The Best of The Dan Patrick Show

Summary

The Dan Patrick Show — Best Of

Host: Dan Patrick
Date: March 6, 2026
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

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Episode Overview

This episode of "The Best of The Dan Patrick Show" serves up Dan’s signature blend of sports insight, humor, and relaxed camaraderie with his fellow “Danettes.” The main themes revolve around current NBA storylines—focusing on Victor Wembanyama, Luka Dončić, and the MVP race—alongside a spirited food debate and deep-dive NFL free agency talk with insider Ian Rapoport. The show also includes a lively segment on sports nicknames and a visit from basketball analyst Jim Jackson.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. “Meat Friday” Food Saga & Team Chemistry

• Segment Start: [01:38]
• The episode kicks off with banter over the show’s weekly “Meat Friday,” this time featuring Indian food (butter chicken, lamb tikka masala, garlic naan), leading to strong reactions from the Danettes—most notably Todd, who hesitates to try it.
  • “I don’t know if I’m going to like it and I don’t know what’s going to happen after eating it.” — Todd [04:33]
  • The playful tension over the menu spirals into jokes about “team building” and “team dismantling.”
• Key Moment: Dan shares his family’s “gold star” system for trying new things, playfully trying to motivate the Danettes to be adventurous.

2. NBA: Wembanyama, Jokic, Luka, and the MVP Race

• Segment Start: [05:31]
• Dan marvels at Victor Wembanyama’s historic game: 38 points, 16 rebounds, 5 blocks, no turnovers, comparing him to past greats.
  • “I don’t know who's going to win the MVP this year, but Wemby’s going to win it the following year.” — Dan [06:55]
• Jokic is highlighted as the “best player in the game,” while SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) is acknowledged as the best player on the best team.
• They discuss how the new 65-game minimum could allow a surprise MVP:
  • “You might get Jaylen Brown with Boston, you might get somebody who wins the MVP because somebody... lost the MVP.” — Dan [08:33]
• Dan expresses frustration watching the Lakers, noting their roster is “top heavy,” and comments on Luka Dončić’s penchant for complaining to refs.
  • “It just feels like the NBA is turning on Luka right now... every call can’t be against you.” — Dan [11:24]
  • “You’re making this all about you. You don’t get the call, get back on defense, don’t sit there and whine.” — Dan [12:19]
  • Marvin notes that Luka’s complaints hurt the team defensively: “So many times when it’s a four-on-five because Luka’s already back there...” [13:08]

3. Jason Tatum’s Surprising Return From Injury

• Segment Start: [14:36]
• Dan recounts an inside scoop on Jason Tatum returning from Achilles surgery much faster than expected—attributed to prompt surgery within 24 hours of injury.
  • Reggie Miller’s prior comments are replayed, emphasizing how “the body didn’t even know that it had that traumatic experience” because of the quick surgery. [15:00]
• Dan contrasts Tatum’s recovery to players like Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant and advocates for cautious reintegration:
  • “I’d have Tatum come off the bench. We’re not winning the title in March. We could lose the title in March if I overextend Jason Tatum.” — Dan [16:50]

4. NFL Free Agency Preview with Ian Rapoport

• Interview Start: [21:41]
• Buffalo Bills: Ian breaks down their trade for DJ Moore and the strategy to provide Josh Allen with a big-time playmaker. [22:09]
• Rams-Chiefs Trade: Early blockbuster trades and how these can signal a team’s intent to "go all in".
  • “They are going to spend regardless... We don’t know if it’s Matt Stafford’s last year... They want to take advantage of it.” — Ian [24:28]
• Puka Nacua’s Future Contract: Potential to become one of the league’s highest-paid receivers. [25:54]
• Patriots’ Moves: The freeing of Stefon Diggs, possible pursuit of AJ Brown, and New England’s “cut bait early” philosophy. [27:33]
• Trade and Free Agency Trends:
  • “Usually it’s more just like very, very quickly, a lot of players get a lot of money, and I expect it to be very quick.” — Ian [28:48]
• Is the NFL Still a Copycat League?
  • “I don’t think it’s a copycat league. I just think the Rams… generally are in the window, and they will take the certainty of knowing they have a great player.” — Ian [29:58]
• Quarterback Carousel:
  • Aaron Rodgers: “It’s the Steelers or no one. It’s just on him to make a decision and let us all know.” — Ian [31:36]
  • Kirk Cousins, Tua, Mac Jones: Contract implications, potential destinations, and the value of strong backup QBs. [32:37], [34:01]
• Quarterback Market Inflation:
  • “If Dak’s at $60 [million], I think the next round of quarterback deals, you’re pushing $60 or maybe more... but the cap’s going up.” — Ian [36:40]

5. Listener Call: Sock-Shoe Controversy

• Segment Start: [41:28]
• A caller sparks a lighthearted debate by confessing they put socks and shoes on one foot at a time (“sock-shoe, sock-shoe”)—leading to mock horror from the Danettes.
  • “That’s insane.” — Dan [41:59]
  • “You should be on a watchlist if you do your shoes and socks like that.” — Paulie [42:02]

6. Iconic Sports Nicknames

• Segment Start: [42:32]
• Dan and the cast brainstorm the greatest nicknames in sports:
  • “Ali called himself the Greatest and lived up to it. Wayne [Gretzky] didn’t call himself the Great One, but lived up to being the Great One.” — Dan [43:05]
  • Magic Johnson, Dr. J, and Tiger Woods are highlighted as the most iconic, with the cultural impact of Magic and Tiger emphasized.
  • Jim Jackson joins to share his personal memory meeting Julius “Dr. J” Erving:
    • “When he [Dr. J] walks in a room, it’s just like poetry in motion... One of my heroes growing up.” — Jim Jackson [46:47]

7. Jim Jackson on NBA: Luka, Wembanyama, and MVP

• Interview Start: [46:47]
• On Luka Dončić’s Behavior with Lakers:
  • Jackson discusses how Luka’s body language and interactions with officials are being scrutinized in LA:
    • “Optically, it doesn’t look good... but with Luka now being with the Lakers as well, the expectations, it just draws the ire of a lot of people.” — Jim Jackson [48:49]
  • He contrasts “talking to” vs. “whining to” officials and says the league’s refs don’t hold Luka accountable enough.
    • “They don’t do that with Luka. See the difference?” — Jim Jackson [51:36]
• Can Luka Play Defense?
  • “He’s got to give the effort... That goes back to not only just the coaching staff, but his teammates, how much respect he has to really want to play this game.” — Jim Jackson [53:03]
• Wembanyama’s MVP Odds:
  • “I don’t think he can [win MVP] this year... But when Wemby’s out of the lineup, that’s how I think they start to determine MVP.” — Jim Jackson [55:28]
  • The value of the 65-game rule is debated:
    • “You have to let this thing play out and have players understand that it is a consequence. Now, sometimes it’s not their fault... but it has to be a pain point.” — Jim Jackson [56:15]
• Dan reveals he originally suggested the 65-game rule to the NBA commissioner. [57:08]

