The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3: DP Loves Callers, Reggie Miller

Date: March 24, 2026
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Reggie Miller
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts / Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show is a classic blend of incisive NBA talk, open phone lines, and some playful banter—headlined by an in-depth discussion about Victor Wembanyama’s MVP candidacy. Dan and the crew break down the NBA playoff picture, the ever-shifting MVP race, and the unique qualities Wembanyama brings to the league. NBA legend Reggie Miller joins to share his views on Wemby, SGA, the evolution of the game, rookie transitions, and more. The show also features rich audience interaction and lighthearted takes on sports (and podcasting itself).

Key Topics and Discussions

Victor Wembanyama’s MVP Case — Defense, Impact & Media Narrative

Timestamps: 02:34 to 08:47

• Wemby’s Dominance:
  Dan opens with “Reggie Miller stops by. We'll talk about the surging MVP candidate known as Wemby…” (02:34), noting how the Spurs’ surprising form has brought Wembanyama into the MVP conversation.
• The Value of Defense:
  Dan plays a clip from Wemby:

  “Defense is 50% of the game, and that is undervalued so far in the MVP race because I believe I'm the most impactful player defensively in the league...” (04:43)
  Dan analyzes how Wemby is not just making his case, he’s also drawing contrasts—“That's a shot at Joker... at SGA... at Luca...” (05:18)

• Narrative vs. Achievement:
  Dan discusses “voter fatigue” and the media’s tendency to seek new MVP stories:

  “It's almost like we're saying to Wemby and the Spurs, like, wait a minute, you guys are a little ahead of schedule. Like, what are you doing?” (06:49)
  The crew reflects on how MVP voting is influenced by story and timing.

NBA MVP Debate – Candidates & Criteria

Timestamps: 08:47 to 16:25

• Who Would You Start a Team With?
  Paulie asks, “Which player in the NBA currently would you start your team with? Would anyone not pick Wembanyama?” (09:00)
• Dependence on Stars:
  Marvin and Dan discuss how vital Wemby is to the Spurs’ success—without him, “they're not even in the playoffs.” (08:57)
• Reggie Miller Joins the Conversation:
  Reggie agrees with the assessment of Wemby’s value, setting up a deeper MVP discussion.

Audience Calls – Building Franchises, Quarterback Drafting, and the Radio Experience

Timestamps: 11:13 to 16:33

• Caller (Bill from Houston):
  On NFL quarterback prospects, team-building, referencing Orlovsky and Sean Salisbury’s takes.
• Dan’s Philosophy:

  “I want to have the team before I get the quarterback. A lot of teams get the quarterback and then try to build. And I think that's backwards...” (11:48)

• Judging Talent:
  Dan and Paulie draw parallels between the NFL draft and NBA MVP voting:

  “We get caught up in the aesthetic sometimes… I want to know, can you play?” (15:31)

• Radio as Conversation:
  Dan reaffirms the value of caller participation: “When I went into this after I left ESPN, I wanted to have people who were going to contribute. I enjoy, because I think you’re a smart audience. You add to the show.” (10:00)

Reggie Miller in Conversation – MVP, Playoff Hopes & NBA Storylines

Timestamps: 21:11 to 39:08

Wembanyama’s MVP and Playoff Prediction

• Dan’s Summary:
  Dan recaps Wemby’s campaign and subtleties in his comments:

  “He talked about defense… a shot at Joker… head to head with OKC… a shot at SGA…” (22:49)

• Reggie’s Analysis:

  “He is correct, no lies told.” (23:18)
  Reggie, however, picks SGA as favorite:
  “SGA will probably end up having the best record… he is as though he's not as impactful defensively as Wendy. SGA does play defense. He is a two way player. He's in the top 10 in steals…” (23:28) “I love everything about Victor Wimbanyama… He’s reinvented how we approach the game, the All Star game. And he made those guys play hard.” (23:46)

• But—The Playoff Test:

  “I want to see him win a playoff series. Let's slow our roll a little bit.” (24:50) Reggie believes real MVP stature is earned in postseason performance.

