The Best of The Dan Patrick Show

Summary

The Dan Patrick Show: The Best of The Dan Patrick Show
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Description: A compilation of memorable moments from Dan Patrick's daily radio show, featuring insightful discussions with A-list sports and entertainment guests, humor, and Patrick’s unique perspectives on pop culture and sports.

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Introduction

The episode kicks off with Dan Patrick welcoming listeners to a special compilation edition of his show. This “Best of” episode encapsulates some of the most engaging conversations and debates aired over time, highlighting Dan’s ability to blend sports analysis with cultural commentary and humor.

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LeBron James: The Underrated Greatness

Discussion Participants: Dan Patrick, Lester Holt, Tom Brokaw, Ray Allen

One of the central themes of this episode is a deep dive into LeBron James' legacy in the NBA. Dan Patrick and his guests engage in a spirited debate about LeBron’s playing style, public perception, and his standing among basketball legends.

Key Points:

• Signature Moves vs. Consistent Performance:

  • Dan Patrick raises the question of whether LeBron’s lack of a signature move detracts from his greatness, given his monumental scoring achievements, including surpassing the 40,000-point milestone.

  • Ray Allen counters by emphasizing LeBron’s versatility and consistent performance, arguing that LeBron doesn’t need a signature move because his overall dominance on the court speaks for itself.

    “[Dan Patrick]: ...isn’t it remarkable that he doesn't have a signature move and he scored 40,000 points?
    [Ray Allen]: ...LeBron has always been an unstoppable, undeniable force...”

• Public Criticism and Social Media:

  • The panel discusses the relentless criticism LeBron faces on social media, juxtaposing it with the admiration he receives for his achievements. They explore the notion that much of the negativity stems from jealousy and the high expectations set upon him from an early age.

    “[Dan Patrick]: ...the LeBron conversation is perfect for social media because people are just editing clips of him not really doing anything...
    [Tom Brokaw]: ...there's jealousy because he was such a phenom out of high school.”

• Comparison to Michael Jordan:

  • The debate extends to comparing LeBron with Michael Jordan, where Tom Brokaw acknowledges Jordan’s iconic moments but still praises LeBron’s current prowess and championship successes.

    “[Tom Brokaw]: ...he’s the best 40-year-old of all time. But if I had to take one, I would take Jordan...
    [Ray Allen]: ...LeBron is still going strong.”

Notable Quote:

“LeBron’s never really had to have a pet move because he can just go downhill and score over everybody.” – Ray Allen [29:09]

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NBA Coaching and Team Dynamics

Discussion Participants: Dan Patrick, Lester Holt, Tom Brokaw, Ray Allen

The conversation shifts to coaching dynamics within the NBA, specifically focusing on Jason Kidd’s potential move to coach the New York Knicks and the implications for both the Knicks and players like Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Key Points:

• Jason Kidd and the Knicks:

  • Lester Holt inquires about Jason Kidd’s interest in coaching the Knicks, pondering the motivations behind such a move.

  • Ray Allen analyzes the feasibility, suggesting that a trade involving Giannis would be pivotal for Kidd’s coaching prospects with the Knicks. He expresses skepticism about such a move happening due to the complexities involved in trading a star player like Giannis.

    “[Ray Allen]: ...they need to set themselves up for their future and who they get back in return. It could involve players like Castle and draft picks.”

• Team Performance and Future Prospects:

  • The panel evaluates the Oklahoma City Thunder’s performance, questioning if they will be recognized as one of the great single-season teams if they win their current playoff run.

  • Ray Allen compares the Thunder’s 68-win season to his own championship seasons, advocating for their recognition based on their record and team dynamics.

    “[Ray Allen]: ...they have to be given that respect and that due. They’re so young, so I don’t think people expected them to get there.”

Notable Quote:

“What does that mean to you?”
“Having a discussion about who would you rather have? Kevin Durant or Larry Bird? And I go, what? Okay, is this real?” – Dan Patrick and Ray Allen [15:30]

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Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers: A Strategic Move

Discussion Participants: Dan Patrick, Lester Holt, Tom Brokaw, Ray Allen

Another pivotal discussion revolves around Aaron Rodgers’ move to the Pittsburgh Steelers and its strategic implications for the team and the broader NFL landscape.

Key Points:

• Rodgers’ Role and Performance:

  • The panel assesses Rodgers’ decision to join the Steelers, debating whether it addresses the team’s quarterbacking issues or merely postpones the inevitable need for a long-term solution.

  • Tom Brokaw highlights the Steelers’ advantages over previous teams, such as better defense and coaching, suggesting that Rodgers could elevate the team's performance despite his recent inconsistencies.

    “[Tom Brokaw]: ...he is a better quarterback than Russell Wilson and Mason Rudolph. The team is better than the Jets.”

• Team Dynamics and Future Prospects:

  • Lester Holt speculates on the future of the Steelers’ roster with Rodgers, contemplating the potential for playoff success and the long-term sustainability of Rodgers’ tenure with the team.

    “[Lester Holt]: ...he's getting paid a fortune. He can take it. The Steelers are a better team now than a week ago with Mason Rudolph.”

Notable Quote:

“He is a better quarterback than Russell Wilson and he's a better quarterback than Mason Rudolph.” – Tom Brokaw [56:19]

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Medal of Honor Segment

Discussion Participants: Dan Patrick, Max Chavkin, Tom Brokaw, Lester Holt

Interspersed within the episode are segments honoring Medal of Honor recipients, showcasing stories of valor and sacrifice. These segments serve to highlight profound examples of courage, aligning with the show's broader themes of heroism both on and off the field.

Key Points:

• Stories of Bravery:
  • Max Chavkin introduces stories of Medal of Honor recipients, emphasizing their extraordinary acts of bravery and dedication.
  • The segment underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring those who have gone above and beyond in service to their country.

Notable Quote:

“Recipients have done the improbable, showing immense bravery and sacrifice in the name of something much bigger than themselves.” – Max Chavkin [01:05]

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Sports Analysis and Future Outlooks

Discussion Participants: Dan Patrick, Lester Holt, Tom Brokaw, Ray Allen

The episode also delves into current sports events and future outlooks, providing listeners with expert analysis and projections.

Key Points:

• Playoff Hockey Analysis:

  • The panel discusses recent playoff hockey games, focusing on the Florida Panthers’ aggressive playstyle and penalty management.

    “[Lester Holt]: ...the Panthers took advantage of 21 Edmonton penalties last night to win 6-1...”

• Upcoming Tournaments:

  • Tom Brokaw shares his plans to attend Wimbledon, expressing excitement about witnessing high-level tennis matches firsthand.

    “[Tom Brokaw]: ...I'm going to Wimbledon for the first time...”

• Game Strategy and Player Performance:

  • Ray Allen provides insights into game strategies, player performance, and how teams can adapt to maintain competitiveness in high-stakes matches.

    “[Ray Allen]: ...being able to get to the free throw line, being able to score and transition and take the first shot available.”

Notable Quote:

“They shoot teams in and out of the game because of the three-point shooting. Teams like OKC and Indiana, shooting mid-ranges, are key to their Finals success.” – Ray Allen [23:35]

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Humorous Interludes and Listener Engagement

Throughout the episode, Dan Patrick and his guests inject humor into their discussions, making the content engaging and relatable. They share anecdotes, playful banter, and light-hearted moments that showcase their camaraderie and personality.

Key Points:

• Song Shenanigans:

  • Episodic laughter arises from a discussion about Fritzi practicing a song about Terry Bradshaw and Aaron Rodgers, leading to playful banter about the song’s reception.