8. March Madness Memories & Regrets

• Segment Start: [57:59]
• Jim Jackson reflects on his 1992 Elite Eight loss, emphasizing the pain of missing the Final Four regardless of the opponent.
  • “It wasn’t the fact that it was Michigan. It’s because we had a chance to go to a Final Four... That was more disappointing than actually who we lost to.” — Jim Jackson [58:15]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We put our pants on the same way you do. It’s a Friday. It’s a Meat Friday. Yes.” — Dan [01:38]
• “Objects in your rear view mirror are closer than they appear—no, no, this object in your rear view mirror is closer, because Wemby is changing the game.” — Dan [07:55]
• “I don’t know why we can’t just have hot dogs and hamburgers and pizza and meatball subs and cold Meat Friday.” — Todd [05:03]
• “You’re selfish. You’re making this all about you. You don’t get the call, get back on defense, don’t sit there and whine.” — Dan on Luka [12:19]
• “I still can't watch the game to this day, Dan, I'm hoping for a different outcome. And for some reason, it just doesn't happen.” — Jim Jackson on Elite Eight loss [59:19]

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Important Timestamps

| Time | Topic/Guest | Details | |--------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | 01:38 | Meat Friday Banter | Indian food divides the crew | | 05:31 | NBA Roundup | Wembanyama dominates, MVP discourse | | 13:08 | Luka Dončić Criticism | Complaints impacting team defense | | 14:36 | Jason Tatum Injury Update | Early return, Reggie Miller clip | | 21:41 | Ian Rapoport NFL Interview | Bills trade, Rams-Chiefs, Patriots, QBs | | 41:28 | Sock-Shoe Debate | Light-hearted caller controversy | | 42:32 | Sports Nicknames Conversation | Magic, Dr. J, Tiger, etc. | | 46:47 | Jim Jackson NBA Interview | Luka’s reputation, MVP race, Dr. J memories | | 57:59 | March Madness Reflections | Heartbreak over Elite Eight loss |

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Tone and Flow

• Language: Conversational, witty, full of inside jokes and quick ribbing among Dan and the Danettes.
• Vibe: Relaxed but informed, with a focus on insight and fun, making sports debates accessible and entertaining.

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Useful For

Anyone interested in a blend of the latest NBA storylines, NFL free agency forecasting, sports culture debates, and lighthearted asides that move beyond the box score. The show balances breaking news, sports history, and the personalities that make fandom fun.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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Come on.

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No, no, I'm serious. They're the official lawn care treatment provider, the PGA Tour, so they know what it takes to get golf course quality lawns. So you're saying we could host a tournament out back? Yeah, I guess we can. Get your own golf course quality [e-mail] trugreen.com let the pros handle the lawn. Just don't be surprised when golfers show up.

[C]

I can't tell you how many times I've spilled something on my shirt right before walking out the door. And it's always while I'm wearing a white shirt too. And somehow that's the exact moment I realize I'm out of stain remover and I don't have another clean shirt to change into. Unpredictable moments like that are part of everyday life. Luckily, Amazon helps make it easier to manage life's curveballs from unexpected needs to everyday essentials. Amazon offers everything in one place with reliable value and great prices. So when a small mess turns into a last minute problem, Amazon makes it easier by saving the every day.

[B]

All right guys, two words for you. Prostate exam. Yeah, you just clenched up a little bit. Are you imagining the finger right now? Yeah, relax. Prostate cancer screening starts with a simple finger free blood test. Around one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. But that's no reason to re clench when caught early. At localized or even regional stages, prostate cancer can have over a 99% five year relative survival rate. Did your tight end just relax? Good. If you're over 40, 40 or older and have a prostate visit, relax. It's a blood test.com you'll find out if a PSA blood test is right for you. The PSA blood test can be the first step in screening. Talk to your doctor to evaluate your risk, determine when to get tested, and discuss screening options and the next steps. Sponsored by Novartis, you are listening to the Dan Patrick show on Fox Sports Radio. We put Our pants on the same way you do. It's a Friday. It's a meat Friday. Yes. I think there are a lot of people this morning who put their pants on and thought of us immediately this morning. Yeah. Because I use my Lou Holtz impersonation. They put their pants on the same way we do. And so I waited a day after the passing of Lou Holtz, but then we started talking about how do you put your pants on in the morning? And lo and behold, it's either left leg first or right leg first. Paulie. Both legs jumping in. Fritzi somehow brought up Fulcrum. Who? Who knew? You know, we build up this great morale the last week and a half or so and it's all gone to hell. It has, yeah. Meat Friday has really divided the building today. Yeah. There is some overt tension. Dylan has been prepping for days and he said, hey, I was going to have some Indian food. I said, well, just make sure there's some meat in there. It's a meat Friday. And so he said, okay. He was prepping yesterday afternoon. He was prepping this morning. I come in and I hear from a couple of backroom guys, I'm not eating that. I go, well, you don't have to, but let's try it. Let's be open minded. We have butter chicken, lamb tikka masala, garlic naan and rice. Who has it better than we do?

[C]

Pretty much everyone,

[A]

Todd.

[B]

Wow. Who is the most concerned of the danets? Todd, I'm going to guess this might not agree with you.

[C]

I'm very concerned about the menu. I don't know if I'm going to like it and I don't know what's going to happen after eating it.

[B]

Okay, but you've had Indian food before.

[A]

I tried a little bit yesterday.

[C]

I had like two little teeny pieces

[B]

of some kind of chicken curry thing

[C]

that I put on a piece of bagel.

[B]

But before yesterday, I've never had Indian food. Okay. Yes. Paul.

[C]

Todd is not adventurous in anything. In life and food especially.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I'm surprised living in Brooklyn, he hadn't

[B]

had Indian food before. It's an eclectic area.

[C]

I don't know why we can't just

[A]

have hot dogs and hamburgers and pizza and meatball subs and cold meat Friday.

[B]

Nothing wrong with that. Yeah, yeah. I mean that. That's your food.

[C]

It's my wheelhouse.

[B]

Your food group, wings.

[C]

That's a million things I would eat ahead of that.

[B]

Anybody else concerned in here? I don't know if concerned is the right word. I've tried Indian food many, many times. My wife and my son love it. They absolutely love it. And I've tried.

[A]

I've gone out with them many times.

[B]

I've gone out with our friends who

[A]

are Indian to their favorite Indian restaurants

[B]

and eating food with them. And when I travel, that's when my wife and son go get Indian food. All right.

[A]

It's just not my thing.

[B]

I just, it's not my flavor profile.

[C]

All right.

[B]

Well, we have to overcome this.

[A]

I've tried it many times, though.

