Hour 2 – Gerry Dulac, Ray Allen

Summary

The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 2 – Gerry Dulac, Ray Allen

Release Date: May 7, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick engages in insightful and lively discussions with sports analyst Gerry Dulac from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen. The conversation spans a broad range of topics, including recent NFL trades, the potential signing of Aaron Rodgers, team dynamics within the Pittsburgh Steelers, strategic elements of basketball in the playoffs, and even touches on team branding for the Utah Hockey Club. This summary captures the key points, notable quotes, and the engaging flow of the episode.

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Segment 1: NFL Trades and the Pittsburgh Steelers with Gerry Dulac

Timestamp: 01:06 – 12:19

Dan Patrick opens the second hour by discussing significant NFL developments, particularly focusing on the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent decision to trade wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Joining him is Gerry Dulac, a seasoned Steelers analyst.

Key Points:

• George Pickens Trade: Dulac explains that the trade was not surprising given Pickens' repeated off-field issues and behavioral problems, despite his on-field talent. He emphasizes the Steelers' decision was based on maintaining team harmony and discipline.

  Dulac (02:51): "When the aggravation outweighs the production, you get rid of them. And that's what happens with George Pickens."

• Impact on Team Dynamics: The trade removes a "problematic receiver" from the Steelers, potentially affecting the team's chemistry and performance. Dulac expresses skepticism about Pickens' ability to change his temperament with the Cowboys.

  Dulac (03:58): "There's no question he is a big play guy, but I severely doubt that his on-field temperament is going to change."

• Aaron Rodgers' Potential Signing: The discussion shifts to Aaron Rodgers' possible move to the Steelers. Dulac believes Pickens' departure won't influence Rodgers' decision but notes the importance of Rodgers' disciplined approach aligning with the Steelers' culture.

  Dulac (04:39): "I don't think this move has any impact at all on whether he signs with the team."

• Plan B for the Steelers: Dulac outlines the Steelers' backup quarterback strategy, indicating a preference for signing a veteran over relying on a sixth-round pick.

  Dulac (06:14): "I really don't think they are going to rely on a sixth-round pick."

• Team Performance and Division Standing: Analyzing the Steelers' current standing, Dulac is uncertain about their exact win tally but maintains that they are competitive within their division, albeit not leading.

  Dulac (07:05): "Mike Tomlin's history has shown that they are just not that a sub 500 team."

Notable Quote:

Dulac (11:06): "I did a weekly radio show with Antonio Brown and I did, I liked the kid, I did. But you saw him later, the last couple of years, his insubordination was unlike anything I've ever seen happen in the Steeler family."

Caller Interaction: Listeners engage with Dulac and Dan, discussing the Steelers' recruitment strategies and the potential for key players like T.J. Watt to remain with the team. Dulac confidently predicts that Watt will stay, given his importance to the Steelers.

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Segment 2: Strategic Basketball Insights with Ray Allen

Timestamp: 17:10 – 37:57

The conversation transitions to basketball as Dan Patrick welcomes NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen to the show. Their discussion delves into the strategic elements of the game, particularly focusing on three-point shooting and free throw mechanics in high-pressure playoff scenarios.

Key Points:

• Three-Point Shooting Strategy: Ray Allen discusses the effectiveness and potential pitfalls of relying heavily on three-point shots, especially in playoff games where establishing a rhythm inside the paint is crucial.

  Ray Allen (20:33): "They gotta figure out getting some easy buckets, you know, just kind of establishing rhythm as opposed to just kind of letting the fly consistent."

• Free Throw Pressure: Allen elaborates on the emotional and psychological challenges players face at the free-throw line, comparing it to high-pressure situations in other sports like golf.

  Allen (24:25): "Imagine a situation in practice where you practice those emotions. It’s hard to practice feeling competitive."

• Personal NBA Experiences: Allen shares anecdotes from his playing days, including his first game against Michael Jordan, highlighting the importance of intelligence and preparation in basketball.

  Allen (35:34): "At jump ball he walked over to me and he said, 'Welcome to the NBA, Ray.' You really have to study this game."

• Evolution of the Game: A reflective discussion on how the NBA has shifted towards three-point shooting, potentially at the expense of mid-range and pick-and-roll play, which Allen believes added depth and versatility to the game.

  Allen (34:00): "We don't have those mid-range players... Their skill level right now in the NBA because of the overuse of the three ball."

Notable Quote:

Allen (37:27): "You have to immerse yourself in this game and you have to know every player in the league. You can't just think that, 'Oh, I'm the best player.'"

Caller Interaction: Listeners inquire about free throw techniques and Ray Allen humorously discusses the idea of practicing misses with precision. The conversation remains engaging as callers debate defensive strategies and the balance between offense and defense in critical game moments.

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Segment 3: Utah Hockey Club Branding Debate

Timestamp: 38:37 – 43:50

Dan Patrick shifts gears to a lighter topic, engaging callers in a discussion about the Utah Hockey Club's new team name. The segment highlights the creative brainstorming process among listeners and Dan's playful interaction with the audience.

Key Points:

• Finalists for the Team Name: The Utah Hockey Club has chosen from finalists such as Blizzard, Mammoth, Outlaws, and Venom, ultimately deciding against "Yeti" due to copyright issues.

  Caller (40:31): "Yeti and Yetis could not be used because of conflict of interest copyright infringement."