    “[Dan Patrick]: ...I knew another one.
    [Lester Holt]: ...the last song you did didn’t go well.
    [Ryan Seacrest]: ...it’s everybody’s fault because I didn’t learn my lesson.”

• Social Media Misinterpretations:

  • The panel humorously navigates misunderstandings arising from social media phrases, such as the meaning behind “LeBron doesn’t have the bag.”

    “[Lester Holt]: ...I thought it was money was the bag.
    [Ryan Seacrest]: ...a bag is short for a bag of tricks.”

Notable Quote:

“LeBron’s better than Jordan. And then walk out.” – Lester Holt [05:46]

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Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the discussions held, emphasizing the blend of serious analysis and entertaining dialogue that defines The Dan Patrick Show. Listeners are encouraged to tune in for more in-depth conversations and exclusive insights from top guests in the sports and entertainment industries.

Final Thoughts:

Dan Patrick successfully curates a dynamic and engaging episode that appeals to sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. By tackling significant topics such as LeBron James’ legacy, strategic sports management, and honoring military heroes, the show delivers a comprehensive and thought-provoking experience.

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Notable Quotes Recap:

• Ray Allen on LeBron’s Consistency:
  “LeBron has always been an unstoppable, undeniable force where if you put a bigger guy on him he can't keep up with him because he doesn't have the footwork. And you put a smaller guy on him, he doesn't have the size.” [29:09]

• Tom Brokaw on LeBron vs. Jordan:
  “He’s the best 40-year-old of all time. But if I had to take one, I would take Jordan.” [55:16]

• Ray Allen on Team Dynamics:
  “What does that mean to you?...Having a discussion about who would you rather have? Kevin Durant or Larry Bird?” [15:30]

• Lester Holt on Rodgers’ Impact:
  “He is a better quarterback than Russell Wilson and he's a better quarterback than Mason Rudolph.” [56:19]

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Tags: #DanPatrickShow #SportsAnalysis #LeBronJames #NBA #AaronRodgers #PittsburghSteelers #JasonKidd #MedalOfHonor #RayAllen #TomBrokaw #LesterHolt #SportsDebate #PopCulture

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For More Information:

To catch more highlights and in-depth discussions like these, subscribe to The Dan Patrick Show on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with the show through social media or reach out via email at [e-mail].

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Tom Brokaw]

NBC Nightly News Legacy isn't handed down or NBC News. I'm Tom Brokaw.

[Lester Holt]

We hope to see you back here. I'm Lester Holt.

[Ryan Seacrest]

It's carried forward. Tom Yamas is there for us. Firefighters are still working around the clock. As the world changes, we look for what endures.

[Tom Brokaw]

We are coming on the air with.

[Lester Holt]

Breaking news right now.

[Ryan Seacrest]

We look for a constant and from one era to the next, Trust is.

[Tom Brokaw]

The anchor for NBC Nightly News.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I'm Tom Yamas.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

A new chapter begins NBC Nightly News with Tom Yamas.

[Lester Holt]

Evenings on NBC.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through June 24th. Score hot summer savings and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags on items like Keebler cookies, Popsicle, frozen treats, Smart water, silk almond milk, Folgers coffee, and Kerrygold butter. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online. For easy drive up and go, pickup or delivery subject to availability restrictions apply. Visit Albertson or Safeway.com for more details.

[Max Chavkin]

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States. Recipients have done the improbable, the unexpected, showing immense bravery and sacrifice in the name of something much bigger than themselves.

[Tom Brokaw]

This medal is for the men who.

[Max Chavkin]

Went down that day on Medal of Honor. Stories of courage. You'll hear about these heroes and what their stories tell us about the nature of bravery. Listen to Medal of Honor on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

A lot of times, big economic forces show up in our lives in small ways. Four days a week, I would buy two cups of banana pudding, but the price has gone up. So now I only buy one.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Small but important ways. From tech billionaires to the bond market to yeah, banana pudding. If it's happening in business, our new podcast is on it. I'm Max Chavkin.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

And I'm Stacey Vanek Smith. So listen to everybody's business on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lester Holt]

What up, y' all? This your main man, Memphis Bleak right here, Host the rock solid podcast. June is Black Music Month.

[Ray Allen]

So what better way to celebrate than listening to my exclusive conversation with my bro, Ja Rule.

[Lester Holt]

The one thing they can't stop you or take away from you is knowledge. So whatever I went through while I was down in prison two years through that process. Learn, learn from. Check out this exclusive episode with Ja Rule on Rock Solid. Open your free iHeartRadio app.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Search Rock solid and listen now.

[Lester Holt]

You are listening to the Dan Patrick.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Show on Fox Sports Radio.

[Lester Holt]

It's our one on this Tuesday. Dan and the Dan X Dan Patrick Show. Fritzi is on fire today from the beginning. Soon as I walked in the door, Fritzi says, I got a song for you. And I said, all right. And I thought it was, you know, when somebody says, hey, I got a song for you to listen. He goes, no, I got a song. I go, wait, you're gonna sing another song? He goes, yep. And then I walked down the hall. He was practicing his song. By the way, you tell us what it's about.

[Ryan Seacrest]

It is about a week, two weeks too late. But it came to me like four in the morning. Once again, one of those middle of the night things. It's a song about Terry Bradshaw not loving Aaron Rodgers coming to the steelers to the 1984 cause I live in the 80s. The Steve Perry song oh, Sherry, which was a very popular hit in the 80s.

[Ray Allen]

The.

[Ryan Seacrest]

This is. Oh, Terry.

[Lester Holt]

Okay.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Basically on Terry. Bradshaw is not being pleased with the whole Aaron Rodgers thing and how that played out.

[Lester Holt]

Okay, we'll get to that coming up.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Because the previous song went so well. I know another one.

[Lester Holt]

That's the point. It didn't go well the last song you did.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Well, it's everybody's fault because I didn't learn my lesson and you guys continue to allow it. So you guys are enablers.

[Lester Holt]

Oh, I'm an enabler. You're an enabler. Okay. All right.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Take exception to being lumped into that clip, by the way. Seaton is not an enabler.

[Tom Brokaw]

The host is an enabler.

[Lester Holt]

No, because Seaton usually throws himself in front of the car, say, todd, no, don't do it. But you do it. And I've given up hope after 23 years.

[Tom Brokaw]

That's fair.

[Ryan Seacrest]

What we definitely needed today was another song about a two week old topic.

[Lester Holt]

Ray Allen will join us a little bit later on. Christopher Mad Dog Russo will stop by as well. Yesterday during the show, I said, you know, I like playoff hockey. I think it's the best of all the playoffs. And it is usually clean in the postseason. There's no fighting. And then all of a sudden they drop the gloves last night and let's play the feud. The Panthers took advantage of 21 Edmonton penalties last night to win 6 1. In the last 10 years, there have been four playoff games with 140 or more penalty minutes. Three of those games.

[Ray Allen]

Three of those.

[Lester Holt]

Three of the four have involved the Florida Panthers. 20, 23, 2024. And this year, introducing our starting lineup, the king of comedy, Fritzi Seaton, Marv Paulie, yours truly, and the backroom guys. Backroom guys, I overheard this. It's a special day at the Mets game where it's five dollar beers, five dollar hot dogs, five dollars everything. So Dylan wants to do a nine, nine, nine. Where you have nine beers, nine hot dogs in nine innings.

[Tom Brokaw]

What a great idea.

[Lester Holt]

Well, wow. Standing ovation by two of the Danettes. No, he hasn't done it yet.

[Ryan Seacrest]

3.

[Lester Holt]

Okay, he hasn't done it yet. But then I heard word that he doesn't want to do it today. And there he is. If you're watching on Peacock, our streaming partner Dylan is holding up a T shirt. Do we know what the T shirt says?