[B]

I really have this on the heels of a team building lunch and now all of a sudden this is a team dis building or dismantling. Something has gone on, something's gone wrong off the rails. But you know what? In my family, with my wife and kids, you got a gold star if you tried something. And of course I aspired to get a gold star. The kids would be like, do I get a gold star for they'd be like 5 years old. Do I get a gold star? Yes, you do. Okay, I'll try it. Did you guys do a clean plate club by any chance? Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's big in our house. All right, so welcome to the program. A little bit of tension here. First hour brought to you by Tirerack.com they take away the tension of getting tires Segway for over 40 years helping you find the right tires for how and what and where you drive ship fast and free backed by free road hazard protection, convenient installation options like mobile tire installation. Tirek.com the way tire buying should be. Play of the day poll questions, stat of the day. All of that forthcoming stat of the day brought to you by Panini America. The official trading cards of the program. Good morning. If you're watching on Peacock or NBC Sports Network or our radio affiliates around the country, I heart radio, Fox Sports Radio. Seaton will have a poll question coming up. If you haven't seen him, please do. Victor Wembanyama coming to an arena near you. He had 38, 16 and five blocks. And the spurs beat the Pistons, San Antonio's 113 of its last 14. And Wemby is the first NBA player with 38, 16 five blocks in a game since Joel Embiid in 2022 and one of the first spur to do it's in David Robinson in 1990. No turnovers as well. He is a very, very fluid player. It's not like your big guy can be a little bit clumsy. He's got a great handle and great hands. I mean, so does Joker, you know, these big men have evolved that you want the ball in their hands. They're not afraid to put it on the floor. They're good passers. But I don't know who's going to win the MVP this year, but Wemby's going to win it the following year. Joker to me is the best player in the game. SGA is the best player on the best team. But man, you know, objects in your rear view mirror appear closer. No, no, this object in your rear view mirror is closer because Wemby is changing the game. Yes, Paulie, he can't win it this year. I don't think he can steal it. Unless Joker doesn't play in the required 65 games and or SGA. But after that, I know people are going to talk about Cade Cunningham and Jalen Brunson. Really, really good players. They're not, they're not Victor Wembanyama. Now that doesn't mean that, you know, somebody like that couldn't come in and steal the mvp. And this would be the first year that this could happen because you have to have at least 65 games. So you might get, you know, Jaylen Brown with Boston, you might get somebody who wins the MVP because somebody or somebody's lost the mvp. But watching Victor Wembanyama, he had a put back dunk where he had to look, he had to look out for the rim. He, he leaned back so his, his head wouldn't hit the rim. But fascinating, you know. And oh, by the way, Joker had a triple double last night beating the Lakers. I don't know why I keep watching the Lakers and going, there's going to be a different outcome here because that Denver roster is not a great roster. It's not. But I'm watching the Lakers and they're top heavy. And Luca got another technical here. And we're going to talk to Jim Jackson, a great analyst. It just feels like the NBA is turning on Luca right now. Like we saw glimpses of him complaining before, not playing defense, but he was such a magnificent offensive player. Well, now the Lakers, they're on all the time. They're being discussed all the time. People weren't discussing the Dallas Mavericks all the time with Luca. Now everybody knows, hey, you got to play the ratings game. You got to get clicks. You got to talk about the Lakers. Well, if you're talking about the Lakers, what are the positives? Okay, LeBron has more field goals made than anybody in the history of the game. Passing Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Okay, now what do we talk about? Here's another technical. He's been complaining, whining, but more people are seeing this, therefore more people talking about this. And then it just feels like. And Kendrick Perkins, who I know is looking for clicks, but, you know, even Draymond Green, they said, you know, maybe Nico Harrison was correct in his assessment of Luca. Now, I don't buy into that, because you still got a generational talent as a score and a guy who can give you a triple double. Very good passer. He doesn't play defense. And he wants. Okay, we all know that. But what he does on the offensive end, you can't give up Luca for Anthony Davis. Okay, so he could be right about Luca. But you got to get more than what you got. So you can tell me, boy, he's smart to get rid of Luca, but he wasn't smart getting Anthony Davis. You can't have it both ways there. But you're watching Luca. Every call can't be against you. Like, sometimes they might get a call, right? And you're a star. You get more calls than other players do. And you're just watching and you're going, you're selfish. You're making this all about you. You don't get the call. Get back on defense. Don't sit there and whine. And if I'm a ref, am I going to acques to you? Because you're complaining all the time. Now, I think coaches get away with this, you know, far more than players do. But the great players, they did whine, they did complain all the time. And it felt like they would get extra calls in this situation. Like, if Draymond Green was, you know, complaining, I'd go, draymond, shut up. You're getting another technical, okay? We're not doing this, Luke. I'd say the same thing. Get up. You're better than this. I play the game, you know, it's like, oh, he fouled me. You know, how can you not call that? I get it. Shaq could have complained every single time down the floor, every single time he was going to get found. But they can't call foul on every play. But Luca has got to understand, be a teammate here, not an individual. And it feels like every time down the floor, it's some referendum on him not getting calls. But Denver ends up with the win. Yes, Marvin.

[C]

Now, you see so many times when it's a four on five, because Luke is already back there. Look, they're not going to change the call just because you're complaining. You got to get back on defense and it's the NBA. An open three pointer, that's a practice shot to these guys. And so the lack of defense is because you're not even back there playing defense because you're arguing with the ref.

[B]

LeBron had 16 and with seven field goals made, he passed Kareem for the most made field goals in NBA history. All right, we'll come up with a poll question. We got our play of the day coming up. Your phone call is always welcome on this controversial meet. Friday 877-3-DP Show Email address dpdanpatrick.com Twitter handle @DP Show Coming up, I want to talk about Jason Tatum and when I was at the Super Bowl I ran into somebody who has always been a great source with the Celtics and I just said, hey, what are you thinking with Tatum? He said, well I'm hearing from this person that Tatum will be back at the end of the month. I said, man, is that quick. So I did come on the air because I trust both of these sources that he was going to come back at the end of the month. Well, I'm a week off because he's going to be coming back tonight against the Dallas Mavericks. But I'm going to bring back what Reggie Miller had to say earlier this week and listen to what he had to say about Jason Tatum, the surgery and being able to come back this quickly.

[C]

To answer your question and you and I have kind of talked about this when he should be back. I'm hearing as early as Friday that

[A]

he's thinking about coming back.

[C]

I believe they do play Dallas at home. I'm from the thinking. I would like to see him come back in the playoffs and people's like, well he needs games under his belt. This will be a decision that he has to make. I think it's a foregone conclusion that he is coming back this year. I'm a little surprised, but I think he's been doing this working so hard for his mental and I think he's ahead of schedule. I don't know if you've watched any of that five part documentary of, you know, the quiet part of them following him around. The best thing if there was, knock on wood, the best thing when he tore his Achilles in game five. I believe in New York that the doctor was right there, that they attached it right away and the thinking was the body didn't even know that it had that traumatic experience. That's how quickly, within 24 hours they had the surgery on the Achilles. So that's why he is so far ahead of schedule versus a Damian Lillard or Tyrese Halliburton is because they had the surgery within 24 hours.

[B]

He gets injured in New York. And it just so happens that this specialist had an opening on his calendar the next day at 3 o' clock and he performed the surgery less than 24 hours later. But if you look, Klay Thompson was out from November of 2020 to January of 2022. Kevin Durant June of 2019 to December of 2020. Tyrese Halliburton June of 2025, he's still out. And here's Jason Tatum and injured in May and now coming back at the beginning of March. Pretty remarkable because Achilles surgery that seemed like that was the end of your career. I mean, we've made so much progress in medicine with surgeries, with athletes, certainly with knees, with ACLs, even Tommy John. But the Achilles, that was always the man, the Achilles. Going to be at least a year to come back now making great strides here, no pun intended. But Jason Tatum will be, you know, minutes restriction coming up tonight. And the Celtics have been preparing for this, putting Peyton Pritchard on the bench and having him come off as their sixth band to get ready for Tatum. Now I would do it the other way. I'd have Tatum come off the bench. I don't want we're not winning the title in March. We could lose the title in March if I overextend Jason Tatum because I do think the Celtics are the team to beat in the East. All right, football news, more news coming up. Next week we will try to foreshadow what that could look like.

