The Dan Patrick Show

Episode: Hour 2 – DeMar DeRozan and the Basketball Hall of Fame, Matt Miller
Date: February 26, 2026
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on a lively roundtable discussion about the Basketball Hall of Fame, using DeMar DeRozan’s milestone as a jumping-off point to ask what makes someone a Hall of Famer, and whether the criteria are too broad. The show then transitions into an in-depth NFL Draft segment with ESPN’s Matt Miller, tackling hot-button topics like the importance of physical measurements at the NFL Combine, top draft prospects (especially Jeremiah Love), and quarterback development. As always, Dan and the Danettes keep the tone humorous, conversational, and full of side stories—including a sidetrack about New Jersey pride and a tongue-in-cheek debate about the value of silver versus bronze medals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Dan Patrick Show’s Style and Approach

Timestamps: 02:05–05:20

• Dan explains the show’s unscripted, improvisational format, which contrasts with his “scripted” ESPN days.
• Quote: “When I left, I said, I’m going to do a show the way I want to do a show...more reflective of my personality instead of the personality of my bosses.” — Dan Patrick (03:53)

2. Basketball Hall of Fame Debate—What Should the Standard Be?

Timestamps: 07:20–15:39

• DeMar DeRozan’s Career Milestone: DeRozan moves to 20th all-time in NBA scoring, prompting the panel to ask—is high scoring enough for Hall of Fame induction?
• Ensemble vs. Star Power: The crew discusses players who “got in” mainly as ensemble members (e.g., Michael Cooper, Draymond Green), versus pure individual merit.
• True Criteria: Is it about impact, stats, accolades, or being part of iconic teams?
• Notable Quotes:
  • “If you got 26,000 points, you’re in.” — Dan Patrick on Hall of Fame benchmarks (08:17)
  • “That’s an ensemble induction. It’s not just McCartney and Lennon. It’s also Ringo and George Harrison...Ringo is Michael Cooper.” — Dan Patrick (08:58-09:10)
• They debate “less exciting” but productive Hall of Famers: Joe Johnson, Ben Wallace, Rudy Gobert.
• The group underscores how being part of a championship squad (esp. as a key role player) helps one’s Hall chances.

3. College Legends & Inexplicable Snubs

Timestamps: 10:38–12:46

• Christian Laettner Debate: Laettner, though one of the most decorated college players, isn’t in the Hall due to a pedestrian NBA career. The group contrasts his snub with other ensemble inductees, pointing out inconsistencies.
• Digger Phelps Mystery: Dan is stunned to learn legendary Notre Dame coach Digger Phelps is not in the Hall of Fame.
• Quote: “Digger Phelps is not in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Can we check and see if that’s true?...Tough standards there. Tough standards.” — Dan Patrick (11:14, 15:29)

4. New Jersey and State Pride Shtick

Timestamps: 15:46–21:00

• The group riffs on New Jersey’s reputation, using Jack Hughes (Devils star) call-out after a win as a spark for jokes about “the great state of New Jersey.”
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Not every state is the great state.” — Dan Patrick (16:48)
  • “I wouldn’t say New Jersey was a great state.” — Dan Patrick (17:43)
• Jokes fly about naming rest stops after celebrities (e.g., Bon Jovi), dropping “New” from New Jersey, and the “what exit” stereotype.

5. NFL Draft & Combine Talk with Matt Miller

Timestamps: 25:27–39:54

• Physical Measurements Craze: Why “arm length” has become the new “hand size” at the NFL Combine.
  • “I still don’t know that arm length matters...It’s that time of year. We get pretty bored in late February and need something to talk about.” — Matt Miller (25:53)
• Draft Needs: Long arms are ideal for both tackles and edge rushers, but footwork, health, and technique also matter enormously.
• Top Prospect: Jeremiah Love (Notre Dame RB):
  • Matt argues Love is the clear #1 talent in the draft: “It’s not particularly close...He has the Notre Dame record for most touchdown runs over 90 yards...” (29:38)
  • Compared to Saquon Barkley/ Bijan Robinson; expects him to be a generational talent and surefire top-10 pick, but warns that Kansas City might snag him, further strengthening a dynasty.
  • Dan: “He was the one that you had to account for. Every single game, every single play.” (31:38)
  • Miller: “Please do not let Jeremiah Love fall to Kansas City. Don’t let that happen.” (30:40)
• Chiefs’ Sustainability: Despite roster holes and being over the cap, Mahomes covers a lot of flaws—hence the Chiefs’ predicted win total remains high.
  • “Patrick Mahomes. It’s that simple. They have Mahomes. And that will win you a lot of ball games.” — Matt Miller (32:36)
• Quarterbacks in the Draft: Miller ranks Mendoza, Ty Simpson, then a toss-up for 3rd, discussing the volatility and changing evaluation of quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy.

