The Dan Patrick Show: "The Best of The Dan Patrick Show" Release Date: May 7, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick brings together some of the most insightful and entertaining discussions centered around professional sports. Featuring in-depth conversations with Pittsburgh Steelers analyst Jerry Dulac, NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen, and NHL star PK Subban, Dan delves into pivotal moments, strategic decisions, and the evolving landscapes of football, basketball, and hockey. Throughout the episode, notable quotes and expert analyses provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of recent developments in the sports world.

1. Steelers' Trade of George Pickens: Insights with Jerry Dulac

The episode kicks off with Dan Patrick engaging in a spirited discussion with Jerry Dulac from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Steelers Radio Network. The primary focus is the Steelers' recent decision to trade wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for draft picks.

• Implications for the Steelers:

  Jerry Dulac explains, “When the production outweighs the aggravation, you keep them. When the aggravation outweighs the production, you get rid of them” (02:03). This sentiment underscores the Steelers' rationale behind moving Pickens, citing ongoing issues with his on-field temperament and off-field behavior that outweighed his on-field contributions.

• Impact on Aaron Rodgers:

  The trade raises questions about its effect on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Dulac notes, “Aaron Rodgers is a very detailed quarterback and I don't think he has on the field relationship with George Pickens, who is anything but” (03:51). He suggests that the move is unlikely to influence Rodgers' decision to stay with the team.

• Future Strategies:

  Discussing the Steelers' plans in the absence of Rodgers, Dulac mentions, “They will go out and sign some other veteran quarterback” (05:26), indicating the organization's strategy to maintain a competitive edge by securing experienced players rather than relying solely on rookie talent.

• Fan and Team Dynamics:

  The conversation touches on the Steelers' notorious approach to handling star players, with Dulac confident that the team will invest in key players like T.J. Watt, stating, “I can't think of one player, one of their star players basically in their prime that they have ever let walk” (07:15).

2. Basketball Strategy and Free Throw Psychology with Ray Allen

Former NBA star Ray Allen joins Dan to dissect recent basketball strategies and the psychological aspects of free-throw shooting.

• Celtics' Three-Point Strategy:

  Dan questions the Celtics' heavy reliance on three-point shots, especially in high-stakes games. Ray Allen responds, “They gotta figure out getting some easy buckets, you know, just kind of establishing rhythm as opposed to just kind of letting it fly, consistent” (14:11). He emphasizes the need for a balanced offensive approach that includes driving to the basket and drawing free throws to build momentum.

• Free Throw Challenges:

  Delving into the mental hurdles of free-throw shooting, Allen shares, “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” (17:31). He highlights the difficulty players face in replicating game-day stress during practice, which can affect their performance at the free-throw line.

• Defensive Strategies:

  Discussing defensive schemes, Allen critiques the lack of paint presence in playoff basketball: “There are so many holes right now in their defense. So that's ultimately a system where it's built around team shooting threes” (22:22). He advocates for a more robust interior defense to complement perimeter shooting.

• Personal Anecdotes:

  Reflecting on his own experiences, Allen reminisces about his debut against Michael Jordan, stating, “He was such a big role model then. Being on the same floor with him, it was just unbelievable” (29:47), underscoring the impact of playing alongside legends on his career.

3. Hockey Insights and Playoff Dynamics with PK Subban

The episode transitions to hockey, where Dan speaks with PK Subban, an ESPN analyst and former NHL defenseman, about the Toronto Maple Leafs' performance and broader trends in the sport.

• Team Morale and Performance:

  Subban assesses Toronto's mood, saying, “Coming into game two, they should feel pretty good about where they're at and playing a full 60 minutes” (31:57). He suggests that despite some setbacks, the team remains confident and prepared for upcoming challenges.

• Playoff Scoring Trends:

  Addressing the rise in playoff scoring over the past five years, Subban attributes it to increased skill levels and changes in defensive play: “There's way more parity in the game which challenges teams” (38:22). He points out that players are now more versatile and capable of contributing across multiple facets of the game, leading to higher scoring outputs.

• Importance of Goaltenders:

  Subban emphasizes the critical role of goaltenders in the playoffs: “Without a good goaltender, you're probably not getting too far in the regular season, let alone the playoffs” (33:58). He discusses how teams protect their star goalies and the impact of injuries on playoff runs.

• Physicality and Respect in Hockey:

  Delving into the culture of hockey, Subban remarks, “We are the only sport where you can fight a guy and the next day, literally be sitting at the bar having a beer with them after playing a full 60 minutes and fighting next to him” (35:42). He highlights the unique camaraderie and respect that fosters both competitive spirit and team unity.

• One-on-One Battles:

  Subban elaborates on the significance of individual matchups in hockey: “Hockey is a sport of one on one battles. It's all about one on one battles” (42:59). He believes that these individual contests add depth and personal rivalries to the game, enhancing its appeal to fans.

• Star Players and Team Building:

  When asked to choose between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, Subban opts for Crosby, stating, “To me, he's the best all around player in my generation. He's a winner, he's a champion” (40:18). This choice reflects his emphasis on versatility and leadership in team dynamics.

Conclusion

Throughout this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, listeners are treated to expert analyses and candid conversations that shed light on pivotal moments and evolving strategies in professional sports. Dan Patrick skillfully navigates discussions with guests Jerry Dulac, Ray Allen, and PK Subban, uncovering the nuanced decision-making and personal experiences that shape today's sports narratives. Whether it's the Steelers' strategic trades, the Celtics' offensive tactics, or the dynamic nature of playoff hockey, this episode offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the sports world.

Notable Quotes

• Jerry Dulac on Steelers' Decision:

  • “When the production outweighs the aggravation, you keep them. When the aggravation outweighs the production, you get rid of them” (02:03)
  • “Aaron Rodgers is a very detailed quarterback and I don't think he has on the field relationship with George Pickens, who is anything but” (03:51)

• Ray Allen on Celtics' Three-Point Strategy:

  • “They gotta figure out getting some easy buckets, you know, just kind of establishing rhythm as opposed to just kind of letting it fly, consistent” (14:11)
  • “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” (17:31)

• PK Subban on Playoff Hockey:

  • “Without a good goaltender, you're probably not getting too far in the regular season, let alone the playoffs” (33:58)
  • “We are the only sport where you can fight a guy and the next day, literally be sitting at the bar having a beer with them after playing a full 60 minutes and fighting next to him” (35:42)

Timestamps Reference

• 02:03 – Jerry Dulac discusses the Steelers' rationale for trading George Pickens.
• 03:51 – Impact of the trade on Aaron Rodgers.
• 14:11 – Ray Allen on Celtics' offensive rhythm.
• 17:31 – Challenges of free-throw shooting in high-pressure situations.
• 33:58 – PK Subban emphasizes the importance of goaltenders in playoffs.
• 35:42 – PK Subban on the unique camaraderie in hockey.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from "The Best of The Dan Patrick Show" episode, providing listeners with a detailed overview of the topics covered and the expert opinions shared.