[Ryan Seacrest]

It's a bad day to be a hot dog.

[Lester Holt]

Oh. But then I was told that Dylan doesn't want to do it today. And he has been called, he has been labeled soft.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Soft.

[Lester Holt]

Even Anthony, who just got here, calling out Dylan for being soft because he. He talked about this. He planned this. Tuesday is a special day to go see the Mets because everything is $5 trying to do the 999. And now he says that he doesn't want to go. Weather is not supposed to be an issue. Supposed to be beautiful. And Dylan, who got everybody excited about this, apparently in the back room, all the Mets fans. And then Dylan doesn't want to go. Yes, yes. Paul, does he have to work his.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

Way up to it like a four beers one day?

[Lester Holt]

Oh, I think he's done that his entire life.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah, he's been preparing for this his whole life.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah, if you've seen Dylan, he's been Preparing for this. Alrighty. 8 7, 7, 3, DP show email address [e-mail] Twitter handle @tp show mention. Ray Allen will join us coming up a little bit later on. By the way, I'm not on social media. I just got on Facebook, which I love to look at videos.

[Ryan Seacrest]

That's just.

[Lester Holt]

That's. I just got on Facebook like six weeks ago, and I like to watch the videos there. There's usually a golf, you know, an instructional video there to help or something from the archives or music or, you know, whatever it might be. And then all of a sudden I see this. Lebron doesn't have the bag. So I'm thinking, wait a minute, is bag money? Because I thought when you get the bag, it's. You get money. And then all of a sudden I said to Marvin, can you help me? What does bag mean? I thought LeBron has been well compensated in his career.

[Ryan Seacrest]

So you're almost correct. He has the bag, which is the money.

[Lester Holt]

Okay.

[Ryan Seacrest]

A bag is short for a bag of tricks, which means, like, your offensive arsenal.

[Lester Holt]

So LeBron doesn't have a bag of tricks.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Correct. 40,000 points in quote unquote, no bag.

[Lester Holt]

Isn't that even more amazing that maybe doesn't have a bag of tricks or a. A Go to. You know, Kareem had one trick in his bag, and that was the sky hook. Is anybody. Seaton and I were talking about this. Has there been a more. I'm not gonna say I get polarizing, but it feels like I don't remember somebody being this great who's been criticized this much, unless it's Tom Brady. But social media is relentless on LeBron James, and I keep thinking, what am I missing here? Even when he wins a title in the bubble, it's. Well, he wanted in the bubble, which was a disadvantage for LeBron and the Lakers because they would have had home court advantage. Instead, they went to something, you know, antiseptic as a bubble. And he won a championship. Oh, he had to join, create the big Three. He tried to get players to go to Cleveland. I think Chris Bosh famously said, I didn't even want to fly over Cleveland. He was going to go to Miami. But, man, the. You know, the Talons come out. The venom comes out when it's LeBron James. I'm just surprised because I can't remember somebody who has been criticized this much. And I guess we have to look at the social media era other than Tom Brady. Oh, he could have done it without Belichick. Okay. He still did it with Belichick. Yes.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I think maybe the word is disrespected.

[Lester Holt]

Okay.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Because he's. His accomplishments certainly speak for himself or themselves. But, you know, the LeBron conversation is perfect for social media because people are just editing clips of him not really doing anything and turning the ball over and being like, greatest of all trash, you know? And you're like, what? That's not really fair. That's one play in one game of thousands.

[Lester Holt]

And I guess maybe it's a slow time of the year for people while they wait for football and they don't care about the other sports. But I was just surprised that a guy who has 40,000 points doesn't have a signature move. They can do them all, which to me, is remarkable. I mean, he does have a signature move. Michael Jordan's on record of saying, if I. If LeBron got me on his hip and he was going, right, I can't stop him. So one of the greatest defenders of all time on ball. Defenders of all Time says, if LeBron has me on his hip, I can't stop him. Okay, now, is he a great shooter? No, he's a great scorer. But the bag of tricks is that he doesn't have a trick in his bag. I mean, that's remarkable. And then you get 40,000 points and. Yes. Am I a LeBron apologist? For the most part, yes. Do I think it's. It's closer between him and Michael Jordan? It is, but it. They're just different. It's different era. It's. They're different players. You know, what one was required or asked to do and what one was required or asked to do, it's just different. And, yes, Michael didn't go to another team to win a championship, but he had Jerry Krause, and nobody brings up without Jerry Krause. Michael doesn't win championships like this. He doesn't. Jerry Krause was incredible at bringing in talent to surround Michael, and Michael never liked Jerry Krause, the gm. And he might not have liked him because Jerry was getting credit for some of this, and Mike maybe didn't want to share, but they're. They're incredible player like Kobe, I. I brought up to the guys today. You know, Magic gets shortchanged as being one of the greatest players of all time. He is there with Larry Bird. But if you. I used to argue about how great Magic was, because when my point guard walks on the floor and he's six, nine, I got a. A distinct advantage over you, whoever you put on him. I got an incredible advantage. How many players in the history of the game, when they walk on the floor, all of a sudden you've got a mismatch, like a decided advantage, height advantage, talent advantage. And Magic didn't, you know, he chose to distribute. He didn't say, I'm getting. He could have gotten 25, 30. But, you know, we get caught up in who's great, who's the greatest, that guy's not great. And what we end up doing is we end up criticizing more players than complimenting more players. And that's where it gets kind of discouraging with it. And I, once again, it just kind of stood out. And I go, where does this come from? I mean, Skip Bayless made a career of every single day. It felt like criticizing LeBron James. And it's fake all we wanted was reaction from you because he could get reaction. Because if your, your answer is Michael Jordan, you're going to win every argument. You know, it's the strength of going into an argument. You go, yeah, but I got the trump card and that's, I've got Michael Jordan and I just, he's Neil Armstrong. And LeBron might be the second astronaut on the moon maybe, but Mike did it. And you know, even Kobe, if Kobe did it before Mike did it, how would we view Kobe? We'd be like, Michael had to, you know, imitate Kobe. It's, it's unfortunate, but we do that with great player. I love an argument, but I love an argument where you're discussing the greatness of somebody. Oh, what did LeBron do? Never wanted to take the last shot. Two of Michael's most famous moments were, were John Paxton and Steve Kerr, because they were the right players at the right moment in the right spot to take the shot. Nobody talks about that. You know, when the Bulls won their title against the Lakers, Magic was all bang. Nobody talks about that. It's, you know, we, we edit. You know, it's, it's convenient editing when it comes to sometimes when you're talking about great players, great teams. Yes. Marvin.

[Ryan Seacrest]

You know, a DP later today, I'm.

[Lester Holt]

Gonna go to a barbershop and just say, hey, everybody.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Oh, Marvin, do you need a haircut? Nope.

[Lester Holt]

LeBron's better than Jordan. And then walk out.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Try to walk out.

[Lester Holt]

There'd be 10 guys.

[Ryan Seacrest]

No, no, no.

[Lester Holt]

Come back here.

[Ryan Seacrest]

That's like taking the pin off the grenade and just throwing it.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah. Yeah. I guess it shouldn't bother me because, I mean, they're both all time greats and, you know, one's got $3 billion and the other one's got a bill. And like, they're okay, they're fine. But you know, sometimes when you're talking, I, I saw where somebody was saying, hey, who would you rather have? Kevin Durant or Larry Bird? And I go, what? Okay, is this, this, this is real. Okay. Having a discussion about who would you rather have?

[Ryan Seacrest]

That's not that crazy of a thought, though. I know for some people it is, but it's, it's not that crazy of a thought.