[C]

Look at you.

[B]

Ian Rapaport of NFL Network will join us next year. Dan Patrick Show 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. Hey, it's Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington from the Odd Couple on Fox Sports Radio. And in addition to hearing us live

[C]

weeknights from 7 to 10pm Eastern on Fox Sports Radio, we are excited to announce brand new YouTube channel for the show.

[B]

That's right, you can now watch the Odd couple live on YouTube every day.

[C]

All you got to do search Odd Couple FSR on YouTube again. YouTube just search Odd Couple FSR search. Check us out on YouTube and subscribe. Pay around the corner and around the globe. Apple Pay is accepted at millions of places worldwide. Wherever you see the contactless symbol in stores or the Apple pay button online and in apps.

[B]

Whether you're checking out on iPhone or Apple watch. Just double click pay and be on your way. Add your debit or credit card to wallet and you're good to go. Pay the Apple way terms apply. All right guys, two words for you. Prostate exam. Yeah, you just clenched up a little bit. Are you imagining the finger right now? Yeah. Relax. Prostate cancer screening starts with a simple finger free blood test. Around one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. But that's no reason to re clench. When caught early at localized or even regional stages, prostate cancer can have over a 99% five year relative survival rate. Did your tight end just relax? Good. If you're over 40, 40 or older and have a prostate visit, Relax. It's a blood test dot com. You'll find out if a PSA blood test is right for you. The PSA blood test can be the first step in screening. Talk to your doctor to evaluate your risk, determine when to get tested and discuss screening options and the next steps. Sponsored by Novartis. It's only natural. You see, these golfers mistaken the true green lawns for an actual golf course. Have you noticed that?

[C]

Come on.

[B]

No, no, I'm serious. Happens all the time. And you know, they're the official lawn care treatment provider, the PGA Tour. So they know what it takes to get golf course quality lawns. So you're saying we could host a tournament out back? No, I mean we could make. Yeah, I guess we can. If Trugreen's doing all the work. No one makes it easier. They handle the treatments, the timing, everything. I feel like I see them everywhere. Yeah. Beautiful lawns. And you know it's true Green America's number one lawn care company. And chances are they're already in your neighborhood.

[C]

I'll play, but I'm not mowing.

[B]

I didn't think you were. Your wife, Will, or your son. Get your own golf course quality [e-mail] truegreen.com Let the pros handle the lawn. Just don't be surprised when golfers show up.

[C]

Nobody really prepares you for this part of life. When I had some guests stay with me recently, I realized I was missing a few key essentials. I hate when that happens. Really? No more paper towels. Down to the last pigs in a blanket. So soon? I didn't want to interrupt our time together by running to the store or give off the impression that I was unprepared for my guests. Moments like that are a perfect example of how everyday life can surprise you. Some days go as planned. And other days, well, life throws curve balls. It's not always convenient. That's why I went straight to Amazon. Amazon helps make it easier to manage both the routine and the unexpected. From household basics to to last minute replacements you like to have on hand to be a great host, Amazon makes it so you can find everything that you need all in one place with reliable value and great prices. So when you run out of essentials right when the party's about to start, Amazon makes it easier to focus on your guests. Talk about saving the day, settle on a poll question.

[B]

More phone calls coming up. The NFL is omnipresent, as is Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider and Free Agent Frenzy. This is where you know when you have a storm like you have to label the storm. We got a free agent frenzy coming up Monday through Wednesday starting at 10am Eastern on NFL Network. Thanks for joining us. Ian. Give me the Bills side of the trade yesterday, their strategy.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I think for the Bills it's, it's fairly simple. They have been trying for more than a year to acquire a big time playmaker for Josh Allen and you needed someone who you knew was going to come in, contribute right away and you know, be the kind of difference maker. I think it's fair to say that the offense is probably needed. You know, you remember at the trade deadline the Buffalo Bills ran it for Jalen Waddle, right? Didn't end up doing it because I think the Dolphins were like, we don't want Jalen Waddle to beat us twice a year. Makes sense. So it didn't end up getting that deal done. And you know, I think the Bills were in on the A.J. brown deal and said, you know what, this one makes sense for us. And the fact that DJ Moore had two of his best seasons with Joe Brady when the two were in Carolina probably made this fit a little easier. So DJ Moore goes to the Bills and I think if you're the Bears, you know, I like what they did compensation wise, it's basically the value of a, you know, third round pick, three slash four. But they gave up a five and got a two. That's a really good way to do

[B]

it for Chicago and the they'll try to replace him, I'm going to guess with that draft pick or draft picks. But then now you got to replace your center as well with the Chicago Bears. How surprising was that for you?

[A]

You know, Dahlman had been, I would say, contemplating this for the last several weeks. So I think it caught, you know, the public by surprise, Chicago has really known. In fact, you know, one of the ways I found out about it was Tyler Biotish, who actually is signing a three or $30 million deal with the Chart Chargers. You know, he was planning to visit Chicago and you're sort of like, well, why would Biotish be planning to visit Chicago? He plays center. They have a center. And then you sort of realize, like, what's been going on. You know, it's tough to know what goes on inside someone's head. But what I would say is if at some point, first of all, you've made enough money, second of all, you decide you're not fully in this, you should definitely not play because football is not something that you can sort of do halfway. So, you know, he. I think he gave up a total of $14 million, including repaying some of his signing bonus. So Cap wise ended up being not bad for Chicago.

[B]

The Rams, Chiefs trade. You don't normally get blockbusters like that in early March. How surprised were you? And how would you grade this?

[A]

Yeah, I mean, fascinating trade. It made for a unbelievable talk about frenzy. Made for an unbelievable frenzy. Several hours it's. I tried to nail this down and figure out what rumors were true. And, you know, it's fun when these things happen because the principals involved in the deal, everybody goes silent. So that's kind of what happened here is, you know, there's probably 10 people I can call on all sides of this, and for two hours no one said a word. And you're like, either I'm crazy possible or this deal is definitely happening. It turned out this deal was happening, was very fun to hit send on that one. So, you know, I would say for the Rams, the interesting sort of rumor or whatever you want to call it that I heard on the Rams, I know they have a lot of their players that are up now. Puka, Nukua, Kobe, Turner, a lot of really good players. What I was told was they want to get those guys done. That's important. But they are going to spend regardless. They believe. You know, look, we don't know if it's Matt Stafford's last year, but it might be. They believe they have a window and they want to take advantage of it. So I was thinking in my head like, all right, the Rams are going to load up for something. Trent McDuffie makes sense. I knew the Chiefs really like him, but were never able to get to a contract for him. So whenever the contract gets done with the Rams, it will likely be the highest paid corner. And for the Chiefs Same thing they did with the Tyreek Hill deal. Got a great player, get draft pick, compensation, rebuild a part of our team with these draft picks and keep it moving.

[B]

What's Puka Nukua going to get?

