The Dan Patrick Show Episode: Hour 1 – Gap Year in the NBA, Damian Lillard Won the Lottery
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves deep into the latest developments in the NBA, focusing on Damian Lillard's surprising move to the Milwaukee Bucks, the concept of a "gap year" for NBA teams, and the broader implications for the league's competitive landscape. The discussion is enriched with expert insights, listener interactions, and thought-provoking poll questions.

Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks

Waiving Damian Lillard:
Dan Patrick kicks off the conversation by addressing the Milwaukee Bucks' decision to waive Damian Lillard, a monumental move that signals a significant shift in the team's strategy.

• Dan Patrick [03:04]:
  "Back to what happened yesterday with the Bucks. They waived Dame Lillard. They still have to pay him close to $100 million to go away and then he'll be free to sign with anybody after he heals from his Achilles surgery."

Financial Implications and Lillard's Future:
Dan explores the financial ramifications for both the Bucks and Lillard, highlighting the hefty payout and Lillard's promising prospects despite his injury.

• Dan Patrick [04:29]:
  "He doesn't sound too heartbroken because he said, 'I won the lottery.' Basically, I'm going to get paid $100 million. I'm going to get $2 million a month to not do anything and then I can sign anywhere I want."

Dan speculates on Lillard's career trajectory post-rehab, emphasizing his age and potential performance levels.

• Dan Patrick [24:23]:
  "You're paying me a hundred million dollars. I'm not going to retire. Be 36 probably when I'm ready to come back to the NBA, I can play anywhere."

Impact on Milwaukee Bucks and the NBA Landscape

Bucks' Strategic Moves:
The waiving of Lillard opens the door for the Bucks to acquire Miles Turner from Indiana, aiming to rejuvenate their roster with younger, more athletic talent.

• Dan Patrick [04:29]:
  "Brook Lopez went to the Clippers, so they get younger and more athletic I would say with Miles Turner than Brook Lopez."

Comparison with Other Teams:
Dan contrasts the Bucks' moves with other Eastern Conference teams like the Pacers, Celtics, and Cleveland, discussing their current standings and future potential.

• Dan Patrick [09:12]:
  "Feels like Cleveland, they got Lonzo Ball because Darius Garland coming off toe surgery. But Cleveland is still the class of the East. Milwaukee will be better. Orlando is going to be better. Atlanta is going to be better. Detroit should be better."

The Knicks' Coaching Conundrum

Potential Candidates:
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the New York Knicks' recent coaching decisions, particularly the possibility of Dawn Staley, a renowned women's basketball coach, taking the helm.

• Dan Patrick [12:51]:
  "She couldn't pass up culturally or historically, she’d be remembered for generations."

Debate on Suitability:
Dan and co-host Marvin debate whether Dawn Staley's coaching style is compatible with the NBA's demanding environment, considering her success in college basketball.

• Marvin [12:25]:
  "She has her pick of the litter in college basketball and she can always go back."

• Dan Patrick [13:14]:
  "But you can't sit here and say, well, you know, don't work us too hard. We want to be fresh for the playoffs."

Listener Poll: Dame Lillard's Decision

Poll Question:
The show features an engaging poll question centered on Damian Lillard's next steps following his injury and contract situation.

• Dan Patrick [24:06]:
  "Time for the hour one poll question, Satan. It's one from Paul."

• Poll Details [24:12]:
  "If you were Damian Lillard, would you rehab your Achilles and join a team as soon as possible or retire?"

Discussion and Insights:
The hosts debate the feasibility of Lillard's options, considering his age, financial security, and passion for the game.

• Seaton [25:40]:
  "36, 62 guard coming off of an Achilles injury."

• Dan Patrick [27:41]:
  "And I couldn't see retiring, not at 35, 36."

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Missed Opportunities

Historical Perspective:
Dan and co-host Marvin reflect on the Oklahoma City Thunder's rise and eventual stagnation, pondering whether managing a talented young roster too quickly led to their downfall.

• Marvin [28:05]:
  "I think we exceeded expectations with that team. And when you reach the finals and you go through a run like that so quick, I don't think a GM owner was ready for that."

• Dan Patrick [28:34]:
  "The other voice you heard there was Steve Nash. Why couldn't they win a title?"

Roster Analysis:
They analyze the age and development of key players like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, assessing their impact and shortcomings.

• Paulie [30:21]:
  "Kevin Durant averaged 28 that year at age 23. Westbrook averaged 24 at age 23."

NBA Integrity and Malik Beasley's Gambling Scandal

Gambling Issues:
A heated discussion unfolds around Malik Beasley's alleged gambling problems and their potential implications for the NBA's integrity.

• Marvin [41:00]:
  "That is terrible, terrible. We hope what you're seeing is okay."

• Dan Patrick [42:00]:
  "This is where you really damage a league. This is."

Historical Comparisons:
Dan references past incidents like Tim Donaghy's refereeing scandal to emphasize the severity of current issues.

• Marvin [43:01]:
  "With Malik Beasley, there's a whole lot here. A whole lot here."

Caller Interactions and Personal Stories

Appreciation for Dan Patrick:
Listeners share their admiration for Dan Patrick's influence in sports media and his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.

• Michelle Williams [34:44]:
  "I'm just calling in to recognize Dan for being a pioneer."

• Dan Patrick [35:21]:
  "I got into the Radio Hall of Fame. Was that three years ago, went to Chicago."

Insights on Bernie Madoff:
A caller named Jake discusses the Bernie Madoff scandal's impact on financial decisions within the sports industry.

• Jake [36:31]:
  "Fred Wilpon was investing with Bernie Madoff... he had to pay what, 30 million instead of 5."

Sports Naming Fun:
Listener Michael from Wisconsin shares creative 4th of July-themed sports team names, adding a fun and humorous segment to the show.

• Michael [50:06]:
  "Red Arbox, Derek White and Vita Blue... Iron Bald Eagle."

Closing Remarks

As the episode progresses, Dan Patrick continues to engage with callers, offering his perspectives on various NBA-related topics, from historical stadiums like Hinkle Field House to playful segments on sports team naming. The episode concludes with a recap of upcoming segments and promotions, ensuring listeners are well-informed and entertained.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick [03:04]:
  "Back to what happened yesterday with the Bucks. They waived Dame Lillard."

• Marvin [12:25]:
  "She has her pick of the litter in college basketball and she can always go back."

• Dan Patrick [22:37]:
  "If it's too good to be true, it is too good to be true."

• Marvin [43:01]:
  "With Malik Beasley, there's a whole lot here. A whole lot here."

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers an in-depth exploration of significant NBA developments, blending expert analysis with listener contributions. From the high-stakes maneuvering surrounding Damian Lillard's career to the intricate challenges faced by coaching candidates like Dawn Staley, Dan Patrick ensures that his audience remains well-informed and engaged with the ever-evolving landscape of professional basketball.

For more insights and discussions, tune in to The Dan Patrick Show on Fox Sports Radio, available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.