at a time. And that's what we did.

[Dan Patrick]

I was talking to Tim Legler about this last hour. I said, you know, the spurs are a young team, but they seemed really tired at the end of all of those games. Why, why is that? Younger guys should be in great shape. But it felt like you guys, you had a different gear.

[Mikal Bridges]

I mean, I guess you saw what I didn't see. I didn't see that. I didn't, I couldn't tell if they was tired or not. They're really good team, young and maybe coming off next game, the seven, you know, game Sevens against okc. But personally I didn't think they were tired, but you know, they're really good young team and they just go, keep fighting. Today.

[Dan Patrick]

If somebody had never seen Jalen Brunson play, how would you describe his style?

[Mikal Bridges]

Skill. Skill and footwork. That's pretty, man. And like elite shop making. So that's my three right there.

[Dan Patrick]

And he's not afraid either.

[Mikal Bridges]

No, no, never.

[Dan Patrick]

But when did you notice that? You go back to college and all of a sudden you knew, okay, there's something different.

[Mikal Bridges]

Yeah, when he came in as a freshman, like McDonald's All American and everything. And he started like, he started as a freshman on our, on the championship team. So you know that we'll coach, right. With Jay Wright as a coach. And that's not easy to do. And just him going out there fighting every single day in the summer, the summer sessions and then, you know, coming to the, you know, the, our first, like preseason, he was just, you just see the skill and the, the toughness he had right away. And that's how, that's how he started on a championship team as a freshman.

[Dan Patrick]

Jay Wright joined us yesterday and coach said that you guys made fun of Jalen when he was the preseason MIT MVP and as a freshman and you guys were making fun of him that he was trying too hard to be the mvp when according to coach, you guys felt like anybody could have been the MVP of that preseason nit.

[Mikal Bridges]

I don't know. Oh, I wasn't really tripping. I was young at that time, too. I was just trying to make sure I didn't mess up on that court. I was really worried about that.

[Dan Patrick]

And he talked about you came in as a skinny kid and you'd go, you'd go one on one with Josh Hart all the time. And that, like that first year or that red shirt seemed to really change life for you. What did you learn when you have to sit and watch everybody play?

[Mikal Bridges]

Yeah, it was tough. I think it was one of the toughest, you know, years of my life going on playing basketball every single year. And then, you know, you finally get to college and now you're told you have to sit out a whole year when you're completely healthy. So that was, it was, it was tough because you, you know, you want to play and be out there and an excitement from going Division 1 and you've got your family and friends. But, you know, it was really about pretty, like, halfway through is where I started to click from me. I felt myself getting stronger, found myself getting better, where I was just like, okay, this is the best thing for me. But at the beginning, it was tough. I. I was. You know, I was upset and everything just because I couldn't play. I got to sit out a whole year. But obviously, the grand scheme of things was the best thing that ever happened. And I learned patience. I just learned just with your time, and I just learned just workout habits, like how to. How to be a person, to stay in the gym, how to want to be in a gym, and all those things. So I was just very grateful for that.

[Dan Patrick]

We're talking to Mikhail Bridges, the Knicks forward, NBA champ. Is Spike Lee going to get a championship ring?

[Mikal Bridges]

He should for sure.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay. How many of these rings are you think that James Dolan is going to be handing out?

[Mike Florio]

A lot.

[Dan Patrick]

Patrick, you and get one, of course. Tracy Morgan.

[Mikal Bridges]

Yeah. Everybody. You name anybody. I'm gonna say yes to everybody.

[Dan Patrick]

Timothy Chalamet. He gets one, everybody.

[Mikal Bridges]

Good. Still. Are you gonna name one?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Okay.

[Dan Patrick]

Does. Does Kylie Jenner get one? No.

[Mikal Bridges]

Yeah.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay. All right. You're really generous with your. Your owner's money. Take me back. When James Dolan addressed the team prior to the playoffs, like, he gave you guys his speech.