• Listener Suggestions: Callers passionately advocate for names like "Mammoth" and "Venom," with Dan and others expressing their preferences and the reasoning behind their choices.

  Dan Patrick (41:18): "I like hockey Club, but I'm gonna go Mammoth."

• Humorous Banter: The interaction includes playful remarks and jokes about the proposed names, showcasing the show's entertaining and interactive nature.

  Dan Patrick (42:35): "But we did, this one right here... you're wearing Michael Jordan shoes."

Notable Quote:

Caller (42:10): "They could have the song by Fleetwood Mac, 'Tusk,' as their theme song."

Takeaway: This segment underscores the show's community engagement, allowing fans to contribute creatively while maintaining a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

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Closing Remarks and Teasers

As the episode nears its end, Dan Patrick teases upcoming segments, including an interview with hockey analyst PK Subin and a special feature with Ray Allen discussing his NBA legacy. The episode wraps up with promotional content and reminders for listeners to tune into live editions and follow the show on various platforms.

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Conclusion

Hour 2 – Gerry Dulac, Ray Allen of The Dan Patrick Show offers a compelling mix of in-depth sports analysis and engaging, personable conversation. From dissecting NFL trades and team strategies to exploring the nuances of basketball play and community-driven team branding, Dan Patrick successfully delivers content that resonates with sports enthusiasts. Notable insights from Gerry Dulac and Ray Allen, coupled with interactive listener participation, make this episode a must-listen for fans eager to stay informed and entertained in the sports world.

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Notable Quotes Summary:

• Gerry Dulac (02:51): "When the aggravation outweighs the production, you get rid of them. And that's what happens with George Pickens."
• Gerry Dulac (11:06): "I did a weekly radio show with Antonio Brown and I did, I liked the kid, I did..."
• Ray Allen (20:33): "They gotta figure out getting some easy buckets, you know, just kind of establishing rhythm..."
• Ray Allen (24:25): "Imagine a situation in practice where you practice those emotions."
• Ray Allen (37:27): "You have to immerse yourself in this game and you have to know every player in the league."

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Resources:

• Podcast: The Dan Patrick Show
• Guests:
  • Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Steelers Radio Network Analyst
  • Ray Allen, NBA Hall of Famer

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This summary was generated based on the transcript of The Dan Patrick Show Hour 2 featuring Gerry Dulac and Ray Allen.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

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[Dan Patrick]

You are listening to the Dan Patrick.

Show on Fox Sports Radio Hour 2 on this Wednesday. Dan and the Danettes Dan Patrick Show Surprise, surprise again. Pacers come back beating the Cavaliers. They're up 20 as the series now goes back to Indiana. Warriors handled the Timberwolves. Steph Curry injured, didn't play in the second half and is doubtful for game two against Minnesota tonight. Couple of game twos nuggets at the Thunder, Knicks at the Celtics 8773 DP Show Email address DP Dan Patrick.com Twitter handle @DP Show Stat of the Day brought to you by Panini America the official trading cards of the Dan Patrick Show. We say good morning if you're watching on Peacock or streaming partner or listening on our great radio affiliates around the country. The other news being finalized this morning, the Steelers dump wide receiver George Pickens to the Cowboys for draft picks and I'm not surprised. I think that there was a lot of chatter leading up to the draft that they were trying to do this or they might do this. And then I thought, are they going to draft a wide receiver? Which they didn't. And then George Pickens goes to the Cowboys. You look at the Pittsburgh side of this and you go, what's this mean for Aaron Rodgers? If anything, he's going to say, well, I got DK Metcalf and a couple of guys that not familiar with got a pretty good tight end. Got rid of Najee Harris. Maybe it's Mason Rudolph's team, but this guy would know better than I. It's Jerry Dulac joining us again, Steelers coverage with the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and the Steelers Radio Network. How surprised were you that this move took place?

[Jerry Dulac]

Well, I was obviously. I wasn't shocked because I knew they were going to move on him at some point. Dan. They were never going to give George Pickens a second contract. That was never going to happen. And I never thought they would just let him walk. When they didn't take a receiver, I thought they were content to go into the season with a, you know, a double barreled receiving room with DK Metcalf and George Pickens. But you know, a coach told me this a long time ago, Dan, and it's still true. When the production outweighs the aggravation, you keep them. When the aggravation outweighs the production, you get rid of them. And that's what happens with George Pickens. They just thought that, you know, they his teammates. It was a problem in the locker room. It became a problem with Mike Tomlin. It wasn't just his on field temperament and behavior. You know, repeated violations off the field, late for meetings, skipping meetings, late to games. It was just on and on. And it just got to the point where they weren't, especially after they traded for DK Metcalf, they just weren't going to tolerate it anymore.

[Dan Patrick]

Damn. What are the Cowboys getting?

[Jerry Dulac]

They're getting, you know, both a problem and problematic receiver. There's no question he is a big play guy, but, you know, I severely doubt that his on field temperament is going to change. You know, they're going to deal with a guy who's, you know, is he all of a sudden be going to become a Mr. Discipline? I doubt it. I don't mean to pick on the guy. I only know what they saw and what we saw for three years with the Steelers. So there's no question about his talent level. But you know, sometimes it's about more than just talent level in the NFL.

[Dan Patrick]

This move, impact Aaron Rodgers decision, You.