6. Modern RB Usage & NFL Evolution

Timestamps: 41:03–41:37

• Dan and Paulie discuss the shift from traditional backs like Kenneth Walker to multipurpose players like Jameer Gibbs and Jeremiah Love.
• Quote: “Today’s running back is not necessarily Kenneth Walker. It’s more Jameer Gibbs. And I think that’s where Jeremiah Love (fits).” — Dan Patrick (41:03)

7. Fun Listener Interaction: Dream Jobs

Timestamps: 42:09–45:07

• Listeners ask what each Danette would do for a dream job if not on the show:
  • Todd: Executive with the Denver Broncos (ideally with stadium office)
  • Seaton: Working in pro soccer (team or league side)
  • Marvin: Producing a basketball podcast
  • Paulie: Developing travel TV shows
  • Dan: Full-time (mostly unemployed) actor or perhaps Jeopardy! host—“Daniel Day Patrick.” (44:47)

8. Medal Debate: Silver or Bronze?

Timestamps: 46:16–46:48

• Is it better to win a silver medal (lose in the final) or a bronze (win a consolation game)?
• Dan and most prefer silver: “I would rather settle for the silver...because I at least got a chance to play for the championship.” (46:20)

Timestamped Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Hall of Fame:
  • “If you got 26,000 points, you’re in.” — Dan Patrick (08:17)
  • “That’s an ensemble induction...Ringo is Michael Cooper.” — Dan Patrick (08:58)
  • “Why is it so tough for college guys to get into the Basketball Hall of Fame?” — Dan Patrick (12:07)
  • “Christian Laettner...he’s not him.” — Dan Patrick (10:38)
• On Combine Measurement Hype:
  • “I still don’t know that arm length matters...unless you have context to that.” — Matt Miller (25:53)
• On NFL’s Most Coveted Prospect:
  • “Jeremiah Love, running back, Notre Dame. I don’t think it’s particularly close.” — Matt Miller (29:38)
  • “Please do not let Jeremiah Love fall to Kansas City.” — Matt Miller (30:40)
• On Show Philosophy:
  • “I’m going to do a show the way I want to do a show.” — Dan Patrick (03:53)
• State Pride Banter:
  • “Not every state is the great state.” — Dan Patrick (16:48)
  • “Bon Jovi has a rest stop.” — Dan Patrick (19:55)
• Dream Jobs:
  • “I would probably just be an actor, full-time actor, probably mostly unemployed, but I’d be a full-time actor.” — Dan Patrick (44:47)

Additional Memorable and Humorous Moments

• Running gag: Todd’s bar conversation with two sisters in Santa Monica; the group teases his lack of social cue awareness and "hoarding" attention at the bar. (05:41–06:54, 42:40–44:16)
• Ongoing banter: About New Jersey accents, rest stops named after celebrities, and which state warrants being called “great.”
• State-related humor: Light jabs at Ohio, Cincinnati, and the “which exit?” New Jersey trope.

Segment Timestamps

• 02:05 — Show philosophy & poll question recap
• 07:20 — DeMar DeRozan & Hall of Fame criteria
• 10:38 — Laettner and Digger Phelps Hall snubs
• 15:46 — New Jersey pride and “great state” jokes
• 25:27 — Matt Miller (NFL Draft & Combine)
• 41:03 — The evolving NFL running back
• 42:09 — Danettes’ dream jobs
• 46:16 — Silver vs. bronze medals debate

Conclusion

This rapidly paced and wide-ranging episode of The Dan Patrick Show seamlessly blends sports analysis with humor and candid storytelling. From Hall of Fame debates and draft insights to playful jabs about state pride and aspirations beyond radio, Dan and the Danettes deliver a highly engaging listen that’s as much about sports’ cultural quirks as about its numbers.

If you missed it: You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on how Hall of Fame decisions are made (or muddled), learn why NFL scouts obsess over fractions of an inch, and get a laugh from the crew’s self-deprecating confessions and friendly ribbing.