[Lester Holt]

For me it is. Yeah. Like, would you say, hey, Aem or Kevin Durant? And the answer is nobody would have that argument. Hey, would you.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Kevin Durant?

[Lester Holt]

Chevin. Oh, you would.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Same.

[Lester Holt]

No way.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Came 7ft tall draining threes?

[Lester Holt]

Hell yeah. Kane might be the best two way player in the history of the game, unbelievable defensive player and he was unstoppable on offense. But okay, once again. But yeah, I, I would take Larry, if I take Larry Bird and I, I had this argument the other day, discussion, I should say six years. Take the six best consecutive years out of careers. Now let's take wilt out of it because those numbers are going to be video game like. But if you're looking at the best six years of somebody's career because that's a pretty good sample size. It's not three where you're kind of like, hey, he was good, but only for three years, six years. Would we change the rankings all time rankings of basketball players. And it would be just show me your best work. This isn't compiling. This is just you and, you know, fellow competitors. What were you during your era? And I think that would be fun. Maybe it's a, you know, a homework project for Bill Simmons to, to work on. Him and Ryan Rosillo can give me the six best years together, not staggered. It's six years. And would we. I got off on a tangent today. Okay.

[Ray Allen]

Fox Sports Radio has the best sports.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our [e-mail] and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live. Hey, it's Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and of course, the iHeartRadio Apple. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything, life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich. Hi, Zoe saldana. Welcome to T Mobile. Here's your new iPhone 16 Pro on us.

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[Max Chavkin]

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States. Recipients have done the improbable, showing immense bravery and sacrifice in the name of something much bigger than themselves.

[Tom Brokaw]

This medal is for the men who.

[Ray Allen]

Went down that day.

[Tom Brokaw]

It's for the families of those who didn't make it.

[Max Chavkin]

I'm J.R. martinez. I'm a U.S. army veteran myself and I'm honored to tell you the stories of these heroes on the new season of Medal of Stories of Courage from Pushkin Industries and I Heart podcast from Robert Blake, the first black sailor to be awarded the medal to Daniel Daly, one of only 19 people to have received the Medal of Honor twice. These are stories about People who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor going above and beyond the call of duty. You'll hear about what they did, what it meant, and what their stories tell us about the nature of courage and sacrifice. Listen to Medal of Honor on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

A lot of times, the big economic forces we hear about on the news show up in our lives in small ways. Three or four days a week, I would buy two cups of banana pudding, but the price has gone up, so now I only buy one.

[Ryan Seacrest]

The demand curve in action. And that's just one of the things we'll be covering on everybody's business. From Bloomberg businessweek, I'm Max Chavkin.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

And I'm Stacey Vanek Smith. Every Friday, we will be diving into the biggest stories in business, taking a look at what's going on, why it matters, and how it shows up in our everyday lives.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Guests like BusinessWeek editor Brad Stone, sports reporter Randall Williams, and consumer spending expert Amanda Mull will take you inside the boardrooms, the back rooms, even the signal chats that make our economy tick.

[Lester Holt]

Hey, I want to learn about Vechain.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I want to buy some blockchain or whatever it is that they're doing.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

So listen to everybody's business on the iHeartra radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lex Ferrero]

Welcome to the youe versus you podcast. I'm Lex Ferrero, and every week we sit down with some of the biggest names in entertainment to talk about the real stuff, the struggles, the doubts, and the breakthroughs that made them who they are. We go deep, exploring childhood trauma, family, overcoming loss, and the moments that shape their journey. These honest conversations are meant to take the cape off our heroes with the hope that their humanity inspires you to become a better you and therefore set you free to live the life of your dreams. Here's a sneak peek.

[Tom Brokaw]

I'm trained to go compete. I'm trained to be, like, harder. But sometimes that mentality stops you from stopping and smelling the flowers in your own garden.

[Lex Ferrero]

Is it wrong to want more?

[Tom Brokaw]

We migrated. Our family migrated here. I'm like second generation.

[Lex Ferrero]

Listen to you versus you as part of Michael Tuda Podcast Network. Available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lester Holt]

Ray Allen, great golfer and one of the great shooters of all time joining us on the program. You played Oakmont, Ray?

[Ray Allen]

Nope, I never have.

[Lester Holt]

Yep, yep. Toughest course you played.

[Ray Allen]

Today. The toughest course, I would have to say, is I'LL say on Homeland, I would say Medina in Chicago. And then just recently, a couple of months ago, I played Cabot St. Lucia and it was a beast.

[Lester Holt]

How is Jordan's as far as the test of skills? His course?

[Ray Allen]

The Grove. The Grove is not difficult because you can pretty much hit it anywhere off the tee. Greens get really fast. I think you have to really know how to chip around there. You know, you get around the green and it's like, you know, for the first couple of rounds, it was like I didn't even want to play the place because I couldn't get up and down. I was like blade and everything. And I realized the bounce on my wedge was, was too high for that course. So you got to have a low bounce because the grass is really tight.

[Lester Holt]

Does Michael make the course to his liking?

[Ray Allen]

I would say that he plays it fairly well because distance really isn't a factor there. The way he plays it, he doesn't hit the ball far, but he gets up and down from everywhere. So he gets the ball in front of the green, he's going to get up and down and. And he's a great. He's probably the best putter that I've seen, you know, amateur. So you, you lose a lot of. A lot of radi greens there, and he's really good there.

[Lester Holt]

Okay, a couple of things here. Grown is the first organic fast food restaurant founded by. By you in Miami. Right. All right. All right. So Shannon and Ray created Grown, and you've launched a nationwide franchise franchising program. Look at you. Look at you.

[Ray Allen]

Yeah.

[Lester Holt]

Branching out. All right.

[Ray Allen]

Yeah. I mean, you know, you get those people who talk about, get the trainer and I need to work on losing weight, but, you know, our bodies are created by how we eat. And, you know, that's kind of been the cornerstone of my career, focusing on how to eat correctly. I had a nutritionist for the first time in 2010, and even then I, I sculpted myself, you know, to even greater point, just understanding what not to eat, you know, eating at the right times, specifically for a professional athlete. And so that's the thing people were dealing with. We're at this crossroads in this country where we're eating so poorly. The foods that, that are, we have access to, they're killing us. And so we've been on a all organic diet, my wife and I, my family, my kids, and specifically my son Walker, since he was diagnosed with diabetes at 17 months. So putting foods in our body to make sure that we don't take on those chemicals, you Know those, those processes and those GMOs, like super important. And that's one of the reasons that we exist, is to make sure that we provide food for people. You know, in Miami, we have a drive through, so providing food for people that allow them to eat foods without the guilt, foods that they could prepare for their families, food that they can eat on the go.

[Lester Holt]

If you're looking for exploring franchise opportunities at grown.org or email@franchise grown.org Talking to Ray Allen, I noticed this on social media where there was a discussion about LeBron doesn't have the bag. Now, I didn't realize what they were saying, so I asked Marvin. He interpreted that since he's younger and he says that means that he doesn't have go to moves. I thought it was money was the bag. And he goes, no, it can mean a lot of things. So LeBron doesn't have the bag. What does that mean to you?

