The Best of the Week on The Dan Patrick Show – December 21, 2024

Hosted by Dan Patrick on the Dan Patrick Show, part of the iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network, this episode delves deep into various sports topics, featuring insightful discussions with notable guests like Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, NFL analyst Kevin O'Connell, and future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt.

1. NBA Ratings and Structural Changes

Key Discussion Points:

• Declining NBA Ratings: Kevin O'Connell addresses the recent drop in NBA viewership, questioning the impact of initiatives like the NBA Cup on fan interest.
• Overreliance on Three-Pointers: O'Connell criticizes the NBA's heavy emphasis on three-point shooting, highlighting games like the Warriors vs. Mavericks as examples of this trend's negative impact.

Notable Quotes:

• "If they're not watching, you can't keep your head in the sand. You got to say, what are we doing wrong?" – Kevin O'Connell [04:33]
• "All it is now is a three-point shooting contest and a free throw contest and I don't like it." – Kevin O'Connell [05:37]

2. NBA Season Scheduling and Competition with Other Sports

Key Discussion Points:

• Starting the NBA Season on Christmas Day: O'Connell proposes shifting the NBA season's start to Christmas to avoid competition with the NFL and college football.
• Impact of NFL and College Football Playoffs: The conversation explores how overlapping schedules have diminished the NBA's traditional stronghold on Christmas Day viewership.

Notable Quotes:

• "If we started at Christmas, college football would be over. Pro football is winding down. The NBA will get left behind if they don't adjust." – Kevin O'Connell [07:48]
• "ESPN needs programming. That's all this is." – Kevin O'Connell [10:45]

3. Betting and Predictions on Bowl Games

Key Discussion Points:

• Bowl Game Outcomes: O'Connell shares his betting strategies and predictions for upcoming bowl games, expressing confidence in teams like Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Texas.
• Favorite Teams and Personal Connections: Insights into his personal preferences and experiences with teams and coaches enhance the discussion.

Notable Quotes:

• "I like Ohio State, Notre Dame, Indiana. I love Notre Dame. I know Co Signetti has had a great season." – Kevin O'Connell [11:34]
• "They got some serious big schools. I mean, when you get Notre Dame, Tennessee, Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, Oregon is fantastic." – Kevin O'Connell [13:49]

4. Potential ESPN Move and Workload Concerns

Key Discussion Points:

• Kevin O'Connell's Contract Negotiations: O'Connell discusses his considerations in possibly moving to ESPN, emphasizing the need for clarity on his workload and schedules.
• Balancing Commitments Across Networks: The conversation highlights the challenges of managing multiple network commitments without compromising quality of life.

Notable Quotes:

• "I'm not going to be doing both ESPN and TNT. I'm taking my time meeting with NBC and Amazon." – Kevin O'Connell [15:20]
• "I'm not going to do five shows. I'm not going to be working four days a week on any network. That's not going to happen." – Kevin O'Connell [16:07]

5. Light-Hearted Free Throw Shooting Contest

Key Discussion Points:

• Dan vs. Kevin's Free Throw Skills: A humorous segment where Dan and Kevin challenge each other to a free throw contest, highlighting their playful rivalry.
• Encouraging Charity: They agree to a wager where the loser donates $25,000 to their favorite charity, adding a philanthropic twist to the fun.

Notable Quotes:

• "I'll bet you charity. You set it up. I'll donate $25,000 to your favorite charity." – Kevin O'Connell [17:33]
• "You don't think I can make 8 out of 10 free throws?" – Dan Patrick [17:45]

6. In-Depth Conversation with J.J. Watt

Key Discussion Points:

• NFL Coaching Insights: J.J. Watt shares his experiences and insights as an NFL head coach, discussing strategies, player development, and game management.
• Playoff Preparations and Player Health: Emphasis on managing players' workloads to prevent injuries and ensure peak performance during playoff seasons.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Watt highlights the importance of clear communication and support systems within the team to foster a winning culture.

Notable Quotes:

• "If something doesn't work, plain and simple." – J.J. Watt [07:19]
• "We had to maximize the time we had... We rip off five in a row to start the season." – J.J. Watt [32:05]
• "Hitting the quarterback is an art... There are certainly ways to do it that you can still hit them and not get fined." – J.J. Watt [54:44]

7. Charles Barkley's Broadcasting Tips and Personal Anecdotes

Key Discussion Points:

• Advice for New Broadcasters: Charles Barkley emphasizes the importance of being authentic, sharing personal experiences, and avoiding excessive technical jargon to connect with fans.
• Balancing Personal Life and Professional Commitments: Barkley discusses managing personal relationships and responsibilities while maintaining a demanding broadcasting schedule.
• Holiday Reflections: Sharing heartfelt moments about spending holidays with family despite professional obligations.

Notable Quotes:

• "I love it when the announcer watches the game like a fan and talks like a fan." – Charles Barkley [46:30]
• "If you're thinking about your ankle, you're not going to have a good day." – Charles Barkley [48:34]
• "My whole goal in life is to let everybody around me make me look good because they're all better than I am." – Charles Barkley [61:21]

8. Show Highlights and Behind-the-Scenes Recognition

Key Discussion Points:

• Recognition of Backroom Staff: Dan Patrick acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the show's behind-the-scenes team, highlighting individual contributions.
• Interactive Segments and Viewer Engagement: Emphasis on the show's interactive nature, encouraging listener participation and showcasing the camaraderie among team members.
• End-of-Year Celebrations: The episode wraps up with festive cheer, recognizing team achievements and setting the stage for the upcoming year.

Notable Quotes:

• "Thank you for all the great things that you guys do every single day." – Dan Patrick [72:01]
• "We had a wonderful year. We'll talk to you in the new year. Great holiday, everybody." – Dan Patrick [72:43]

Conclusion

The episode offers a comprehensive look into the current state of the NBA, NFL, and college football, enriched by personal stories and expert analysis from distinguished guests. From discussing structural changes to sharing light-hearted moments, Dan Patrick ensures a well-rounded and engaging experience for listeners.

Notable Takeaways:

• The NBA is grappling with declining ratings and may need to reconsider its game formats and scheduling to regain fan interest.
• Balancing professional commitments across multiple networks is a significant concern for sports analysts like Kevin O'Connell.
• Effective coaching involves clear communication, player health management, and fostering a supportive team environment.
• Authenticity and relatability are key for successful sports broadcasting, as emphasized by Charles Barkley.

For those who missed the live broadcast, catch future episodes of The Dan Patrick Show on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app.