Summary of "The Best of The Dan Patrick Show" Episode Release Date: June 24, 2025

1. Oklahoma City Thunder's Playoff Performance and Future Prospects

The episode opens with Dan Patrick and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer, Vincent Goodwill, delving deep into the recent playoff run of the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC). The discussion critically assesses whether OKC can be considered one of the great NBA teams of all time.

• Playoff Challenges: Patrick emphasizes that while OKC had a strong regular season, their playoff journey was fraught with challenges, being pushed to seven games by both Denver and Indiana. He states, “Great teams don't get pushed to seven games, not twice in a playoff series” (08:15).

• Injuries Impacting Playoffs: A significant portion of the conversation centers around Tyrese Halliburton's Achilles tear. Patrick questions the wisdom of pushing a player to the brink of injury in crucial games, pondering whether Halliburton should have conserved himself to benefit the team long-term. He muses, “Would you sign on a piece of paper to lose your entire next season?” (10:11).

• Comparison to Historical Teams: The hosts compare OKC's situation to historical teams like the 1970 Seattle SuperSonics and legendary figures like Michael Jordan and Willis Reed. Patrick remarks, “You have to earn greatness every single week, every single season, every single day” (12:10).

• Dynasty Potential: They debate the sustainability of OKC’s success, considering factors like team evolution and player development. Goodwill suggests, “They are one of the best single-season teams we've ever seen. It remains to be seen if they have as long of a runway” (40:51).

2. Surge in Achilles Injuries Among NBA Players

Transitioning from team performance, Patrick and Goodwill explore the alarming increase in Achilles tendon injuries among marquee NBA players, including Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Jason Tatum.

• Possible Causes: Dr. Mark Addox, a Harvard-educated orthopedic surgeon and former offensive lineman, joins the discussion to provide medical insights. He posits that the combination of modern training techniques and the sedentary lifestyles outside of sports may contribute to these injuries. “The next time someone has a calf injury late in the season, sit their ass down. Period” (40:51).

• Preventative Measures: Dr. Addox suggests improved training methods to strengthen musculoskeletal and tendinous junctions. He states, “There's got to be better training techniques to strengthen that musculo-tendinous and that tendinous-bony junction” (50:05).

• Surgery and Recovery Advances: The conversation touches on advancements in Achilles surgery, noting a reduction in recovery time from twelve to eight months due to minimally invasive procedures. However, Patrick remains skeptical about the long-term efficacy, mentioning, “The cartilage that grows in that gap is more fibrocartilage. It doesn't wear as well” (53:17).

3. Player Development and Team Dynamics

The discussion shifts to player development and team dynamics, particularly focusing on the San Antonio Spurs and their strategic moves in the current NBA landscape.

• San Antonio Spurs' Strategy: Patrick observes that the Spurs are known for keeping their strategies close to the chest, often making unexpected moves. He compares past team dynamics, saying, “Like the Phoenix Suns of '97 had Kevin Johnson, Steve Nash, and Jason Kidd, but nobody knew about Nash” (31:36).

• Victor's Development: Goodwill highlights Victor Wembanyama’s potential, questioning if the Spurs can build a team around his emerging talent. Patrick responds optimistically, “He's not going anywhere... why won't he be the best player in the sport next year?” (34:27).

• Contract Dynamics: They discuss the implications of player contracts on team building, noting that NBA teams are increasingly positioning themselves around players' rookie contracts to maximize championship potential before salaries escalate.

4. Legendary Players and Their Impact

Patrick and Goodwill reflect on the legacies of basketball legends, comparing current players to icons like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

• Michael Jordan's Dual Legacy: Patrick shares an anecdote, asserting, “Michael Jordan is so great. He went into the hall of fame as two players. Himself and Scottie Pippen” (37:30), highlighting Jordan's unparalleled impact on the game.

• Kobe Bryant's Individual Brilliance: The hosts defend Kobe Bryant's legacy against claims of him being merely Shaquille O'Neal's sidekick. Patrick emphasizes Kobe’s individual accolades and clutch performances, stating, “There is a big gap between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant” (38:02).

5. Additional Insights and Closing Remarks

As the episode nears its end, Patrick and Goodwill reinforce their critical stance on prematurely labeling teams like OKC as dynasties without considering long-term sustainability and player health.

• Final Thoughts on OKC: Patrick concludes, “We have had seven different champions in the last seven years. It remains to be seen if OKC can sustain their success” (40:51).

• Upcoming Episodes and Listener Engagement: The hosts tease upcoming topics and encourage listeners to engage with live shows and future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Great teams don't get pushed to seven games, not twice in a playoff series." – Dan Patrick (08:15)
• "Would you sign on a piece of paper to lose your entire next season?" – Dan Patrick (10:11)
• "You have to earn greatness every single week, every single season, every single day." – Dan Patrick (12:10)
• "They are one of the best single-season teams we've ever seen. It remains to be seen if they have as long of a runway." – Vincent Goodwill (40:51)
• "There's got to be better training techniques to strengthen that musculo-tendinous and that tendinous-bony junction." – Dr. Mark Addox (50:05)
• "Michael Jordan is so great. He went into the hall of fame as two players. Himself and Scottie Pippen." – Dan Patrick (37:30)
• "There is a big gap between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant." – Dan Patrick (38:02)

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Best of The Dan Patrick Show," listeners are treated to an in-depth analysis of the Oklahoma City Thunder's current standing in the NBA, the rising concern of Achilles injuries among elite athletes, and reflections on basketball legends' legacies. Dan Patrick and Vincent Goodwill provide a balanced mix of critical insights, expert medical opinions, and historical comparisons, making the discussion both informative and engaging for sports enthusiasts.