The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 2 – NBA Finals Preview with Charles Barkley

Release Date: June 2, 2025

Introduction

In the second hour of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves deep into the upcoming NBA Finals, bringing in seasoned commentator and basketball legend Charles Barkley to provide expert analysis and insider perspectives. The episode, titled "NBA Finals Preview, Charles Barkley," offers listeners a comprehensive overview of the current NBA landscape, team dynamics, and what to expect in the Finals showdown.

Oklahoma City Thunder: The Unexpected Favorites

[03:50] Dan Patrick: Dan opens the discussion by highlighting the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) as one of the biggest favorites to win the NBA title in recent years. He emphasizes their under-the-radar status, largely due to playing in one of the smallest markets in the NBA.

[04:30] Charles Barkley: "The Thunder are the biggest favorites to win a title since only the 2018 Warriors," Charles remarks, pointing out the team's impressive odds despite limited national recognition.

Dan attributes OKC's success to their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), examining the trade that brought SGA to the Thunder. He compares this trade to the infamous Paul George deal, suggesting that OKC's acquisition of SGA and subsequent draft picks has been a game-changer for the franchise.

[07:00] Dan Patrick: "The Thunder are the biggest favorites to win a title since only the 2018 Warriors. So if you go back to 2005, only one team and that had star power, the Warriors against the Cavaliers."

Charles adds that the success of the Thunder highlights how effective strategic moves and patient team-building can yield championship contenders, even without the immense star power seen in other top franchises.

Knicks Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses

The conversation shifts to the New York Knicks, who recently advanced to the NBA Finals. Dan and Charles dissect the team's performance throughout the season and the playoffs.

[08:00] Dan Patrick: "If you ask a Knicks fan, was this a successful season, they might say no, because Cleveland was out, but Boston was banged up."

The duo critically examines center Karl-Anthony Towns' (CAT) performance, particularly his defensive shortcomings. They highlight how opposing teams have strategically targeted CAT, exploiting his lack of defensive prowess.

[09:42] Charles Barkley: "When they single you out, that's when you know you're a bad defender."

Dan notes that while CAT has been effective offensively, his defense has been a liability, leading to increased pressure from rivals and questions about his long-term fit with the team.

[11:55] Paul Pabst: "Players that average more blocks per game than Carl Anthony Towns in the playoffs include Derek White, Anthony Edwards, and Ben Simmons."

This comparative analysis underscores the defensive gaps in the Knicks' lineup, prompting discussions on potential trade moves or roster adjustments to bolster their defense for future seasons.

Charles Barkley’s Transition to ESPN and TNT

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Charles Barkley's recent career transition. He shares insights into his new role with ESPN while maintaining his position on TNT's Inside the NBA.

[23:26] Charles Barkley: "I signed a deal with TNT last week. I'm going to trust them because that's been my biggest concern."

Charles discusses the challenges of balancing commitments between ESPN and TNT, expressing enthusiasm about working with ESPN while candidly critiquing a recent pilot for TNT's new NBA show.

[27:12] Charles Barkley: "We got to be going up against the NBA game on every night. Anybody who likes basketball ain't going to turn off an NBA game to watch four dudes sit around and talk about nothing."

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality content that complements, rather than competes with, live NBA coverage. This transition marks a new chapter in Barkley's broadcasting career, aiming to bring fresh perspectives to NBA analysis.

Michael Jordan’s Enduring Impact on the NBA

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Charles reflects on Michael Jordan's monumental influence on the NBA and sports marketing.

[30:02] Charles Barkley: "Magic and Bird started the transformation. Michael Jordan took it to a whole new level. Because of Michael, I was making millions from wearing Nike. Nobody had signature shoes making a hundred million dollars a year."

Charles credits MJ with revolutionizing athlete endorsements and the overall commercial landscape of the NBA. He marvels at how Jordan's Air Jordans set the standard for athlete-driven branding, changing how players engage with fans and companies alike.

[34:34] Charles Barkley: "I played in those heavy ass Air Jordans one game. It was like I had bricks on my feet."

Sharing a personal anecdote, Charles humorously recounts his experience with the notoriously heavy Air Jordans, highlighting both the performance and marketing prowess behind the iconic footwear.

Best and Worst of the Weekend

Towards the end of the hour, Dan and his co-host Paul Pabst transition to the segment "Best and Worst of the Weekend," where they recap notable sports highlights and disappointments.

Best Moments:

• Paul Pabst: "My first best is PSG winning the Champions League without stars like Mbappe, Neymar, and Messi."
• Dan Patrick: "Massive accomplishment for them."

Worst Moments:

• Paul Pabst: "Dallas Wings' Paige Beckers had to enter concussion protocol after a foul by Chicago Skies' Courtney Vandersloot."
• Charles Barkley: "Andrew McCutcheon hitting his 240th home run as a Pittsburgh Pirate, tying Roberto Clemente on the all-time home run list."

The segment offers a balanced look at the highs and lows across various sports, providing listeners with a concise roundup of the weekend's most talked-about events.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a brief overview of upcoming topics, including an imminent interview with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. Dan Patrick teases further analyses and discussions, promising an engaging lineup for listeners anticipating the NBA Finals and other major sports events.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Patrick [07:00]: "The Thunder are the biggest favorites to win a title since only the 2018 Warriors."
• Charles Barkley [09:42]: "When they single you out, that's when you know you're a bad defender."
• Charles Barkley [30:02]: "Magic and Bird started the transformation. Michael Jordan took it to a whole new level."
• Charles Barkley [34:34]: "I played in those heavy ass Air Jordans one game. It was like I had bricks on my feet."

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a multifaceted look into the NBA's current state, enriched by Charles Barkley's seasoned insights. From unexpected favorites like the Oklahoma City Thunder to critical analyses of the New York Knicks, listeners are provided with thoughtful commentary and engaging discussions that illuminate the complexities of professional basketball.