[Ray Allen]

Well, I think over the course of a player's career, you, you kind of consistently see what they can do on a regular basis and they do that. You pay to see them play. You go watch them play and they do that move that they do consistently and they. Nobody could stop it. You know, there's so many players over the history and just kind of when you look at the NBA today, we've lost a lot of skill from that standpoint. Because even when I came into the league, we had mid range players, we had great pick and roll players, we had great post up players. And so now it's kind of like you're looking at a league of guys that you know you're shooting. It's a lot of one on one stuff. You're shooting a lot of threes. And ironically, between OKC and Indiana, they're probably two of the few teams in the NBA that are shooting mid ranges. And that's evident in how they got here today to be in these Finals. Because they're not relying on analytics to only shoot threes. They're making sure they get into the paint. So when they have those scoring droughts, Halliburton drives, like in the game seven against New York, he just. Or game six, I think it was Halliburton just, just picking rolls, got into the paint and he scored. And so. So ultimately when you talk about a guy having a bag, it's having that pet move where they can get to it and nobody can stop it. And LeBron has always been an unstoppable, undeniable force where if you put a bigger guy on him he can't keep up with him because he doesn't have the footwork. And you put a smaller guy on him, he doesn't have the size. So LeBron's never really had to have a pet move because he can just go downhill and score over everybody.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah, but you know, casual fan doesn't appreciate that, Ray. They don't, they don't see what you see. They want to see like, oh my God, there's a sky hook or Iverson breaking ankles. You know, LeBron with physicality, you know, nobody's going to go, wow, look at that. And you know, Jordan had the aesthetics. I mean, he had, you know, whether it was the fade away, going to the hoop, all of those things, it just feels like because LeBron doesn't look, his game doesn't look pretty, you know, therefore he doesn't have a bag.

[Ray Allen]

Well, I mean, also it's statistic driven. The league is because the guys are scoring more. So being able to get to the free throw line, being able to score and transition and take the first shot available, you know, you really don't have to because I think even with, with Giannis, the year before they won the NBA championship in Milwaukee, you can see that he was trying to play a certain way where he had to have the ball in his hands, he was trying to make a move and he didn't have it. He didn't have that skill set and it hurt Milwaukee's offense. And then the following year when he started kind of moving the ball, got the ball to Drew, Drew was one of their go tos and then Middleton was a guy who down the stretch would score a lot for him. And so Giannis stayed in his lane where he got scored in transition. You know, if he got a wide open shot, he took it. But he didn't over assess his abilities. And I think a lot of times that's what it boils down to is just understanding who you are just sticking and you have to rely on your team. So with LeBron, you know, that's just the pop culture way of saying that he doesn't have a go to move that people can rely on seeing from him every night. But he's still as much as he's in the game, he's still going to score 25 plus points a night just because he has pure dominance.

[Lester Holt]

Talking to Ray Allen, the Hall of Famer, explain to me the Jason Kidd situation. Brian Winhorst said there's mutual interest. Jason Kidd and the Knicks, him coaching the Knicks, you have Cooper Flagg coming to Dallas, and why would he want to leave that? And you're going to go to the Knicks. And the only thing I thought of is I'm bringing in Jason Kidd, if he can bring in Giannis, if Giannis says, all right, I want to go play for Jason Kidd in New York. Other than that, why would Jason Kidd want to coach the Knicks instead of the Mavericks?

[Ray Allen]

So this is pretty interesting conversation because even when Tibbs was fired last week, everybody was like, well, he made it to the conference finals. How. How can we fire a guy like that? A lot of times we're, you know, in the. In the outside world, because even when I was on the inside, things were happening in locker rooms that people had no idea as to what was taking place. And so people had opinions. And I think a lot of times you nailed it. There's things that are going on behind the scenes that we're kind of not privy to. So there is. There could be, you know, some type of deal being worked where all these pieces kind of, you know, fall in place, and then all of a sudden it just kind of happens. They fall like dominoes.

[Lester Holt]

So do you think Giannis is going to be traded to the Knicks?

[Ray Allen]

Well, I mean, I know he's been quipping about leaving Milwaukee, and I think it's going to come down to kind of the best deal that Milwaukee sees necessary. Leaving for him to leave Milwaukee and understanding the void that that that leaves Milwaukee. You know, they really want to get something for him. So it will depend on, you know, what that looks like. When I got traded from, from Seattle to Boston, I remember sitting in my room and the trade, the draft was happening, and then I seen proposed trade, and it was like, Boston's giving up, like six players. I was like, oh, I'm so out of here. And it said proposed, and nobody called me. But the way I saw the, what Boston was giving up, I was like, yeah, Seattle's taking that easily. So it will depend on, you know, how Milwaukee could set themselves up for, for their future and who they get back in return. But, you know, look out Eastern Conference and NBA if, if Giannis ends up in New York, because obviously it's a huge market, it's great market for him and with the success that they've had recently with New York. But it is going to require them giving up one of their core players that they have right now.

[Lester Holt]

If OKC wins this, let's say they win it in five or six, will they be recognized as one of the great single season teams of all time?

[Ray Allen]

You know, it's hard to say that, but to your point, it's amazing that they haven't gotten the due. You know, they won 68 games this year. My two championship season, we won 66 teams. So definitely from a record standpoint, they have to be given that respect and that due. In the same token, they're so young, so I don't think people expected him, them to get there. To this point, even you take a team like Cleveland being the number one seed and I think they had the best record in NBA throughout the year. Most people aren't surprised. They're not here right now because they were so young. And the fact that OKC made it, you would have thought it would have been Cleveland okc, but the fact that OKC made it, you know, the game is so different now because of the three point shooting. It shoots teams in and out of the game in the same token. And you see the volatility is so great. You know, you watching the game, team is down 20 and all of a sudden fourth quarter, it's a tie ball game. And, and a lot of that does have to do with, you know, being able to have certain team scoring and that mid range game, you know, it has to come back to that, you know, because there's too much consistency in being able to sustain, you know, or, or come out of a. The other day, OKC came out of a timeout and I don't know what the score was, but Indiana was, was up quite a bit and Dagnall called a timeout and then they came out and I was telling my son, let's see what they run out of a timeout. And I think it was that started with the ball on the wing at the top of the screen and then he swung it, you know, pick and roll, swung the to Shay and then he used pick and roll. He got all the way downhill and he scored a layup. And I said that right there is amazing execution out of a timeout because it slowed them down. They got an easy bucket and they were able to get back and set their defense up.

[Lester Holt]

Look at you teaching moments there with your, with your family.

[Ray Allen]

Yeah.

[Lester Holt]

You're not just a three point shooter, right? I mean.

[Ray Allen]

No. Well, that dad definitely is leading the, leading the charge these days.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah, but you used to go down the lane and dunk. People always go, man, Ray's a great three point shooter. I said, you didn't see him early in his career then because you were attacking.

[Ray Allen]

Yeah. And here's the fascinating thing about that in Milwaukee and in Seattle, Milwaukee, we basically played like a West coast offense, you know, so we got the ball, we shot quick. You know, we kind of. We had like a spread offense. We didn't really have a post guy. We could throw it down there to some guys that could score. And then those two places. Once I moved to Boston, then we. We were more traditional to NBA basketball, you know, with KG and Perkins on the block and, you know, throw the ball into the paint and kick it back out. And then so kind of set my feet a little more than I had been in my career. Didn't mean that I still couldn't dunk, and I still, you know, couldn't get to the. To the hole. It did just change how I played. And the most important aspect of that, when you think about it, when I came to Boston, I had to decide, am I going to try to do this on my terms? Do I want to do it on the team's terms? And ultimately, you win a championship because you have to adapt. It's not the strongest or smartest that survive. It's the ones most willing to adapt. And in that situation, it was difficult because I went from shooting 16, 17 shots a game to eight or nine. But that's what it took in order for us to win a championship.

[Lester Holt]

KG yell at you a lot?