[Jerry Dulac]

Know, I don't think so. They don't think so, you know, from their end. It doesn't have any impact at all on whether he signs with the team. I will say this, Dan, and of course this was certainly no motivation for making the deal. But Aaron Rodgers didn't get to where he is as a future hall of Famer by being an undisciplined fly by the seat of your pants quarterback, which is kind of the description you can apply to George Pickens. You know, I think Aaron Rodgers is a very detailed quarterback and I don't think his on the field relationship with George Pickens, who is anything but that would mesh very well. So you know it, I don't want to say it might be a blessing, an enticement for Aaron Rodgers to come. I don't think that at all. But I don't know that it would have been a good mix here anyhow.

[Dan Patrick]

Any news on the Aaron Rodgers front?

[Jerry Dulac]

I wish I could tell you something. I mean I check all the time and you know, they, you know, as I've told you before, he told them up front he's going to take his time. They are willing to do that. They are still willing to do that. You know minicamp is in, excuse me, OTAs, the rookies are in this weekend and OTAs are start two weeks after that. So there's still time. And then of course you know you get into the minicamp which is I gauge everything about the US Open coming to Oakmont the 12th through the 15th which is where minicamp is. So you know there's still time for him to come.

[Dan Patrick]

Is there a plan B?

[Jerry Dulac]

Yeah, you touched on it. Mason Rogers. But I think even if that is the case Dan, they will go out and sign some other veteran quarterback. I really don't think they are going to rely on a sixth round pick. Even though I like Will Howard in that spot. I don't think they're really going to rely on a rookie being a backup. Their history has always been to have two quarterbacks with NFL starting experience on their roster and even though some of those have been picked over, that's one of the downsides of this Aaron Rodgers delay. I still believe they will try to sign some veteran quarterback to come in and be the number two behind Mason Rudolph if Aaron Rodgers falls through. But they firmly believe then that he is coming.

[Dan Patrick]

But if you look at where they are, talent level, you know, are they the third best team in their division? Would you put obviously Baltimore, would you put Cincinnati above them?

[Jerry Dulac]

Well, you know Dan, last year after acquiring Russell Wilson and Patrick Queen and DeSean Elliott and the moves they made, they were nine win team the year before. I automatically thought they were a better team based on their off season. I thought they were a 10 win team. I don't right now think they are a better team than last year. So I don't know if that means it's 10 wins, 11 wins, nine wins or eight wins. I don't think they're an eight win team. You know, Mike Tomlins history has shown that they are just not that a sub 500 team. But you know, the Bengals, as long as they have that quarterback in their receivers, their defense is very suspect, you know. You know they finished Steelers finished second last year. I don't think they're the best in the division by any stretch. So it might be a coin flip how it goes with the Bengals, depending on Joe Burrows health, if he stays healthy, they're going to be tough. We saw that at the end of the year.

[Dan Patrick]

Steelers going to pony up for T.J. watt?

[Jerry Dulac]

Yeah, I think so, Dan. I, you know, you go back in their history, I can't think of one player, one of their star players basically in their prime that they have ever let walk. I can't think of one. I go back to Franco Harris, which was toward the end of his career and Dan Rooney admitted, quietly admitted after that it was biggest professional mistake he ever made. He should have just signed Francois for everything he meant to the franchise. I can't. TJ Watt doesn't want to leave and they don't want him to leave. So I expect that to happen.

[Dan Patrick]

I'll leave you with this with Pittsburgh. Mike Tomlin's not afraid to bring in guys who are suspect headaches. You know, if you look at Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell, Chase Claypool, you got, I mean they, they've gone through a lot of wide receivers. It feels like they can't. And then they don't draft one when they need to draft one. Do they get enough criticism? Do the Steelers get criticized locally for the kind of the randomness of some of these players that they bring in?

[Jerry Dulac]

I don't think there's any question they get criticized locally for Dan. I mean, and that is one of, you know, to me, I don't want to sit here and call it a Mike Tomlin fault, but Mike Tomlin believes that he can, you know, work through these guys and kind of, you know, get them onto the Steeler Way. And you roll the dice with some of those guys and you know, you look back, you know, even, you know, you look at juju Smith Schuster when he came in and he's not nearly the problem that some of the other guys were. But you mentioned Chase Claypool, Antonio Brown, and they're still sensitive to everything that happened with Antonio Brown and that's why they knew they weren't going to give George Pickens a second contract. Because if he was acting this way without the big money, what do you think he was going to do once he got the big money? So, yeah, I think it's. I think the people here are very much aware of it and I think you pointing it up shows that maybe nationally, some people becoming a little bit more aware of it as well.

[Dan Patrick]

I don't know why I always go back to this play. When Antonio Brown got concussed by Vontes Burfick, it felt like his personality changed. Now you being around the team on a daily basis, but he went from being this great story. He was on the path to be a Hall of Famer. And I don't know if you can pinpoint that concussion that changed Antonio Brown.

[Jerry Dulac]

You know, Dan, that kind of theory has been advanced. I have been told, you know, medically that that wasn't the case. The Steelers believe that the money changed Antonio Brown. But whatever it was, that sense of entitlement reached a point, you know, they traded him for a fifth round pick. So people think like they're getting short change for a third round pick for George Pickens. They are not. I think they're a little spoiled by the fact that they got a second round pick from. For Chase Claypool from the desperate Chicago Bears.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah.