[A]

A lot of money. A lot of money. You know, I would, you know, I would think they'll take a look at it this offseason, whether it's this offseason, next offseason. I mean, you know, he and JSN are both in the category of, like, whenever they get paid, it's going to be a lot. So, you know, will they be the highest paid receiver? Maybe. But either way, you're talking something in the 30s for super, super productive pass catchers.

[B]

And I'm wondering who goes first there because somebody's going to set the market between those two and then, yeah, I don't know if, you know, Puka comes in after JSN and goes, I'm better than him. I want 30, 36 million dollars a year.

[A]

Well, you know, I would say generally what happens is if a guy's going to take a deal after he knows that he's probably going to get a little more. And if you're the guy that goes first, you know, if you have a good agent and both these guys have really good agents, they will say, you're going to do this deal. It's the right time, it's the right deal for you. Like, negotiations happen when they happen. So sometimes they end in April, sometimes they end in June. Whenever they end, the agent's going to tell them, like, look, you're probably going to get jumped. Like, that's the way this works. But you do the right deal for you, and if someone comes in a little above you, that is okay.

[B]

Talking to Ian Rapaport, NFL Network Insider. Their free agency coverage Monday through Wednesday, next week starting at 10am Eastern. Trying to understand the Patriots, Can I connect the dots that Stefan Diggs released and then AJ Brown is certainly a possibility there.

[A]

They are connected, but not fully connected. Like the Patriots. Releasing Stefan Diggs was a decision made. Not to say like, all right, we're only going to do this if we get A.J. brown. You know, my sense is it was sort of like the Patriots have done the last 20 years, which is, you know, cut a player loose a little before it becomes a thing. Right? Like, so we'd rather do it a year earlier than a year late. Diggs was awesome for them. It was a great signing. You know, had the off the field issues, which, you know, we'll see which way Those go. Or kind of what the fallout from that is. But I. Obviously something as an organization they heard about and dealt with before the Super bowl, he's 33 years old. They decided, cut bait there, say it was a great season and kind of move on. And then, you know, they're in it for A.J. brown. I get the sense it's real. I know there are other teams, too. And then if you're the Eagles, you know, it's like, I was joking around with someone, I was like, oh, is it, you know, trade or bust? It's like, it's not trade or bust. It's trade or the Eagles. Because that is a good situation, too. And he's one of their best players. So I think a trade could happen, but I'm not going to say, like, it's definitely, definitely happening. And I'm not going to say it's definitely, definitely happened to the Patriots.

[C]

We'll see.

[B]

What do you expect this weekend, early next week?

[A]

A lot of tweets. A lot of tweets, A lot of phone calls, A lot of tweets. I think, you know, what generally happens is the trades happen kind of early because teams would like to know going into the week, like, what do we have? Right. Like, so I would say today and tomorrow, maybe into Sunday morning, you'll probably get some more trades as teams clear space as they, you know, get rid of some veterans, as they collect draft picks, those sorts of things and that, you know, we'll probably still see some trades during free agency frenzy, but usually it's more just like very, very quickly. A lot of players get a lot of money, and I expect it to be very quick.

[B]

Is the NFL still a copycat league

[A]

as far as one team does one thing, another team says, all right, that's a good idea, we should do the same.

[B]

Yeah, like the Rams, with what they do with their draft picks that they go all in nine out of the last 10 years, they've traded their first round pick. So I don't, I don't know if it's like, are they the model of consistency that people would look at and say we would like to emulate?

[A]

No, I think the Rams have been different because they've been in the window for so long. I mean, they've. They've been to several Super Bowls. They've won one. I think the difference with the Rams and like, you know, not everyone else, but how many teams have really been in the championship window for the, for the last decade? Right. I mean, Chiefs have, Ravens have. There's Not a ton. There's some others, but there's not. You know, there's not a ton. So when they've been in their window, they've said, you know what? Let's just. Let's just get this really good player. And I think one thing the Rams like is they will say, we'll give up, you know, the 30th, 29th, whatever pick it is, because 20, I think 29. We'll give that up and know that we are getting a great player rather than the 60% chance of getting a great player with that draft pick. Like, they'll take the certainty rather than the uncertainty. Some teams don't want that. Some teams will say, I'll take the lottery ticket. You know, it's like, if I say to you, I'm gonna give you $50 or a lottery ticket, like, you'd probably be split on how many people would take each. So I don't think it's a copycat league. I just think the Rams generally are in the window, and they will take. Take the certainty of knowing they have a great player.

[B]

Help me understand. I've seen the headlines, and you can't always buy into a headline, but is Aaron Rodgers holding the Steelers hostage again, or is it, you know, this predicated on the Steelers? If they want to sign Aaron, then they offer him a contract. So I'm. I'm trying to figure that out. And even his appearance on McAfee didn't necessarily clear it up for me.

[A]

No. We learned about a lot of other things, though. Learned a lot of other things. A lot about his personal life I was not expecting, but here we are. I would say for him to say there's not an offer that he's considering, I think that's true, but my guess is he probably knows what the offer would be. Right. Like, you get to this point in your career, he's made a lot of money. You know, I think he was it 20 last year, whatever it was. Like, my guess is it's. So whether it's been offered or not, like, he probably knows what is. It's just a matter of him saying, do I want to play or not. You know, my sense is it's the Steelers or no one. It's just on him to sort of make a decision and let us all know. And if he wants to tell us all sorts of things about his personal life and his exercise schedule and all that, we'll probably take that as well.

[B]

The Vikings wouldn't be in the mix here.

[A]

You know, they had a chance last year and didn't do it. I'd be surprised if they did it this year with the same exact opportunity presented.

[B]

Could you. Okay then, let's do the musical chairs here. Kyler Murray to Malik Willis. Throw in Kirk Cousins, I guess, if you want to.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

Got a feeling on any of those quarterbacks?

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I would say, you know, we've talked about this. Minnesota makes a lot of sense for Kyler. He's going to have a lot of options because he's going to make million bucks, you know, because the Cardinals are paying all of it, just like Tua. Tua's gonna, you know, make the minimum because it offsets into his previous deal and that's all fully guaranteed. So the previous team pays all the money and the new team gets one of the best deals in the century, you know. Of the century. So Minnesota makes sense for Kyle. I think a bunch of other teams could be interested and jets will be interested. I mean, there's gonna be a lot of teams. I would say for Kirk Cousins, I don't get the sense he would play for the minimum. So his, you know, him, basically, if he gets paid more than 10, then the new team pays it, right? Then he gets more money. He's making 10 no matter what from the Falcons. So if he doesn't want to play for the minimum, then there's a chance. He just waits. And he's the guy who, if anyone gets injured, they go, I'll take that guy. And you know, he's made a lot of money, but he is an excellent businessman and he always would like more money. So I, I could see Cousins hanging around and waiting a little bit. And you know, as far as Tua, I do think he's going to have options of just not. Just not sure where he ends up landing right now.

[B]

And is Mac Jones going to be available?