• Voter Dynamics:

  “We’re taking SGA a little bit for granted… the new kid on the block is showing us the 22-year-old… fatigue… and just want to spice things up and go with Wimby.” (28:01/28:49)

• Wemby’s Accolades:
  Reggie predicts Defensive Player of the Year and possibly Most Improved, even if MVP is a stretch this season. (26:58)

Lakers, LeBron’s Role, and Team Chemistry

• Defining Roles:

  “LeBron… knew he was going to have to take a back seat and be the third option, which it sounds so weird to say… but he's accepted that role.” (29:22) “Marcus Smart… defensively… has been a huge anchor.” (29:30)

• DeAndre Ayton’s Renaissance:

  “Get big hands. Ready, Lob dunk. How simple is that, DeAndre?” (29:12)

Magic & Paolo Banchero’s Team Turmoil

• On Magic’s Struggles:

  “Reports of him (Banchero) and coach Jamal Mosley having words… there’s been a lot of miscommunication defensively…” (30:54) “If they can get Franz Wagner back healthy… this is a scary team.” (31:50)

College to NBA Transitions

• The Rookie Adjustment:

  “In college you feel like it's a 400 meter race… In the NBA, it's a 200 meter, 100 meter race every single game…” (32:50)
  “Everyone won in high school and college and was a five star athlete… the size of the guys… much more physical.” (33:30)

• Draft Class Prospects:
  Reggie highlights Caleb Wilson, AJ Peterson, Darius Acuff as notable prospects. (33:55)

NBA Entertainment — ABA Ball, Fastest Players, and Rule Ideas

• Mac McClung as Box Office:

  “What, a three or four time dunk champion… Name recognition… if you’re losing every single game, why not take a flyer and give this young kid an opportunity?” (34:44)

• Who Was the Fastest?
  Rocket Rod Foster, Allen Iverson, Jason Kidd—all mentioned as “blazing fast.” (35:52 onward)
• Light Rule Experiments:
  Dan suggests ABA ball week (“Could you… bring the red, white and blue?” 37:16), Reggie is nostalgic (“...adopted Hoosier… ABA Pacers meant for the state…” 38:46), but is less sold on the idea of a four-point play or removing the three-point line (38:12–38:42).

Further Caller Interactions & End-of-Show Highlights

Timestamps: 43:44 to 49:56

• Fan Suggestions:
  Listeners riff on ideas ranging from special ABA balls during tournaments to stress-management advice for Dan (re: his daughter’s wedding) (43:44).
• On Todd’s Podcasting Speed:
  Caller jokes about Todd’s podcast:

  “I’d like to caution my amigos... to be wary of the Todd cast because it is muy rapido. It’s very difficult to keep up with…” (44:42)

• NIL and College Endorsements:
  Darius Acuff signs a shoe deal with Reebok—possibly a first (46:00), and a mini debate over whether Cooper Flag had a signature New Balance shoe.
• NBA All-Time Top 10 Debate:
  A caller poses the hypothetical: “If Wemby and SGA continue on the trajectory... I don’t see how they don’t end up top 10 all time.” (48:14). Dan pushes back: “It’s so far to go… just to get up to Durant and Steph and LeBron…” (48:38)
• NBA and Boxing History:
  A “this day in sports” segment covers Ali vs. Wepner and Rocky’s inspiration (48:57).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dan on the MVP Race:

  “We love news stories. Don’t let anybody kid you in the media. …you get that guy to talk about. Luca making a little bit of a surge here as well.” (02:34)

• Victor Wembanyama on MVP:

  “Defense is 50% of the game, and that is undervalued so far in the MVP race because I believe I'm the most impactful player defensively in the league.” (04:43)

• Reggie Miller on SGA vs. Wemby:

  “SGA will probably end up having the best record once again in the NBA… he's not as impactful defensively as Wendy. SGA does play defense. He is a two way player…” (23:28) “I want to see him win a playoff series. …Let’s slow our roll a little bit.” (24:50)

• On Changing the Game:

  Dan: “Next time I have the commissioner on, I gotta tell him it's time to bring the red, white and blue ball to the NBA... it's about entertainment.” (37:16)

Important Timestamps

• Wemby’s MVP Case: 02:34 – 08:47
• Callers, Franchise-building & Draft Philosophy: 11:13 – 16:33
• Reggie Miller Interview (NBA discussion): 21:11 – 39:08
• Mac McClung & NBA Entertainment: 34:27 – 35:52
• Fan/Listener Interaction & End Segments: 43:44 – 49:56

Podcast Tone and Style

• Conversational, humorous, a mix of insider insight and light-hearted banter.
• Regular, spontaneous engagement with listeners—calls are treated as valued contributions.
• Sports debates are approached with nuance and humility (“It’s an inexact science”).

Quick Summary

In this episode, Dan Patrick and the team, with help from Reggie Miller, dissect Victor Wembanyama’s legitimate MVP case, juxtaposing him with SGA, Jokic, and Luka, and pondering the biases that shape NBA awards voting. Miller underscores the need to see playoff success before crowning Wemby, even as he celebrates the French phenom’s transformational impact on the game. The show features passionate, informed contributions from callers, a deep dive into NBA narratives old and new, and playful debate about how the league could enliven its entertainment value.