The Dan Patrick Show | Hour 2 - Jeff Teague, Jim Gray Release Date: June 20, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves deep into the heart of the NBA Finals with former champion Jeff Teague and celebrated sports reporter Jim Gray. The conversation spans game strategies, personal anecdotes from Teague’s illustrious career, and insightful discussions about the Hall of Fame with Gray.

Interview with Jeff Teague

Analyzing the NBA Finals Performance

Jeff Teague kicks off the discussion by breaking down the Indiana Pacers' impressive performance in the NBA Finals. Highlighting their bench strength, Teague remarks, “Indiana played with a lot of energy like you said. The bench was fantastic” ([04:49]). He emphasizes the pivotal role of TJ McConnell, stating, “He comes off the bench with so much energy, and he changed the dynamic of the game every time he steps on the floor” ([05:13]). This strategic depth has been a cornerstone for the Pacers, allowing them to overcome being underdogs in three consecutive games.

Game Seven Predictions and Strategies

As the conversation shifts to Game Seven, Teague shares his insights on the upcoming matchup against Oklahoma City (OKC). Despite OKC being favored by eight and a half points, Teague opts to back the Pacers, citing their confidence and free-spirited gameplay under pressure: “They're probably going to play free. I can imagine Tyrese Halliburton having a big game. I'm actually taking the Pacers in this game” ([06:59]).

Personal Anecdotes and Player Experiences

Teague reminisces about his playing days, sharing memorable moments that shaped his career:

• Jimmy Butler Story: “[...] He just wanted to get that extension, and he didn't get the extension he wanted. So he came in and he was trying to wreck shop” ([08:51]). This episode garnered significant reactions from listeners, highlighting Butler's intense drive.

• Guarding Steph Curry: Reflecting on guarding the superstar, Teague recalls a game in China where Curry scored over 40 points against him: “He ended up scoring 40 something points on me in front of 30, 40,000 people” ([11:09]). Despite the challenges, Teague acknowledges Curry’s incredible skill set.

• Interactions with LeBron James: Teague opens up about his admiration for LeBron, confessing, “LeBron's my favorite player all time, so I've never beat him in a playoff series” ([14:33]). He shares a personal story where he pushed LeBron into the crowd during a tense game, leading to unwanted social media backlash: “I was a sore loser. And I got a couple death threats” ([15:06]).

Views on Current and Future Stars

Discussing current NBA stars, Teague offers his perspectives:

• Kevin Durant: Teague praises Durant’s scoring prowess, predicting his ascent into the top five all-time scorers: “He does all the little things he's a phenomenal defender. He can guard one through five... he's the best scorer that the NBA has ever seen” ([16:51]).

• Giannis Antetokounmpo: Teague speculates on Giannis’s future, believing he will remain with Milwaukee and possibly bring his family into the fold: “I think he's just gonna bring his whole family over there” ([16:05]).

Interview with Jim Gray

Introducing the Hall of Excellence Museum

Jim Gray joins the show to unveil the Hall of Excellence Museum, a collaboration with Tom Brady, housed at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Las Vegas. He details the museum's extensive collection, which includes iconic sports memorabilia such as:

• Muhammad Ali's final robe
• Kobe Bryant's first national TV jersey
• Jackie Robinson's breaking of the color barrier with his bat
• Tom Brady's seven Super Bowl rings
• Babe Ruth's called shot ball
• Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak bat

Gray emphasizes the museum's mission to preserve and celebrate these historic artifacts, stating, “Anybody can be great for a game, you can be great for a season. But what about the sustained test of time? That's what excellence is” ([29:29]).

Tributes to Legends

Gray shares personal anecdotes about legends like John Madden and Al Davis:

• John Madden: Recalling his close relationship with Madden, Gray mentions living at Madden's house and sharing numerous memorable dinners: “I was the guy who came for dinner and never left at the Dakota” ([31:26]).

• Al Davis: Discussing Davis's vision for a Raiders Hall of Fame, Gray reflects on his long-standing relationship and the aspirations that led to the Hall of Excellence ([29:25]).

Controversies in the Hall of Fame

Delving into baseball's Hall of Fame debates, Gray passionately advocates for the inclusion of controversial figures like Pete Rose and Barry Bonds:

• Pete Rose: Gray asserts Rose's undeniable achievements and argues for his induction, suggesting, “His records are his records. If you have his bat in there... he's in the hall of Fame” ([35:24]). He recommends adding a note to Rose's plaque acknowledging his gambling-related ban: “It should be noted on his plaque that he was banned from baseball due to gambling” ([36:01]).

• Barry Bonds: Comparing Bonds to Rose, Gray believes Bonds also deserves recognition despite his controversies: “I think he belongs in the hall of Fame” ([37:03]).

Gray criticizes the inconsistencies in the Hall of Fame's handling of such cases, highlighting the broader issue of accountability within sports institutions.

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a compelling blend of sports analysis, personal storytelling, and critical commentary on sports legacies. Jeff Teague provides an insider's perspective on the NBA Finals and shares heartfelt stories from his career, while Jim Gray presents a visionary outlook on preserving sports history and addressing Hall of Fame controversies. Together, they offer listeners a rich tapestry of insights that transcend the game itself, celebrating excellence and confronting the complexities of athletic legacies.

Notable Quotes

• Jeff Teague:

  • “Indiana played with a lot of energy like you said. The bench was fantastic.” ([04:49])
  • “He just wanted to get that extension, and he didn't get the extension he wanted. So he came in and he was trying to wreck shop.” ([08:51])
  • “LeBron's my favorite player all time, so I've never beat him in a playoff series.” ([14:33])
  • “He does all the little things he's a phenomenal defender... he's the best scorer that the NBA has ever seen.” ([16:51])

• Jim Gray:

  • “Anybody can be great for a game, you can be great for a season. But what about the sustained test of time? That's what excellence is.” ([29:29])
  • “His records are his records. If you have his bat in there... he's in the hall of Fame.” ([35:24])
  • “I think he belongs in the hall of Fame.” ([37:03])

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of The Dan Patrick Show's episode featuring Jeff Teague and Jim Gray, providing listeners with valuable insights and memorable moments from the conversation.