[A]

You know, I think everyone's available. Mac Jones is in a weird situation of he played so well last year and Brock Purdy has had times where he's missed time. So if you're the 49ers, like I think they would do a deal but God, it would have to be worth it to where, like, you know, let's just, let's play this out a little bit. Let's say the 49ers trade Mac Jones somewhere for a mid round pick. Okay. Totally reasonable. And then, you know, God forbid Brock Purdy gets injured next year and they go, why did we just do this? That's the fear. Because if you're the 49ers, like they're another team that's in their super bowl window all the time. So it has to be something where it is worth it. If you trade your backup quarterback.

[B]

Yeah, I wouldn't trade him. I.

[A]

You wouldn't trade.

[B]

No, no, no, no, no. Not this next year. Because there's no guarantee with Brock Purdy staying healthy for 17 games. And I know I have a quarterback who could be equal to him, who's the backup. And I don't know if any other team in the NFL has that luxury right now.

[A]

Right. I mean, and that's. This is the problem. And it's like, you know, talking trades, you're like, all right, you know, we talk about guard, so this guy's going to go for three, this guy's going to go for a four, etc. It's like, you have to know that, you know, you're giving up on a guy that you might need. And that's always sort of the issue. This time, it's really complex and interesting.

[B]

And Malik Willis, it feels like it's Miami or Arizona, given the connections of Mike LaFleur to Matt LaFleur and then the front office going to the Dolphins.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I think he's going to have more than that. You know, again, like, he's an interesting case because he doesn't have a lot of throws, but when he's played, he has played awesome in the biggest moments. So you're not going to sign Malik Willis and then say, what's he going to be like in the fourth quarter? You know, you've seen it. It's just not a huge sample size. Like, I think he's going to do really well. You know, I think those two teams make sense, but it's really like one of the more interesting free agents in some time because he could come in, be the franchise quarterback we all thought he was going to be in the. In the draft and, you know, could be another sign where once again, the whole world gives up on a quarterback too early, and then he comes in and he's Sam Darnold, you know, holding a trophy. Like, we've seen a lot of examples of that.

[B]

What's the next contract going to be worth for a quarterback like. Like Drake May? What's his contract in five years? 290.

[A]

I mean, I would say, first of all, probably looking at, you know, you'd hope to do four years, you know, Dak Prescott still the gold standard at 60. I think whenever Lamar gets a deal done with the Baltimore Ravens, which, you know, doesn't sound imminent, but, you know, you'd hope this off season, you know, that might be the one that either sets the bar or comes close. But yeah, I mean, If Dax at 60, I think the next round of quarterback deals, you're pushing 60 or maybe more like, but the cap's going up. That's what you want, right? That you want all these guys to get paid. They all deserve it. If you're, you know, the worst problem you have is also the best, which is you got to pay your quarterback a lot of money because that means you got a guy. And that's a very good thing.

[B]

Thanks for taking time.

[A]

Awesome. Good hanging, man. Take care.

[B]

Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider the free agency frenzy coverage Monday through Wednesday. Next week starting at 10am Eastern on NFL Network. Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our [e-mail] and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live.

[C]

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[C]

Come on.

[B]

No, no, I'm serious. Happens all the time. And you know, they're the official lawn care treatment provider, the PGA Tour. So they know what it takes to get golf course quality lawns so you're saying we could host a tournament out back? No, I mean, we could make. Well, yeah, I guess we can. If True Green's doing all the work, no one makes it easier. They handle the treatments, the timing, everything. I feel like you see them everywhere. Yeah. Beautiful lawns. And you know, it's True Green, America's number one lawn care company. And chances are they're already in your neighborhood.

[C]

I'll play, but I'm not mowing.

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I didn't think you were. Your wife, Will, or your son. Get your own golf course. Quality [e-mail] truegreen.com Let the pros handle the lawn. Just don't be surprised when golfers show up.

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Nobody really prepares you for this part of life. When I had some guests stay with me recently, I realized I was missing a few key essentials. I hate when that happens. Really? No more paper towels. Down to the last pigs in a blanket. So soon? I didn't want to interrupt our time together by running to the store or give off the impression that I was unprepared for my guests. Moments like that are a perfect example of how everyday life can surprise you. Some days go as planned and other days, well, life throws curve balls. It's not always convenient. That's why I went straight to Amazon. Amazon helps make it easier to manage both the routine and the unexpected. From household basics to last minute replacements you like to have on hand to be a great host. Amazon makes it so you can find everything that you need all in one place with reliable value and great prices. So when you run out of essentials right when the party's about to start, Amazon makes it easier to focus on your guests. Talk about saving the day.

[B]

Jason Tatum, set to make his season debut tonight against The Mavs and DraftKings has the over under at 12 and a half points for Jason Tatum. Mavericks are 14 and a half point underdogs. Cooper flag set to come back. He's missed a couple of weeks, a couple of phone calls in here. Aaron in Virginia as we wait for Jim Jackson. Hi, Aaron. Hey, dp.

[C]

Thanks for having me again.

[B]

I got a take that I think is more controversial than the pants. But first I just want to say, Chrissy, I agree with you. I've seen videos of Indian street food and they're like scooping up with their

[C]

hands and that's just disgusting.

[B]

But my take is everybody that I've ever asked that disagreed with me. Most people put their socks and shoes on, they go sock, sock, shoe, shoe. I go sock Shoe, Sock, Shoe. I can defend it if anybody wants to. What the. That's insane.

[C]

Insane.

[B]

Yes. I'm.

[A]

It's.

[B]

It's Sock, Sock, shoe, Shoe. Yes. Paulie, you should be on a watch list if you do your shoes and socks like that. Sock, sock, shoe, shoe. Did Cooper Flag play that game in the loss of your magic. Oh, okay. Okay. All right. So it was his first game back. Okay. Fresh in Milwaukee. Hi, Fresh. What's on your mind? What's up, DP And Dan X? Well, dp, I think you.

[C]

You did a great job on making

[A]

a poll question this week.

[B]

You brought up some excellent nicknames with Grandma, mom and Dr. Duncan Stein. And it got me to thinking, what are the five greatest nicknames in sports? Is it Air, Dr. J. Magic? Well, it's the Great One or the Greatest. So Ali and Gretzky, I would start there and then work your way down. I mean, Air Jordan was great because it created a brand, a, you know, billion dollar brand. But Ali called himself the Greatest and lived up to it. Wayne didn't call himself the Great One. He was called the Great One, but he lived up to being the Great One. You can have a great nickname. You just gotta live up to it. Yes, Marv.

[C]

I think Magic Johnson is the greatest. Sick name. Because they call you Magic instead of Irving, right? No one's saying, hey, Greatest, how are you? People say, magic, how are you? That's what I. That's what I take when somebody says a nickname. Like Babe Ruth. No, no one calls him George Herman.

[B]

Yeah, but Babe isn't a great nickname.

[C]

Oh, I was just using it as an example, as a nickname.

[B]

I don't know why we're. It feels like we're feuding.

[C]

You know what? I think we're getting spicy because of the Indian food. I think it just turned us.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Against one another.

[B]

But I don't want to go into the weekend like that. Okay.

[C]

You're right. Dan, I love you.

[B]

I love you, too. I just want to make sure that. Did it feel like I was piling on, you know, the Buffalo? I mean, I tried to.

[C]

No, I thought this was just good sports. Rad conversation.