[Jerry Dulac]

But you know, I don't know if you know this or not, Dan. For five years I did a weekly radio show with Antonio Brown and I did, I liked the kid, I did. But you saw him later, the last couple years change and his insubordination that last year with the Steelers from, from his teammates to his coaches to the general manager to the team owner was unlike anything I've ever seen happen in the Steeler family. And so that's why they had to move on from him.

[Dan Patrick]

Great stuff. We'll be in touch this summer. Thank you, Jerry.

[Jerry Dulac]

All right, Dan. You got it, man.

[Dan Patrick]

All right. Covering the Steelers for decades, Jerry Dula for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Steelers radio network. You know, George Pickens was off some draft boards when he was coming out of Georgia. He was off draft boards and he was considered a, obviously a high end talent. But, you know, it was buyer beware. And Mike Tomlin must think, hey, I'll change them. But even Tomlin not changing these guys, as, you know, discipline as he is, as tough as he is, demanding as he is, they draft some guys and you go, what are you thinking? This isn't the Pittsburgh Steeler way. Yes.

[Caller]

You know, the only thing that I thought about with the George Pickens trade, it seems like a negative towards Aaron Rodgers. However, it does seem like Aaron Rodgers, when he comes in, he's like, and these are the four guys I'm bringing with me. There is maybe the possibility that the Steelers are clearing space for him so that then he can get, you know, all of his. Jordy Nelson.

[Dan Patrick]

I knew it.

I knew it.

I was just thinking, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb. Let's bring him in. Marquez, Greg Jennings, and then Boyd Dowler, and yes, Paul.

[Caller]

When you look at the Cowboys, they're accustomed to bringing in guys with baggage, so you think they're prepared to deal with it. But it also seems the opposite. Like, going to Dallas, if you have issues already would seem to exacerbate it, not control it.

[Dan Patrick]

Well, and all of these guys want their touches. You know, CD Lamb is your guy. Ferguson's a good tight end, you know, and Pickens is going to go, how can I get this next contract? I don't know. It just that. That's a Molotov cocktail, where you just go, hey, come on in. Yeah.

[Caller]

See, Kind of feels like in that position, though, you need two guys to have one guy, you need. You need somebody to help CD Lamb get open.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah.

[Caller]

So now you got. Now you got two.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah.

[Caller]

I don't know.

[Dan Patrick]

I don't know. I don't know.

[Caller]

I don't know. CD Better get his touches, though. That's all I'm saying.

[Dan Patrick]

That's right.

Yeah, he will.

[Caller]

That's the guy right there, man. I love that.

[Dan Patrick]

If he doesn't, his mom's going to get mad at Dak Prescott.

[Caller]

First thing we got to do is get him off the Cowboys, and then his career is.

[Dan Patrick]

Send him to the commanders, let him go to the commander.

Yes.

Now you are talking.

Yes.

Josh in Pennsylvania. Hi, Josh. What's on your mind today?

[Jerry Dulac]

All of these guys want their touches.

[Dan Patrick]

And CD Lamb is your guy.

[Jerry Dulac]

Ferguson's a good.

[Dan Patrick]

Hello, Josh.

Hi.

[Jerry Dulac]

This is dawn from Las Vegas.

[Dan Patrick]

Oh.

Oh, so, wait, I got Dawn. Well, okay. Where's Josh?

I'm here. Okay. DB 5, 10, 150, kid. I'm just saying, I put money on the Giants making the playoffs over the Cowboys.

Oh, okay.

With their defense and a sophomore wide.

[Podcast Host]

Receiver and a veteran quarterback.

[Dan Patrick]

All right, does anybody want a piece of Josh that the Giants will make the playoffs?

[Caller]

Paul, make the playoffs.

[Dan Patrick]

Make the playoffs.

[Caller]

Yeah, I'll take that. Take. Just send over the money now.

[Dan Patrick]

All right. How about a pie to the face, Josh?

A pie to the face. I'll take it.

All right, fair enough. All right.

[Caller]

Is that the New York Giants just.

[Dan Patrick]

Double checking Rick and Ola.

[Caller]

Wait, I have to. Just quickly. So that bet was that the Giants will make the playoffs?

[Dan Patrick]

He says they will.

[Caller]

The bet that I had with Paul and Shea earlier was that the Cowboys won't make the playoffs.

[Dan Patrick]

You guys are taking. The Cowboys won't make the playoffs.

[Caller]

So Paul, you're taking that the Giants are in the playoffs and the Cowboys are out of the playoffs.

[Dan Patrick]

No, no, he's got the Giants not in the playoffs.

[Caller]

Okay.

[Dan Patrick]

And then the Cowboys aren't going to be in the playoffs. But Shea didn't take that bet.

[Caller]

Okay, got it. I'm just trying to keep the bet straight here.

[Dan Patrick]

Thank you. Rick in Ohio. Hi, Rick. What's on your mind?

Hey, Dan, thanks for taking the call.

[Jerry Dulac]

Take a look at the Pittsburgh receivers.

[Dan Patrick]

What do you think about Amari Cooper, who had three pretty good years in Cleveland without a quarterback last year?

[Jerry Dulac]

Not a real good performer with Buffalo, but none of the receivers really stood out.

[Dan Patrick]

But he'd be a great possessive receiver.

