The Best of The Dan Patrick Show
Host: Dan Patrick | Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Release Date: April 21, 2025

Overview

In this premier episode of "The Best of The Dan Patrick Show," host Dan Patrick teams up with Greg Rosenthal to deliver an in-depth analysis of the recent NBA playoffs, discuss standout player performances, and delve into strategic team decisions. Additionally, the episode touches upon the upcoming NFL Draft, providing listeners with expert insights to prepare for the next football season. Throughout the show, Patrick and Rosenthal engage in dynamic conversations, enriched with notable quotes and real-time reactions, making the episode both informative and entertaining for sports enthusiasts.

1. NBA Playoffs Recap and Team Performances

Dan Patrick and Greg Rosenthal kick off the episode by reviewing last year's playoff outcomes and the current season's standout performances. They analyze how teams have evolved, especially those with new coaching staff, and their strategies heading into the playoffs.

• Analysis of the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder:

  • Greg Rosenthal at [03:08]: “We're told what last year's playoff teams need to return to the postseason and how teams with new coaches should approach the draft.”

• Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers:

  • Dan Patrick at [06:50]: “The Timberwolves beat the Lakers. Minnesota made a franchise playoff record 21 three-pointers. So when J.J. Redick and LeBron say, 'hey, we were surprised at the physicality of that,' well, okay, but what about the three-pointers that you gave up? 21.”

2. Player Highlights

The discussion highlights unexpected player performances that turned the tides in critical playoff games.

• Ty Jerome’s Unexpected Performance:

  • Greg Rosenthal at [10:01]: “Ty Jerome played for Virginia and had a couple of games this year that got on the radar. He went at Tyler Herro last night. It was not nice. Everybody wanted Tyler Herro guarded last night, but Ty Jerome went at him and did a great job.”

  • Dan Patrick at [10:50]: “I had to look up Ty Jerome. I couldn't lie to you. He's been on four teams in six years. He's played six seasons and only started 10 games. But he can shoot. He got some buckets. He had 28 points and the win. That's the most by any Cavalier in their first NBA playoff game since Kyrie had 30 against the Celtics back in 2015.”

3. Team Strategies and Media Coverage

Patrick and Rosenthal discuss how media focus can overshadow significant teams and their contributions, using the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers as primary examples.

• Media Bias Towards Specific Teams:

  • Greg Rosenthal at [07:57]: “Marvin, have we ever disrespected a team like the Boston Celtics? And I don't mean that like, purposefully, but we didn't talk about them at all all season long. And they were the defending champs with the best starting five in the NBA.”

• Recognition of Overlooked Teams:

  • Greg Rosenthal at [15:57]: “Anybody talking about the Indiana Pacers? The WNBA team in Indiana gets more headlines, credit, attention than the Pacers do. The Pacers are a really good team, but the media does not guide you there.”

4. Audience Engagement and Polls

The show incorporates listener polls and questions, fostering interaction and gauging audience opinions on critical topics such as the NBA title contenders.

• Poll on NBA Championship Favorites:

  • Greg Rosenthal at [13:23]: “Don, we're gonna roll with this one from Paulie. I think the Thunder will win the NBA title.”

  • Dan Patrick at [13:35]: “Okay, y'all sure are too early. Paul.”

5. NFL Draft Discussions

Transitioning to football, Dan Patrick and Greg Rosenthal offer insights into the upcoming NFL Draft, discussing key prospects and strategies teams might employ.

• Analyzing Draft Prospects:

  • Dan Patrick at [44:55]: “He's going to play both ways right away. Deion said it perfectly. 'You're not going to have a drive at the end of the first half or a drive in the fourth quarter or two drives in the fourth quarter settling that game, that outcome and have Travis Hunter standing on the sidelines when our cornerbacks are getting beaten, the quarterbacks driving his team right down the field.'”

• Evaluating Quarterback Talent:

  • Dan Patrick at [49:37]: “It's the arm talent, Dan. It's the traits. It's that skill set that Brian Callahan... I don't buy into any of that nonsense. Brett Favre was a highly rated player, went in the second round, look what happened with him.”

6. Personal Anecdotes and Stories

The episode also features personal stories and experiences that shed light on the hosts' perspectives and relationships within the sports industry.

• Dan Patrick’s Potential Career Path:

  • Greg Rosenthal at [55:01]: “I had that chance to get into the league when a great best friend I ever had in the NFL...”

• Reflections on Industry Changes:

  • Dan Patrick at [56:53]: “All the conversations I look back with George and like Ernie, of course, in my great friend Jackson Faulkner with the Rams was phenomenal back in the day.”

7. Notable Quotes

• Greg Rosenthal at [25:50]: “Two favorites. I would say OKC come out the west and Boston to come out the East.”

• Dan Patrick at [51:22]: “If we got a quarterback and we think he could be good, but we got to get better. This kid has the arm talent.”

• Greg Rosenthal at [33:57]: “Jason Tatum, Jalen Brown. Is that safe? Is that a safe Astro, DP.”

Conclusions

"The Best of The Dan Patrick Show" effectively encapsulates the dynamic and multifaceted discussions that fans have come to expect. By blending comprehensive sports analysis with personal anecdotes and interactive segments, Dan Patrick and Greg Rosenthal provide a rich and engaging listening experience. The episode not only offers deep dives into the NBA playoffs and upcoming NFL Draft but also highlights the interplay between media coverage and team performances, ensuring listeners gain a well-rounded perspective on the current sports landscape.

Note: The timestamps provided in quotes correspond to their positions within the transcript to help listeners locate these segments within the full episode.