[B]

Yes, Paulie. Magic is just perfect because he had

[C]

it before the Lakers brought him in. He went there with the nickname, and he went to the right team and the right style.

[B]

If you ever said to someone, you

[C]

don't have to be a sports fan, hey, I just ran into Magic.

[B]

You don't have to say Johnson. And I would say Paolo Bancaro. Your guy. Yeah. Feels like my Magic have peaked. No, they were. They were one of my up and coming teams, and then they just. They stop up and coming as a team. Yes. Martin.

[C]

Yeah. That's still your team, right? They were.

[B]

You know, each year I try to pick out a team because three years

[C]

ago, it was like the Cavaliers.

[B]

I. I gave you the Cavs. I gave you Sacramento. Well, no, but I gave you when they were a playoff team because they had Tyrese Halliburton. See, when you watch these teams nobody else is watching, then you almost become an authority. Yes, Paul.

[C]

When you type the word magic into Google, the next word that comes out is Johnson.

[B]

Okay, Larry. Legend. Nice nickname. Pete Rose was the hit king. But you're talking about that your actual name, your nickname is your first name to a lot of people.

[C]

Tiger.

[B]

Yeah, Tiger. Tiger's a great one.

[C]

I think Dr. J's up there too, because people would just say, hey, Doc.

[B]

Yeah, Doc. Yeah. Yes, Paul. But Dr. J's was versatile. You could call him Dr. J. The Doctor Doc.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Announcers would call him different things. Yeah. And he was cool enough to have that nickname. And when he got introduced when he was in Philadelphia, it was Julius. They had this great PA announcer, and he would give you that. Julius Irving. Irving. Awesome. Yeah. Still, seeing him in the airport's one of the coolest things the last 20 years of my life. It might be in the top five of just seeing Dr. J walk by me in the airport and being like, oh, my God, that's Julia serving. And then it was like my kids were going, hey, can we have permission to go and follow Dr. Jeff? Dan, do you see Dan? I know. I said, go ahead, go ahead. Tell him I said hello. Because they. They just saw Dr. J in the airport. I think we were at LAX, and all of a sudden, he's just floating down the coolest stroll I've ever seen in real life. Like a boss. Yeah, like a boss. Jim Jackson, Fox NBA college basketball analyst and he's got Indiana at Ohio State coming up on Saturday. You remember the first time you met Dr. J?

[C]

Oh, do I? Oh, it was. It was unbelievable. 95, 94, 95. It was an All Star game in Phoenix. And I finally got it because I grew up a Dr. J fan. Okay? I wanted to have the Afro. You remember Fisher City, Pittsburgh.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Moses Guthrie. That's Dr. J. So. And when I met him and I was listening to you guys talk about how smooth Doc is, it's unbelievable when he walks in a room, it's just like poetry, emotion. And I got it. I still got the picture I had. When I shook his head, he had some glasses on. And it was just one of those moments where I was like, man, I just met. I just met Dr. J. And we've become really close friends, you know, since then. So it's, It's. It's surreal. One of my heroes growing up, man. Unbelievable, unbelievable human being.

[B]

And if I could attach soundtracks to certain athletes like Miles Davis or Coltrane, would have been Dr. J.

[C]

No doubt. It had been something real smooth, dramatic, heavy baseline, but smooth with doctors. Moving, man. He's still. He's still like that because I, you know, we got good friends, especially over the time covering the big three, and he's a big cigar smoker like I am. So just hanging out with him, hearing the stories about back in the day, about his progress, you know, through the ABA and NBA, is nothing like it, man. To this day. Smoothness. All right, personified.

[B]

Help me understand what's going on with Luca. From the standpoint of everybody feels like there's. This is. It's open season on Luca, that he winds a lot. Got another technical. He's, you know, doesn't play defense, you know, you know, the. It's now being exposed because every Laker game is under the microscope always. Okay, where. Where's this headed with Luca and the Lakers?

[C]

Well, it's tough, Dan, because we're not privy to the day to day operations every day in practice, the conversation. So you. You want to. You want to take pause to that a little bit and try not to evaluate everything by what you think, you know. And see. Now optically, it doesn't look good optically. It was the same thing in Dallas with. With Luca, with his body language at times, with his persistent to. Persistence to always complain about files to the official. That's always been there. Now it's been some other players that have been like that in the past too. But with Luca now being with the Lakers as well, the expectations, it just draws the ear of a lot of people. Now, keep in mind, this is a situation too, because of the trade situation. The Lakers have to figure this out. With Luca, that was one of the big things. When the trade went through, it was like, okay, yes, we got the trade, but the Lakers still got to convince Luca that this is the ultimate and the final landing spot, you know, to sign his deal. So how that interaction between he and jj, he and new management continue to foster itself is very important to the future of this franchise. Okay. Because they put everything all eggs in one basket, basically by going to get Luca. So they. They got to figure out a way to make it work. But it doesn't look good optically, with what's going on. I'm not talking about he and, you know, JJ having some words on the sideline. Players and coaches do that all the time. That's. That's nothing new. But optically, his body language doesn't look good.

[B]

Does it ever help complaining to an official

[C]

in your mind as a player? Yes. You know, it does. But sometimes, you know, old school officials know the Earl Stroms of the world, the Dick Vivetta's, you can go up and talk to. Okay. And they'll tell you, like, okay, enough is enough. This is it. This is what's going to happen. Or they'll tell you, you know, I missed that one. Okay. Now, I'm not saying that today's officials don't do it, but it was a different kind of relationship back then.

[B]

Yeah, but Jim, talking to an official and whining to an official, big difference.

[C]

Okay, what about yelling? Because Mike yelled at a lot of officials.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Magic did. Isaiah did all the guys. You know, I know the legend.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Yeah. Colby did.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Kobe did.

[B]

Larry did they. Yes, Larry did.

[C]

Yes. So. But you're saying whining, and I think with. With Luca, it's. It's gone overboard. And a lot of officials are tired of it. They. They really are, but they don't tech them up. So if they're tired of it, tech them up.

[B]

Yeah, but he's on the. On the precipice of being suspended with his technicals.

[C]

Well, I mean, sometimes you got to go to extreme.

[B]

I mean, he's not Rashid Wallace.

[C]

Well, what. No, but you know what? Now, Rashid got a text, and he knew it. Okay? And. But the officials made it a point, too, with Rasheed, that if you continue to do this, boom, you're out. They don't do that with Luca. See the difference?

[B]

So you think if they. If they say, hey, one more, you're gone.

[C]

Yeah. Tell them, say, luca, okay, enough is enough. Okay, one more. I got what you're saying. You want the file. But I could call the file on the other end when you reached in and we didn't call it. Okay, I can do the same thing. Now, how do you want it? How do. How do you want to play this? Okay. I think you just got to be raw and honest with the player, because you got to give certain players you're going to give respect to, and they deserve it. Now that you just tell them, like, now you're on my butt for this, but I could have called this couple of times down here and I didn't. Not that I'm playing favors, but I'm trying to let the game go so it's the same thing on the opposite end. That's. That's old school refereeing right there. That's what that. Okay, so now as a player, you got to make a decision. Okay? Do I really need to keep complaining and putting him in a situation or the officials in a situation where now they're going to kick me out or give me another Tech? Now that's on me because they told me exactly what is going to happen if I continue down this path. It's on me.