[Mikal Bridges]

Yeah, it was great because I. You get kind of. You know, you talked to us before, but I know it seemed like him coming over here was getting outside his comfort zone a little bit, because I think he's pretty sure, you know, let the. That's why he has Leon. Hire Leon, you know, get our coaches and let them kind of talk to the team. Like, that's. You kind of let, like, the players and the coaches, the gm, you know, over there. And obviously he'll say his words when he sees us, but I think he got out of his comfort zone for the packs pretty much that whole year, because even in the preseason, he had a speech. He talked to us when he was at dinner as a whole team. It was really cool to see, you know, and I appreciate him so much for that. And I gave him compliments both times. Just like, you know, I love his speech. And you could tell I'm a guy that I don't love public speaking that much, and I think he's fine. But I could tell that it was a little bit outside his comfort zone, and I just appreciate him for that because he didn't have to. You know what I'm saying? He didn't have to, but he did that because he truly believed and he truly wanted to win for the city. And, you know, that's. That's really good for him.

[Dan Patrick]

What did you save from game five?

[Mikal Bridges]

What did I say?

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah, Uniform. What are you keeping from winning?

[Mikal Bridges]

Oh, oh, oh, yeah. Everything. I put everything in a mesh bag. Got my sneakers, got the. Got the goggles, hat, jerseys. Damn near tights and socks, too.

[Dan Patrick]

So when did you get a nickname? The Warden. Is that true?

[Mikal Bridges]

Yeah, when I was in Phoenix, fans used to call me that. That was funny. I always, like, the war is just hilarious. Like, I don't think I got nicknames that. Oh. I mean, I don't call myself no nickname anything, but that was pretty cool.

[Dan Patrick]

Just like, wait, why. But why are you the warden?

[Mikal Bridges]

Because they say I lock people up on defense.

[Dan Patrick]

Oh, okay. Okay.

[Mikal Bridges]

So it was pretty cool. It was. It was. It was. It's an honor, you know, Big compliment.

[Dan Patrick]

It's a good thing you didn't play when Michael Jordan played if you had that nickname, because Mike. Mike would want to torture.

[Mikal Bridges]

Yeah.

[Mike Florio]

Literally.

[Mikal Bridges]

Yeah. All the fans would put all this pressure on me to go guard his ass.

[Dan Patrick]

And then you were Brooklyn Bridges with the Nets.

[Mikal Bridges]

Yeah, that was pretty cool. I like that one, too. Just. It was just easy. Made sense.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah.

[Mikal Bridges]

Yeah. Appreciate all my times with everybody. Everywhere I was at all the fans and everything, too.

[Dan Patrick]

And then you became known as the five draft picks. Guy with an ink. Yeah, I guess that's not a great Nick. That's. You don't need a nickname with that. But are you. Are you. Did your dad. Somebody said you were putting out a T shirt. Me?

[Mike Florio]

No.

[Mikal Bridges]

No. I don't think a lot of fans, even my teammates and stuff, but the five picks thing, they don't really. Obviously. I'm very grateful and blessed that, you know. You know, Dolan and Leon did that to get me for sure. But a lot of people, you know, you're saying Fton picks and stuff. I don't. That's not my motive. When I got there.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay. You gotta sober up for Thursday, right? You're gonna be. You got a little bit of time in between celebrating. You gotta be ready for that. That parade.

[Mikal Bridges]

Yeah, I'll be ready. I'll be so ready. I'm ready for that for eight.

[Dan Patrick]

Well, congratulations. That was a wonderful run. Great to see. And have fun on Thursday.

[Mikal Bridges]

Of course, man. Thank you. Thanks for having me.

[Dan Patrick]

That's Mikhail Bridges. He's the warden locking people up.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Tim Legler]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Ready to save. It's time for cyber deals. Kick off summer with fresh savings that brighten the season. You don't want to miss these exclusive week long digital offers on your favorite products that are only available when you shop online. Save on eligible items from Gatorade, Oreo, Frito, Lay and Dove. Only available now through June 16th on pickup or delivery orders only. Restrictions apply. See the website for full terms and conditions.

[Dan Patrick]

When you own your own business, you own every decision.

[Tim Legler]

Catch the red eye or take the 6am, make a new hire or promote internally.

[Dan Patrick]

Celebrate a win with the toast at the gate or unwind at the lounge.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Big props to this team.

[Dan Patrick]

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[Tim Legler]

This is an iHeart podcast.

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