[Jerry Dulac]

I think, for the wide receivers.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah. I don't. Is he available? I don't know what he's going to cost. I don't know his age. I don't. You know, haven't studied the depth chart here with some of these receivers who are going to be available. I like Amari Cooper, but didn't seem to do much in Buffalo. Now is fourth team. So, you know, there's an expiration date for all of these guys depending on what position you play. You know, you got about five to seven years and that's about it. When. If you're a running back or wide receiver, you know, less than that, maybe for a running back. Yeah. Marvin, Amari Cooper. Hollow, very good. Yeah, he's good. Hollow good.

Yeah.

All the good. Pretty good. Yeah. He got paid pretty good. Oh, hall of Fame. Yeah, did okay. One of the great shooters of all time, Ray Allen will join us coming up next. We'll take a break. This is the Dan Patrick Show.

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Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24 hours access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Dan Patrick]

This stat about the Indiana Pacers is just unbelievable. Since 1998 playoff teams are 3 and 1640 when trailing by seven points or more in the final minute of the fourth quarter or overtime in the playoffs. The Pacers own two of those three wins in both this postseason. Somehow some way came back to win that game last night. But they needed a little bit of help from the Cleveland Cavaliers to do so. And also Golden State probably without Steph Curry going into game two after stealing game one last night. A couple of game twos tonight, you got the Celtics and the Knicks and then you have the Nuggets and the Thunder. Ray Allen, hall of Famer and two time NBA champ joining us on the program. You put up all those numbers in Seattle. You spent five years in Seattle, correct?

Yep.

Okay. Are those numbers now attached to the Oklahoma City Thunder since the supersonics went to okc? Like could your jersey number be retired by OKC based off what you did in Seattle?

Technically, I think it could be, but I think for tradition speaking, you know, typically you raise a banner or jersey in a place that is kind of familiar to that city and, and nobody in Oklahoma City really had ever watched me play in that city. So I Don't think. And it's a ownership mandate as well, so I don't think that would ever happen.

Is there a building where your jersey is up in the rafters in Seattle?

Yeah. In Karena.

Okay.

It would, I would say possibly, but it's Kia Renown. Think I don't even know what they use it for anymore.

Okay. Here's a couple of things I want to talk to you about. The Celtics keep shooting threes the other night.

Yeah.

Now you had a game, I think you went over 13 from 3 point range. But as a great shooter, you're told to keep shooting. But at what point do you stop shooting threes? If you're the Celtics the other night or do you stop shooting threes?

Well, the other night I think The Celtics shot 60 threes and they were shooting them at points when the Knicks kept kind of plugging away. And they were plugging away and they were playing, they were playing tougher. They were getting tougher buckets. The Knicks were obviously Brunson was getting so many mid range shots, so he had a great offensive rhythm. I don't think the Celtics ever built their rhythm offensively. Now they take a lot of threes early and they take them throughout the game and when they're going. Because you got multiple guys that shoot threes and shoot them well. But if you never build a rhythm, you know, get into the basket, get into the free throw line to the mid range game, that's kind of where there was a hole in that game for the Celtics the other night. So to answer your question, they gotta figure out getting some easy buckets, you know, just kind of establishing rhythm as opposed to just kind of let the fly consistent. Because it's the playoffs, it changes a lot because now those shots become smaller opportunities and they're shooting quicker and it's important for them to try to figure out a way to, to get some rhythm stuff starting the game early.

Yeah, I just thought, you know, go inside, get fouled, go to the free throw line, get like, let's break up all this and, and just get something there. That's what was surprising. But the analytics say, I think to keep shooting the threes, don't they?

Well, obviously, because threes are, are more than twos and that's what everybody says. You keep shooting them and they've been highly successful at it. So it' stop what you've been doing and what's made you successful this whole year. But you have to take into account that the game does slow down a little bit more in the playoffs. And you're. You're putting so much pressure on Tatum. He makes a lot of tough threes. Jalen went to the basket and got a layup at one point during, during that fourth quarter, and I was like, okay, that. Steady the offense a little bit. And you see him, you want him to drive. Because you look at the Knicks defense, you know, there's a lot of holes in their defense. If you just drive, there's a couple times where even Derrick White had the ball in the paint and he. The basket was behind him and he's looking out toward the perimeter as opposed to just turn around and get something easy. And it is. Hopefully, you know, they'll look at the film and, you know, I'm sure Missoula will say, these are just shots that we missed. You know, we're all capable of making these shots. But to make it easier on yourself, you know, it's hard in a playoff situation because, you know, you can make those shots. So I just think to start the game tonight, they have to make sure that they. They get to the free throw line early and establish something in the paint from the standpoint of driving and getting some easy stuff. Because as a shooter, I'll tell you, I did not want to start a game shooting a three, because if you miss, then you start pressing, and then you start pressing. I didn't want to have to feel like I was pressing. In Boston, we had so many good players that score, so I wanted to make sure I got to the basket early if I could.

Talking to Ray Allen, former three point shooting contest winner back in 2001. Do you practice missing free throws? We saw that with Tyrese Halliburton because, you know he's got to miss the free throw, but you got to miss it correctly to get a chance. Do you practice missing free throws?

Well, I mean, it sounds funny, but you know how to miss dog, and it's just kind of being off, and obviously you're looking to who your best rebounder is on what side. So, yeah, there is some precision to being able to miss a free throw. I can't say that I practiced it, but I definitely know how to aim up there and get it to bounce on one side or the other.