[Ray Allen]

KG just yelled a lot, period. You know, you know, we. We always. You know, I remember we. We play. Our first game was in Rome. And, you know, before the game, I'm in here just dribbling the ball, getting ready. I'm excited. This is the first game together. And he looks over at me, and he's kind of moving to the locker room. He looks over me, he goes, how long are you going to be doing that? And I was like, doing what? And I'm just sitting there dribbling between my legs. He's like, you gonna be dribbling the whole time? I said, yeah, we're about to play a basketball game. This is what you do. And. And that was the moment where you got alpha. Alpha males just kind of, you know, kind of banging up against each other. Because our pre. The previous year, he was in the locker room where he was the guy, I was the locker room. I was a guy and everything kind of, you know, march to the beat of our drums. And so now we had to learn to share space with other individuals like ourselves. And it was. It was an eye opener, but it did. It taught. You taught me how to say, okay, in order for this to work, we have to share space. And we got to understand like this is not just my show anymore.

[Lester Holt]

Good to talk to you, Ray. Thanks for joining us and good luck with the the restaurant. It's called Grown. It's an organic fast food restaurant and you want information about exploring franchise opportunities, it's grown.org or franchiserown.org thank you, Ray.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Be sure to catch the live edition of the Dan Patrick show weekdays at 9:00am Eastern, 6:00am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio in the iHeartRadio app. Hi, Zoe Saldana. Welcome to T Mobile. Here's your new iPhone 16 Pro on us.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

Thanks. And here's my old phone to trade in.

[Ryan Seacrest]

You don't need a trade in when you switch to T Mobile will give you a new iPhone 16 Pro. Plus we'll help you pay off your old Phone up to 800 bucks and you still get to keep it.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

There's always a trade in.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Not right now. @ T Mobile.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

I feel like I have to give you something in return for karma.

[Ryan Seacrest]

That's okay.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

I don't really have much in my purse. Oh, let's see. Hand sanitizer. It's lavender.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I'm good. Seriously.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

Let me check this pocket. Oh, mints.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Really, I'm fine.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

Oh, I have raisins. I'm a mom. Wait, wait one sec. I've got cupcakes in the car.

[Ryan Seacrest]

It's our best iPhone offer ever. Switch to T Mobile. Get a new iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence on us. No trade in needed. Will even pay off your phone up to 800 bucks with 24 monthly bill credits. New line 100 plus a month on experience beyond Finance Agreement 999.99 and qualifying boarded for well qualified plus tax and $10 connection charge payout via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days credits and balance due if you pay off early or cancel. See t mobile.com hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through June 24th. Score hot summer savings and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags on items like Sargento cheese slices, best foods, mayonnaise, lay's, party sized chips and snacks and Triscuits. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery subject to availability restrictions apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Max Chavkin]

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States. Recipients have done the improbable showing immense bravery and sacrifice in the name of something much bigger than themselves.

[Tom Brokaw]

This medal is for the men who.

[Ray Allen]

Went down that day.

[Tom Brokaw]

It's for the families of those who didn't make it.

[Max Chavkin]

I'm J.R. martinez. I'm a U.S. army veteran myself, and I'm honored to tell you the stories of these heroes on the new season of Medal of Stories of Courage from Pushkin Industries and I Heart podcast from Robert Blake, the first black sailor to be awarded the medal to Daniel Daly, one of only 19 people to have received the Medal of Honor twice. These are stories about people who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor going above and beyond the call of duty. You'll hear about what they did, what it meant, and what their stories tell us about the nature of courage and sacrifice. Listen to Medal of Honor on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

A lot of times, the big economic forces we hear about on the news show up in our lives in small ways. Three or four days a week, I would buy two cups of banana pepper pudding, but the price has gone up, so now I only buy one.

[Ryan Seacrest]

The demand curve in action. And that's just one of the things we'll be covering on everybody's business. From Bloomberg businessweek, I'm Max Chavkin.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

And I'm Stacey Vanek Smith. Every Friday we will be diving into the biggest stories in business, taking a look at what's going on, why it matters, and how it shows up in our everyday lives.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Guests like BusinessWeek editor Brad Stone, sports reporter Randall Williams, and consumer spending expert Amanda Mulligan. We'll take you inside the boardrooms, the back rooms, even the signal chats that make our economy tick.

[Lester Holt]

Hey, I want to learn about vechain.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I want to buy some blockchain or whatever it is that they're doing.

[Stacey Vanek Smith]

So listen to everybody's business on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lex Ferrero]

Welcome to the youe versus you podcast. I'm Lex Borrero, and every week we sit down with some of the biggest names in entertainment to talk about the real stuff, the struggles, the doubts, and the breakthroughs that made them who they are. We go deep, exploring childhood trauma, family, overcoming loss, and the moments that shape their journey. These honest conversations are meant to take the cape off our heroes with the hope that their humanity inspires you to become a better you and therefore set you free to live the life of your dreams. Here's a sneak peek.

[Tom Brokaw]

I'm trained to go compete. I'm trained to be like harder. But sometimes that mentality stops you from stopping and smelling the flowers in your own garden.

[Lex Ferrero]

Is it wrong to want more?

[Tom Brokaw]

We migrated. Our family migrated here. I'm like second generation.

[Lex Ferrero]

Listen to you versus you as part of Michael Tuda Podcast network. Available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lester Holt]

He is the pride of Rollins College. He's Christopher Mad Dog Russo, host of Mad Dog unleashed on Sirius XM82. Also co host on First Take on Wednesdays. How you feeling?

[Tom Brokaw]

Very good. They're proud of Rollins College. I haven't heard that about the Rollins College Taurus in a long time. Got through 1978. How you doing at any boy?

[Lester Holt]

I'm doing great and, and I want to play to your strengths here because I know you love your tennis and I, I know that men's final, that this is an old timer and maybe it leads to these two being old timers as well. So I'll let you have the stage to give us your passion.

[Tom Brokaw]

Well, I think that from a match standpoint, I think the center played so well in that fifth set, I think was very, very important. I think if he kind of fell apart in the fifth set and he got broken in the first game and say lost a routine one, I think everybody would remember the fact that he had the three match points and lost it in the fourth set. The fact that he played so well in the fifth and was actually two points away from winning at 15:35,6 when Alcaraz was serving, I think, you know, puts this at a higher level than normal. Now the tiebreaker was so dominant by Alcarez because he was so good. So maybe that comes down a notch. But you know, every match is going to be compared, Dan, as you know, the greatness of these finals to Federer, Nadal in 08, when, you know, 9, 7 in the fifth in the darkness at Wimbledon. But this matches is, you know, it was a, again, the personalities aren't quite the same. Those two are, you know, all time greats when they played that classic, you know, in London. But this was an incredible match that the, the, the fact they didn't take a bathroom break, you know, they gave each other line calls. Five hours and 28 minutes. You know, there was just a lot, I mean, you never, you didn't know who was going to win into the very end. I mean Federal was fighting uphill the whole way through. I mean Alcaraz, you know, once he got that third set, won the third set and then won a four set tiebreaker, thought he was going to win and Here comes center. I mean it was an all timer. I mean it really was so you know, for a guy like me, I sat there at 9 o' clock, I had golf ready to go at 1:30 I had a pass on golf which bothered me and I blew off my threesome which I'm sure they weren't pleased about. But how could I leave, you know matches over 3 o' clock in the afternoon, how could I leave? You know I loved it, I thought, you know, I don't know how you feel about it. You love the sports like I do the niche sports and this is a niche sport, tennis. I thought it was the second best event I've seen this year. I think McElroy Sunday at the Masters was number one way he had to win that, you know the pressure on him. They play off with Rose and I think this was number two. The difference with the McElroy one was that was really only about McElroy. This was about the both tennis players, you know really was not much about Justin Rose. It was really about McElroy can he get rid of the demons? This was about both. So you know I think this is 1, 2 for the year as far as sports are concerned. I'm not going to count Bill's chiefs because that to me was the last year. That was the last year season scenario. But I loved it. I'm sure you did too. You love these sports. I loved it from that standpoint, yeah.