[B]

Can you make Luca play defense?

[C]

At times he has, but as a player, that's that. That goes back to not only just the coaching staff, but his teammates, how much respect he has to really want to play this game. At the end of the day, Dan, that's. That's all it is. And again, I'm not saying, and I don't think anybody's saying that he has to be the best defensive player, that he has to be a lockdown defender, but you got to give the effort. You just can't lay on the screen. You just can't not run back after you take a bad shot and not get back in transition. You cannot not rotate over to take a charge or step in and help your teammates. That's something individually, that's something that, you know, his teammates got to expect out of him and vice versa. He has to want to give that to his team. I play with Steve now. Steve, probably he'll tell you he wasn't the best defender, but he gave the effort. And that's what all teammates want to see, is that. Just give me the effort.

[B]

Do you think Steve Nash could guard me?

[C]

Oh, he'll lock you down, Dan. I mean, he'll get up underneath you all day long. That one step you got to the side, he'll take that away. He's sending you left all day.

[B]

But I'm gonna take him down low.

[C]

So, I mean, I'm not. The first time that Steve got post up, Steve would be like, help double.

[B]

We're talking to Jim Jackson, Fox NBA college basketball analyst. Can Wimby steal the mvp?

[C]

You know what? That's. That's a great question. Because of the position that they're in, right? I don't think he can this year. I don't think his, his numbers stack up to. Individually. Okay, individually, to those of sga, Jokic, K Cunningham. Now here, here's the difference too is that I know a lot of conversation has been about SGA and about mvp, most valuable player. Okay to their team numbers sometimes don't tell at all. Steve Nash when he won back to back Kobe's number on that. Numbers on the back end of that were better. But Steve's value to the team. That's what it was based on Kobe's value to the team SGA even though when he was absent OKC continued to win. It's a difference with Wemby when he's out of the lineup, that's how I think they start to determine mvp. But I really love Cade. What Cade is doing, I mean unbelievable job there in Detroit. Honestly I would love to see him be rewarded if they have the best record because his value to that team is multiplied a lot by what he does. Kind of like with Jokic at times even though they went 10 and 6 when he was out. It's something about. But I think when we definitely is in the conversation, I don't think he'll. Even if they get end up being second second best record, I still don't think he'll get it this year.

[B]

Well, you know we have that 65 game threshold and if Joker misses one more game, he's out. If SGA misses a few more games, he's going to be out. Would you be okay by default that Cade Cunningham, because he played more than 65 games is the MVP?

[C]

Of course that's why you put it in. I think. You know, I want to ask you too, what do you think about the 65 game rule because here's my thought on this is that if you're going to put that rule in, you have to let this thing play out and have players understand that it is a consequence. Now sometimes it's not against, it's not their fault that they get hurt. But this has to be, it has to be a pain point to a lot of players where they make it so that they are on the court. So you can't all of a sudden after one or two years just change it because now it doesn't do anything if the 65 game rule is going to be put into effect and these are the number of games that you have to play in order to receive the awards at the end of the year. You got to make it stick. You got to make it a pain point for players that they understand there's a penalty and if I don't adhere or can adhere to this, you can't just all of a sudden change.

[B]

I know, but all transparency. I'm the one that brought it up to the commissioner that I thought that he needed to have a number. So you had guys who were going to play hard and if you're going to be eligible for postseason honors and that you played at least 65 games. So you did that.

[C]

Yeah, we appreciate it.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Now, keep in mind, the Players association, all of that, they have to agree to it, too. Is not something that Adam Silver can just lay down the law and say, okay, this is what we're going to do. So obviously, it was discussed and negotiated and agreed upon, and I think it needs to stay in place if that's what they're going to do to have players understand this is the threshold in which you must pass in order to receive awards at the end of the year. And it has to stick.

[B]

I know. We're creeping up to March Madness here. You got Indiana and Ohio State on Saturday. What was worse, that you were in the Elite Eight and you lost in overtime or that you lost in overtime to Michigan?

[C]

It wasn't the fact that it was Michigan. Because, you think about it, at the time, our rival was Indiana. It wasn't Miss. We beat Michigan twice that year. But it goes back to the 1989 Final Four. Well, yeah, Final Four, it was Illinois and Michigan. Illinois that year beat Michigan twice during the regular season. Michigan won that game and went to the national championship. Ended up winning. It just tells you how difficult it is to beat a team. Now, them being us being in the same region was kind of ironic, but when we watched that team play, there was a different team than what we played earlier in the year. From the first game to the second game to where they were at, they matured, they grew, they got more confident, and we had. The onus was on us because we were the number one seed to win. No pressure was on Michigan. So, yes, it hurt. It hurt. And not just because it was Michigan. It's because we had a chance to go to a Final Four to accomplish something that a lot of teams don't get a chance to. That was more disappointing than actually who we lost to.

[B]

You ever bring this?

[C]

I still can't watch the game to the day because to this day, Dan, I'm hoping for a different outcome. And for some reason, it just doesn't happen.

[B]

I think you run it back. Can you get everybody together and run it back?

[C]

That'll be an ugly game, brother. It'd be an ugly game.

[B]

But when you run into these Michigan guys. Do they remind you?

[C]

No, because I played. There's some of my best friends. I played with Juwan in Houston, I played with Chris in Sacramento. Jimmy King was a free agent, came, came down to camp in Dallas. Ray Jackson and I are good friends. Jalen and I worked out in the summertime, did a lot of stuff. So actually when they went to the final four, what was that Trey Burch year 2016. I mean seven. I forget when they lost to Louisville, you're in San Antonio. I was there. I was with the group. I was, you know, they're really close friends of mine. I respect each, each one of them, man. I mean each one of them really great guys may give the shirt off their back to you.

[B]

Great, great to see you. Thanks again.

[C]

Always great to see you too, man. Work on that post up game.

[B]

I'm tell Steve I'm not afraid of Steve Nash. I'm not afraid.

[C]

I'm just saying shots, shots taken.

[B]

I'm just telling you I, I shoot better, deeper than he does.

[C]

Really?

[B]

Yes. Yes.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

We'll leave it right there. I'm taking that message to Steve.

[B]

If you don't give it, I will. I'm telling the country right now. Oh, you are Steve Nash, mid range jumper. Mid range jumper Steve is what I called him. He not out there. I mean, great percentage from three point.

[C]

Right? Right.

[B]

Just saying mid range jumper Steve.

[C]

All right, Nick. He's a Nicky to death.

[B]

They called me Danny Deep. Danny Deep. Thank you, Jim.

[C]

All right, man. Have a good one.

[B]

Jim Jackson, Fox NFL. All right, man.

[C]

He's not buying any of that.

[B]

He thinks I'm joking. I'm joking.

[A]

He hopes you're joking.

[C]

I just love the. All right, man.

[B]

He thinks I should be joking

[A]

right now.

[B]

Texting Steve Nash. He'll be working Indiana at Ohio State on Saturday with Fox.

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This is Chelsea Handler from Dear Chelsea after the Big Game, like most people, I kept thinking about the commercials, and there was one that stayed with me. It was from the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, and it wasn't loud or flashy.

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