Well, you did practice making them, though. You did a really good job at that.

I did. I did. I was pretty good at it.

Yeah. But I never understood that. Explain to me what happens when guys go to the free throw line and all of a sudden they. They free. They, you know, they. They're. It's not fluid. They like, everything slows. You know, it stops. Maybe that's what it is. Guys are used to moving now, all of a sudden it stops. But the mind games that go on with these guys who can't shoot free.

Throws, well, it's similar when you think about golf. When you stand to the tee box and, and they call your name and they say where you're from, these accolades and all of a sudden they, everybody's quiet. I was like, oh, keep making noise. I'm comfortable in noise. You know, don't be quiet. I think what people, and I say this a lot with free throws. People don't understand how emotional a free throw is. You know, you think about a guy going to the free throw line and emotions don't always mean anger. But your, your adrenaline is pumping. You just got knocked on your butt. You know, you're either down to, or you're up to, you just dunked on somebody. All these emotions are inside of you. And for most players, imagine a situation in practice where you practice those emotions. It's hard to practice feeling competitive, to practice feeling angry, to practice feeling anxious, practice feeling desperate. How do you do that in the gym by yourself? And so you have to figure out a way when you practice to take that quiet gym and make yourself tired, make yourself mad, make yourself excited. Because that feeling you have to get used to in a game a lot of times then when they get into a game situation, it's a foreign situation for them when they go to that free throw line. Because think about, you take somebody like, like Pritchard, you know, great shooter, had a great year, but how often is he at the free throw line in the fourth quarter if it's not Tatum or Brown?

Yeah.

So now he goes to free throw line because it gets fouled. And sometimes it's, it's a foreign circumstance or situation for a lot of players. And, and that's why you do get nervous because it's like, I, I, I'm not used to this and I got to get used to it. I got, I got to be better at figuring out the situation.

One thing that drives me crazy, and I'm sure I drive my audience crazy because I bring it up all the time. I never want the best player to beat me. Never. I'm always going to send another guy. I got to get the ball out of your hands. I want somebody who's not used to taking that shot. And if that guy beats me, I live with that. It's like, you know, when Jordan beats Brian Russell, they Don't send another guy. And like I got to get the ball out of his hands. Right? Like, I don't help me understand that if Jalen Brunson has the ball, I'm going to double. I'm going to get the ball out of his hands. I have to do that. But why don't more coaches do that?

Well, I think it's a double edged sword because when you want, you don't want the best player to beat you, there's some scenarios, some playoff situations you kind of walk into and you, you say he's gonna get his 40, but we can't let these other guys get off, you know, so it is each situation from, from series to series, you know, what are you dealing with? Like, if you look at Indiana, you got nesmith that had 23 and, and Turner had 23 and Nemhard had.

Yeah, but this is the last shot though. This is the last shot. That's all I'm talking about. Even Halliburton has the ball. That's the guy I know who wants the ball. I have to send another guy his way. I'm not going to let him beat me. And they gave him, you know, he created space, but he. I know, but he's only, it's, it's. He's got single coverage on it.

Yeah, I mean, you, it's always. We can be perfect defensively as a, as a scheme, you know, going to the game. But we always say good offense, better defense or good defense, better offense. I'm sorry, you, you, we, we're playing a scheme a certain way and then a guy makes a tough shot over the top of of us, we have to shake their hand because this league is fold filled with great offensive players. So it can, like I said, it can go either way. You know, we'll run two at a guy because he got hot. Say if a guy has 40 plus, you know, I don't know. Halliburton only had 19 points last night, so it wasn't like he was cooking.

But he's a closer. He.

Yeah, but you, you just kind of, you, you live with those odds. Because if you look at defenses and you look at all these, these playoff games, the one thing that you find fascinating is there, there's, there's no paint presence.

Yeah.

Last night, I don't know who, I don't remember. It was Draymond Green. He came straight down the lane and dunked it and there was no awareness from, from Minnesota whatsoever. And that's the one thing in playoff basketball that you Kind of, you know, you fortify your defense with a paint presence and you work from inside out. And you see that consistently because, you know, so many teams are shooting threes. And then you look at the. The ball, the way the ball bounced, you know, against. Against what? The Golden State, and you see how many rebounds they got, and Minnesota's the bigger team. You know, you think about how many rebounds they didn't get. Gobert had 11, and I think Anthony had 14 or somewhere around there. But those balls are bounded so long, so it's spreading the defense out. And then you're trying to figure out what we try to do.

On.

Most teams I played on, we tried to keep our big guy in the paint. You know, we rotated. We're playing man to man. So if it was myself and kg, I tried to stay up top and you stayed low. So if somebody did drive, they had to see him. And right now you just don't see that. That fortification of the paint. There's so many holes right now in their defense. So that's ultimately a system where it's built around team shooting threes.

What's your favorite pair of shoes behind you?

My favorite pair. I'd have to go up. I'd have to go up. 1, 2, 3, 4. If I can show you.

Oh, my goodness. You got a whole wall.

This one right here.

Okay.

Number four.

So those are. How many of those are air Jordans?

They're 1 through 30.

Mike, sign any shoes that you have?

No.

You wouldn't ask him.