[Lester Holt]

And I go back to, gosh, I'm trying to think first time that I met McEnroe and first time I interviewed him but I used to go out to that tournament on Long island and yeah, so I would go out there and you know Lendo, Lendo had the great line because I, I would say why do you, how come you're so successful against McEnro? And he goes, it's so easy. Forehand, forehand, backhand winner and I went forehand, forehand, backhand winner and I. He was so matter of fact about that because he, he just was, he was that robotic type, didn't have personality. Martina was different but she had a personality as well. But you know when Chris Everett was there and you know I, I was in New York so I was able to cover, you know we would do U S Open or you know, the Virginia Slims. One of my first dates I took my wife to the Virginia Slims and it's Hanuman Likova is playing and I remember my wife's talking during the match and Hanuman Lika is getting ready to serve. And she looks over and I said to my wife, I said, you got to be quiet. And then so you know that I didn't scold her. But Hanuman, you got the point. Yeah.

[Tom Brokaw]

I used to go to Forest Hills all the time when I was. My mother used to take me to Forest Hills all the time in the late 60s, you know, the grass courts at Forest Hills, you know, I mean. And Lento's got more of a personality than you think is. He's a good interview.

[Lester Holt]

Lend him back then he wasn't. Back then he was not.

[Tom Brokaw]

He'll give you something. He lives up where we live up here.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah. Like Venus Garolitis had as a great personality. Just didn't have the game that go along with a great personality. He would say really talented. But he. He was. He was a fun guy to be around.

[Tom Brokaw]

Yeah. Beat Arthur Ash the year, as you know, Ash beat Connors and the next year Garolatis beat Ash in the first round. I think he beat him eight, six and a fifth. I also like the tiebreaker scenario too there, Dan. We haven't really seen it in the grand slams in a fifth set yet. I like the first to ten over first to seven. Yeah, I think to me that's fair. It's like playing a set. It's like playing a half a set. So I like that too. Listen, I understand it's a niche sport. I don't want to sit there and say that the whole world had to pay attention to this. I'm sure the rating wasn't great, but from a sporting perspective. And you are, you know, have a lot more experience in national TV and all this stuff than I do. A little older than me. I tell you that. You're a little older than me, but you appreciate all the greatness of all the. All the sports. And I think you probably appreciate something what you saw there on Sunday afternoon too.

[Lester Holt]

Christopher Mad Dog Russo, host of Mad Dog unleashed on Sirius XM82. You can see him with Stephen A on ESPN's First Take on Wednesdays. I'm trying to understand the Jason Kidd situation. You have Cooper Flagg coming to town. Generational talent, I think.

[Tom Brokaw]

Absolutely.

[Lester Holt]

Now you're asking for permission or there's mutual interest in you coaching the Knicks. And the only reason why I think he'd be interested is that you're getting Giannis, that Giannis would want to play with J Kid. But why would you want to leave Dallas? I mean, I know he spent a little time in his career with the Knicks, but not Enough. Where you go, boy, he's one of the all time Nick greats. But why would you leave Dallas to go to the Knicks unless you were getting Giannis? Chris?

[Tom Brokaw]

Yeah. I don't think Milwaukee is going to trade Giannis to the Knicks, same conference. I don't think that's going to happen. I think San Antonio is possible. What do the Knicks have to give the bucks that they can build around? I mean, this is. If you trade Giannis, you got to get, you know, Castle and a couple of picks from San Antonio. You gotta do what Oklahoma City did when they traded Anthony and got, and got sga. I mean, you can't. What do you want? Carl Anthony Towns? What's that going to do you? So that doesn't make any sense to me. And I'm with you 100% now. Maybe kid feels he's more money involved. You know, maybe there's, you know, not a lot of love with the whole thing with Dallas because he didn't want Luca to be traded. I mean, I don't love Kidd anyway. I wouldn't go near him if it was my team. I know him in Brunson, so I'm not saying he wouldn't be a bad choice, but he doesn't appeal to me. But overall, your point is well taken. I mean, Cooper flag is 17 years old, 18 years old. I mean, unless we got it all wrong, he is going to be a great NBA player and he got him for the next 12, 13 years. I mean, why would you not want to coach him? I. The Knicks don't have anybody like that. I mean, the Knicks are older. I mean, it's an easier conference. But I mean, why wouldn't you want to deal with Flag? You're going to get Kyrie back. You got a good front court. You got a lot of young players in that front court. You know, Davis has got a year or two left. I'm with you 100%. The Knick job would not be that attractive to me. And I wouldn't want to work for Dolan anyway. I mean, I don't care what anybody says. Dolan is the guy who fired Thibodeau. I mean, I don't think it was Leon Rose. I thought it was. This is just me. I don't know. I think Dolan said, I just don't want to coach my team anymore. And Rose had to do the dirty work, but I wouldn't want to work for him. So from that standpoint, now I know he played for Dolan. So maybe there's a Kinship there. But overall, your point is well taken. Why would you want to leave the Mavericks? And. And you know, it's a good organization, despite the trade. It's a good organization and they got the first pick in a draft. It's good coach, place to coach. You sort of get a little overshadowed by the Cowboys, which is good. The media is not going to be as rough on you. To me, I wouldn't leave, but it sounds like he's going to go. And I don't know about you, I don't think the Bucks. He's got two years left in his contract, not one. Why would the Bucks trade him to the Knicks for calling Anthony Townsend, you know, a draft pick? Why would you do that? Shop him around to a team in the west to get a lot of young players. And San Antonio is perfect because they would probably give you Castle and they probably would give you the second and the 14th pick in the draft. That's what I would do if I was Milwaukee wanted to trade Giannis myself. That's what I would do.

[Lester Holt]

I mentioned this this morning to start the show, stumbled upon this, where social media was talking about LeBron James, that he doesn't have a signature move. Now, the expression was that he doesn't have the bag, the bag of tricks. And I said, isn't that more remarkable that he doesn't have a signature move and he scored 40,000 points?

[Tom Brokaw]

I totally agree with you 100%.

[Lester Holt]

But can you remember, though, Chris, somebody of this magnitude who has been criticized as much as LeBron has? I mean, Brady was criticized a lot, but there seems to be downright hatred for LeBron.

[Tom Brokaw]

I think there's jealousy because, you know, he was such a phenom out of high school. I think there's jealousy because he was anointed the next Jordan right away. And that bothered people, obviously, going away the way he went to Miami and joining Miami. Didn't you know, that was an issue, too. But he's always stayed out of trouble. He's never gotten himself in any kind of hot water off the court, per se. He gives everything he's got. I mean, listen, he's not. He's not as good as Jordan. That's just me. He's better. He's the best 40 year old of all time. But in, you know, if I had to take one, I would take Jordan. But I agree with you, he takes a lot of. Who cares what sort of signature movie has. He's won. He won two championships, he's won four titles. I mean, you know, all right, he doesn't have the sky hook like Kareem. I mean, I get it. Big deal. Doesn't have the dip, you know, the dip shot like Chamberlain had, you know, big deal. A little finger roll, you know, Jordan, step back. He doesn't have that. I get. Who cares? I mean, I agree with you. He's an all timer. You know, I'm not in love with him, but, I mean, that's me. I'm being harsh on him. Your overall point is well taken. The block shot against Iguodala. It was an incredible block shot. Probably helped him as much as the Irving shot. Win a championship in that game seven against Golden State that year. And he won a title for Cleveland. So to me, he made good. When he left Miami, he went back to Cleveland and won a championship, which I think that he had to do, and he did. So he's, you know, he answered the box there and, you know, he's still going strong. Now, listen, I don't know if he's going to win another one because I don't know where Dallas is, you know, Luca, I just don't know where Dallas is. A lot of young teams in the Western Conference, but, you know, he's an old timer and it's unfair that he, you know, he can take it. He gets, you know, he's getting paid a fortune. He can take it. And the Stephen A. Smith thing. Stephen A. Thing was weird. You know, he shouldn't be that worried about what Stephen A. Says about his kid. And, you know, let's face it, they drafted Bronny because LeBron was a Laker. They never would have done that. They did it for LeBron. I didn't love that either. And he probably shouldn't have made a big deal about it. Who cares what anybody says about what you're, you know, bottom line is, though, he's an all timer. I'm with you. And I tell you, the NBA needs some juice here. They need a good game three.