I haven't. Like, I have a jersey hanging on my wall, and I play golf with him regularly. I wouldn't ask him, but I think at some point I should here in the future, just. Just for keepsake. Just have momentum. And I know he would if I asked him, but. But I thought about it, but I haven't done it yet.

Okay, but if you have them in the back of the golf cart and then, you know, Mike probably sees them and then you go, oh, God, yeah, sorry. I thought I was going to leave these in the car. And then you have a Sharpie attached to it. Then all of a sudden see that.

I'm a vet right here. DP that's like the rookie move to do that. If somebody did that to me, I'd be looking at, like, really? Really, dude. Okay. Left it with the Sharpie on the. On taped up to it.

Okay. What if you send somebody that you guys. Guys used to do this, where you'd send the clubhouse guy over to get something signed by somebody in the other locker room. Right. Okay.

Yeah, we did that. Did. I'll tell you a story. One time when I was playing in Milwaukee, I was always early, and the bus wasn't there yet, so I took the cab over, and I'm sitting in the locker room. So our equipment manager didn't get our gear out yet. So I'm sitting in the locker room, and I'm antsy, trying to get on the court. And, you know, the United center was always freezing, so you wanted to come, like, bundled. So I'm sitting there, and the equipment guy from the Bulls comes to the locker room. He goes, you guys didn't get here yet? I said, no, they're not here. I'm just waiting on them. He goes, mike's on. On the other side. You know, he has some stuff. Maybe you want to ask him. And I was like, really? And he's like, yeah, but you got to ask him. You got to go in there and ask him. And, you know, this was. I'm probably, like, three years in the league, and I'm like, ask. Go over there and ask. I was like, can you ask for him? He goes, no, you got to go ask him. And so I went in there, and I was like, mike, you think I could borrow a pair of shoes? And I'm already wearing the shoes anyway. I'm under contract. And he's like, sure, kid. You know, and in the. In the Hall, I walked in, cabinet full of Jordans, just, like, all the way down there. All the shoes.

Where are those shoes?

I don't know. They're somewhere floating. I got so many shoes, like, tucked everywhere.

We brought this up yesterday, the hall of Very Good, like, the guys that you played against or with, like Jamal Crawford in the hall of Very Good. Not a Hall of Famer, but, you know, hall of Very Good. Who would you put in there? Maybe you played against, you know, contemporaries, where you go, that guy should be in the hall of Very Good, not Hall of Famer, but Hall of Very.

Good that I played with. I would definitely say two players that just, you know, one in particular that would kill the game today is then Baker.

Okay?

He. This. He. He was around the basket. I don't think anybody could stop him. And he still could shoot, you know, on the perimeter. He would be really good in today's game. And. And obviously, you know, these are two guys that I played with my rookie year, and Glenn Robinson and, you know, arguably one of the. The greatest college players of all time. And I think they don't get their. Their. Their Credit. But they were incredible scores. And, and when I watched that, nobody could stop them, you know, so they were good. And they just ended up not being on teams once they left Milwaukee where they had any, any semblance of success. But I thought they were incredible. And, and so you look at the game today, we don't have those, you know, you talk about those mid range players, you, those pick, great pick and roll players. Think about Terrell Brandon. He, he was dubbed best point guard in the world. Sports Illustrated. Like this he was, he was split a pick and roll. His mid range game, he was automatic. And I learned a lot from him. You know, just playing with those three guys helped my game tremendously. And we don't have that, that skill level right now in the NBA because of the overuse of the three ball.

Yeah, I still keep, I can't get it out of my mind that you're wearing Michael Jordan shoes. Playing against Michael Jordan.

Well, just remember my, my second game in the NBA. My first game was Minnesota Timberwolves and preseason and the second one. And I seen the schedule. So I was still in my college apartment when I got the schedule and. October 15, 1993, Chicago Bulls, United Center. And I'm sitting there, I still got poster of him on my wall right here in my, in my room. And I'm like, I'm about to play against Michael Jordan. So I'm, I'm wearing his shoes on October 15th. I'm stretching and then I hear the whole introduction and you know, I'm used to being on the other side looking at the tv, watching all the stuff happen. And now I'm like, wow, this is so crazy. I'm inside the TV right now, you know, and then I'm sitting here on the ground stretching and I'm doing this and I'm just kind of. And I see the Bulls run out and he's the last one. And I just, I couldn't believe it, you know, just as much as I watched him and kind of like studied his game and he, he, he was kind of, he was such a big role model then. Being on the same floor with him, it was just unbelievable.

Did he talk trash to you?

No, but at jump ball he walked over to me and he said, welcome to the NBA, Ray. Like you just don't understand like this man, he's, he's, you know, to be great, you also have to be intelligent. You know, you can't walk around and be oblivious to the things around you. So he knows everybody who's playing against you. Study your opponents. You watch the draft, you know who's young and coming to league. And so as us young players, we're so naive to that idea. You start to realize how much you have to immerse yourself in this game and you have to know every player in the league. You can't just think that, oh, I'm the best player. I don't care about anybody. You really have to study this game and who's in it.

What's on your shirt? Jesus shooting a jumper, shooting a jump shot. That's not Jesus Shuttlesworth.

That's Jesus Shuttlesworth, but it's a play.

I don't know about Jesus form, though, Ray.

Yeah, this one ain't. This one ain't my form. We got. We'll work with him, though. We'll give him a pass. We definitely will give him a pass.

Thank you, Ray. Good to talk to you again. That's Ray Allen, hall of Famer. We'll take a break. Back after this.

Be sure to catch the live edition.

Of the Dan Patrick show, weekdays at.

9Am Eastern, 6am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app.

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[Dan Patrick]

E me earlier in the show, last hour, we were talking about the Kentucky Derby winner. Sovereignty is not going to run in the Preakness, will run in the Belmont. And I thought that NBC carried all three. And I was told that Fox has the Belmont because I thought if I'm NBC, I'm going to flex my TV muscles and dollars and say we have to ensure that if we have somebody winning the Derby and we really think that they're legitimate Triple Crown threat, it's best for the sport if the horse is running. But Sovereignty is not going to run in the Preakness but is scheduled to run in the Belmont also. I saw this story and, and we've seen this before with different obituaries. There's a guy in Illinois who passed away in April. In his obituary, his family wrote that he passed away after a short illness on Wednesday evening, April 23, at his home surrounded by family. But then added he couldn't face another White Sox season after last year's record breaking meltdown. He also went on to say that he hates the Cubs in his obituary.

[Caller]

One last shot on the way.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah. My favorite though. This happened in 2017 and you had a fan of the Washington Nationals in his obituary. He. He wrote or his family wrote in lieu of flowers, send donations to the Nationals bullpen. Fun. They were blowing a lot of games back then. 2017. Okay, we have a quick hockey game coming up. Okay, what's what? What's the rules here for the quick hockey game?

[Caller]

The I team has just learned the name of the. The Utah Hockey Club just announced the permanent name going forward.

[Dan Patrick]

So not the Yeti.

[Caller]

So the finalists were the Utah Blizzard. They could keep Utah Hockey Club, Mammoth, Outlaws, Venom and Yeti.

[Dan Patrick]

But I didn't think Yeti was going to let them. The company Yeti was going to let them use that name.

[Caller]

Correct. Yeti and Yetis could not be used because of conflict of interest copyright infringement.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay.

[Caller]

You think that Yeti would partner with them?

[Dan Patrick]

I would think. I'm gonna go.

[Caller]

I'll run by again. Blizzard Hockey Club. Mammoth, Outlaws. Venom.

[Dan Patrick]

I like hockey Club, but I'm gonna go Mammoth. Marvin. I'm gonna go Outlaws. Okay. Seaton.

[Caller]

Jeepers creepers. I love Utah Hockey Club, but they're not gonna do that. I'll. Was a Venom an option?

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah.

[Caller]

Did I hear that?

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah, sure. Why not?

[Caller]

I'll go Venom.

[Dan Patrick]

How about you, Todd?

I like Mammoth too, for that.

[Caller]

Okay, Todd, just give your answer.

[Dan Patrick]

Yes.

[Caller]

God.

Get to the point.

Just say your answer, Todd.

It's the Utah Mammoth.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah.

[Caller]

Tusks up. That's their thing. Tusks up.

[Dan Patrick]

Okay.

[Caller]

Tough word to say.

[Dan Patrick]

Yeah, that is. Up. Up. Don't ask Todd to do that. Yes, Todd, but the name's not official.

Yeti. They may still change it at some point.

[Caller]

Getting some phantom from the fans about it.

[Dan Patrick]

So they don't want to.

[Caller]

A blizzard of calls have come into the.

Will they have a couple guys in a mammoth outfit?

[Dan Patrick]

Yes. Yeah.

[Caller]

That's a two man job though, right?

[Dan Patrick]

No, I think you got one.

You know.

[Caller]

You know what they did though? Now they got. Where is it Mammoth or are they the Mammoths? You know, like the heat. Are they the heat or the heat? They made it one of those weird singular plural things. No, we're collectively the Mammoth.

[Dan Patrick]

That's a good point by you. Yes, Paul.

[Caller]

Mammoth. Plural is Mammoth.

Great.

You could drop the S forever.

[Dan Patrick]

So there's no mammoths?

[Caller]

No, it's like, yeah, just mammoth.

[Dan Patrick]

Yes. Yes.

Something corny. They're going to say, don't tusk with us.

I prefaced it. Yes, Todd, you could have a mammoth win, but you could also have a mammoth defeat. You can't cancel each other. All right, all right. Maybe they could have the song by Fleetwood Mac, Tusk as their theme song.

[Caller]

And maybe their rivals, when they beat them, will say, you guys are extinct.

Houston.

You guys are extinct.

[Dan Patrick]

I got. Yeah, you got. Hold your nose. You guys extinct?

[Caller]

Yeah, you guys are. You guys aren't even a relevant species right now.

[Dan Patrick]

Yes. I don't. Whose voice is that? Yes, Todd, can they have a private.

Room where they offer up mammoth grams if you're having health insurance issues? And then maybe there's some kind of marketing.

Oh, wait, really? Mammoth gram?

But the proper doctors.

You can't just have. You know, anyone in section 12 is going to check. Dr. Todd, fact that it's coming from.

[Caller]

You would have to be an actual.

[Dan Patrick]

Physician that can do that.

PK Subin, former hockey player, now an analyst for the Mothership, will join us. Coming up. Nobody talks hockey like we do. Final hour in this Wednesday.

After this, you're listening to an iHeart podcast.