[Lester Holt]

Yes.

[Tom Brokaw]

They need a good game three. Game two is a terrible game. Game one was only good in the last five minutes. The ratings have been terrible. They need a good game three tomorrow night. That's important for the NBA, really is they need a good game.

[Lester Holt]

This obsession with Aaron Rodgers and now he's, now he's back. I, I mean, the, the amount of programming that Aaron Rodgers and LeBron James have been responsible for at networks is remarkable. That when they retire, like, there's going to be some real soul searching at networks to go. Who are we talking about now? What Are we talking about? And with Aaron Rodgers, I think this was a handshake deal. I think he's got great respect for Mike Tomlinson and okay, he didn't go in early, I'd like to see that. But he's there. He signed a team friendly deal. I don't think it solves their quarterbacking problem. I mean it, it kicks it can down the road for another year.

[Tom Brokaw]

That's what it does.

[Lester Holt]

But this is really more about the Steelers than it is Aaron Rodgers. Rogers said, hey, here's, here's the time frame. The Steelers, the proud franchise, they acquiesced Aaron Rodgers. So I don't, I don't blame Rogers other than do you want to be great with this team? Then get in there and get to know these players. Other than that, he took his time. He's been through this process before. Many, many, many times. The Steelers, to me, they bowed down.

[Tom Brokaw]

Yeah. And I don't blame them though, Dan. I mean, you know Mason Rudolph, I mean I know the Steeler fan doesn't love it because I talked to him all the time. I'm sure you do too. Well, you don't love it now, but if you left Randolph be the quarterback and you're two and five after week seven, you'd be born and going crazy that you don't have a quarterback on your team. Now I understand that Rodgers, you know, last year with the jets was certainly very uneven and not great. He wasn't great in the fourth quarter, but he did throw for 4,000 yards. I mean he did throw a lot of touchdown passes and compared to interceptions and finished the season better. And he is a better quarterback than Russell Wilson and he's a better quarterback than Mason Rudolph. The team is better than the Jets. They have a better defense. Defense, they got a better cultural situation. They got a better owner, they got a better, you know, Tomlin's better than Salah. So I think he's walked and he's a year removed now from the Achilles. So he's, you know, he should be a little better. I could care less if he didn't show up for the voluntary OTAs. Who cares? It's a long way to September 8th. I'm assuming he's going to be raring to go against the jets that Sunday afternoon when he plays. What's the date on it? The 6th or 7th of September. I mean, I understand that it's only a one year thing. I understand that you still don't have an answer for you at the position, but as far as the Situation goes for the Steelers, they're a better team now than they were, let's say, a week ago with Mason Rudolph. So it's not ideal. He does suck a lot of oxygen out of the room. It drives you crazy with McAfee on a day in, day out basis. But they're a better team today than they were last week. They'd be more competitive this year in the AFC South, AFC North. So I. I can live with it if I'm a Steeler fan myself.

[Lester Holt]

Anyway, if I gave you one question to Aaron Rodgers, what would it be?

[Tom Brokaw]

1. I can ask him anything. One question. Wow, that's an interesting one. One question. The portrayal of you is you always think you're the smartest guy in the room because he does think that he's smarter than you and he wants to let you know it. Is that a false portrayal or is that an accurate portrayal? How's that? Something like that.

[Lester Holt]

He'd probably say it's accurate.

[Tom Brokaw]

Yeah, probably would. He probably would. And let's face it, Danny, he hasn't been great recently. He hasn't been great in a big game. You know, he was bad against San Francisco in the playoff game. Remember that game in the snow when he didn't play very well? Yeah, no, he didn't play well against Brady. When Tampa went there in the, any NFC championship game, you know, they kicked the field goal when they were down. You know, he didn't, he didn't throw the ball in the end zone on that third down. Remember that famous play, you know, against Detroit? The last game of the year, or they would have won, they would have made the playoffs. He didn't play great in that game either. He didn't have a great year. So he hasn't been great in the last three or four years. And he's 42 years of age. So if you're one of those who thinks that, you know, he's way past his prime and he's no better than a little better than average. That's a hard one for you and me to argue if we think the Steelers are a better team with Rogers on the at the quarterback spot. But the bottom line, to me, I still think he's better than Wilson and he's better than Mason Rudolph. So take your chances.

[Lester Holt]

Thanks for combing your hair for this appearance.

[Tom Brokaw]

Yeah, I did look, I washed it. I washed it and I saved. And I wore a nice sweater just for you.

[Lester Holt]

I bring the beard back.

[Tom Brokaw]

Yeah. You know, maybe in the summertime, you know, I'm going to Wimbledon for The first time. Did you know that?

[Lester Holt]

I did not.

[Tom Brokaw]

Two days. Never been. I'll be there the first two days of the tournament. Not working as a thing.

[Lester Holt]

I think you'll be surprised when you go inside that it's. It's smaller than what you think.

[Tom Brokaw]

Oh, really?

[Lester Holt]

Yeah. When I went to Notre Dame and I went to a game there, first time, I. I got in there and it. It just felt smaller. You know, certain things on tv, they'll make it look larger. And you. You get in there and you're like, oh, wow. It's, you know, like Fenway. First time you go to Fenway.

[Tom Brokaw]

Absolutely.

[Lester Holt]

You're like, damn. That left field wall is. Is right there and it's tiny.

[Tom Brokaw]

The city block, the whole bit.

[Lester Holt]

But looking around, walking around Wimbledon, it's. It's wonderful. There's so much to see. Yeah. So much. Yeah.

[Tom Brokaw]

I'm going to do the first two days. So if I don't say the first day, I'll be there. So I can see center one day because he'll play. He'll be at the second seed. And I can see Akara as another day because they will split up the two seeds. So I'll be able to see both of them play.

[Lester Holt]

Have you played Oakmont?

[Tom Brokaw]

I have not.

[Lester Holt]

Okay. Yes.

[Tom Brokaw]

I hear it's great, right? It's impossibly hard.

[Lester Holt]

I wouldn't want to play it again too long, but I loved it. I mean, it's just tough. It was just too tough. Yeah.

[Tom Brokaw]

Interrupt your dead.

[Lester Holt]

The greens. The greens are, you know, lightning fast. If you're above the hole, like, forget it. That's where you tell somebody down at the bottom of the green, hey, would you stop my ball before it, you know, rolls 50 yards? Yeah, it.

[Ray Allen]

It.

[Lester Holt]

But it'll be. It'll be a challenge. And they make no excuses of. They want this to be a challenge. And it certainly will be.

[Tom Brokaw]

Yeah. Looking forward to it. Good job, Danny.

[Lester Holt]

Thank you, buddy. That's Christopher mad dog Russo.

[Tom Brokaw]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

This is an iHeart podcast.