Podcast Title: The Pat McAfee Show
Episode: PMS 2.0 1370 - Feel Good Friday With Shams Charania, Ian Rapaport, & AJ Hawk
Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Pat McAfee Show, host Pat McAfee engages in an energetic and wide-ranging discussion with notable guests Shams Charania, ESPN's senior NBA insider, Ian Rapaport of the NFL Network, and AJ Hawk. Titled "Feel Good Friday," the episode focuses on uplifting sports news, player developments, and upcoming events across various leagues.

NBA Draft and Ace Bailey's Future with the Utah Jazz

Pat McAfee kicks off the conversation by discussing the NBA draft, highlighting the potential of recently drafted players. A significant focus is on Ace Bailey, a fifth overall pick, and his prospects with the Utah Jazz.

Pat McAfee [00:00]: "From what everybody's saying in the NBA world, this guy's kind of stuck... So I'll be excited to hear what Sean says and also I'll be excited to see a face who's seemingly a dog on the basketball court."

Shams Charania provides insights into Bailey's situation, emphasizing that the Jazz are committed to supporting him regardless of where he ultimately plays.

Shams Charania [23:09]: "So, unless Ace Bailey is sitting out the NBA season and forfeiting close to $10 million in his first-year salary, like that would be unprecedented. So, but that's not something that has ever been done. So I think the facts and the logic are that he will play for the Utah Jazz next season."

NHL Draft Highlights and Commissioner Gary Bettman's Update

The discussion shifts to the NHL draft, where Matthew Schaefer is highlighted as the odds-on favorite for the first overall pick. Ty Schmidt and Ian Rapaport delve into the prospects, their potential impact, and the decentralized nature of this year's draft.

Ty Schmidt [15:48]: "There's a lot of people thinking that there's a chance maybe the hometown Kidd gets drafted."

Gary Bettman, the NHL Commissioner, is praised for his leadership, especially post-lockout changes that have positively influenced the league's popularity.

Pat McAfee [21:44]: "I feel like he [Bettman] probably feels pretty vindicated with everything that happened. But that is the job of a commissioner..."

Toronto Raptors Leadership Change

Shams Charania discusses the recent firing of Masai Ujiri, the long-standing president of the Toronto Raptors, amid performance downturns despite past successes.

Shams Charania [31:07]: "So Masai had a great run there, but near the end of it, it was very clear the new leadership that was coming into MLSE and Masai, they just did not seem like they were going to be destined for a long run."

Pat McAfee reflects on Ujiri's legacy and questions whether the move was a strategic reset or due to interpersonal conflicts.

Pat McAfee [33:10]: "I do appreciate Masai for sending Pascal Siakam to Indiana. That was very kind of him. He made our lives much better here."

NBA Team Sales and the Portland Trailblazers

The conversation turns to NBA team valuations and recent high-profile sales, including the Los Angeles Lakers selling for a record $10 billion. Shams Charania mentions that the Portland Trailblazers are up for sale, estimated at around $3.7 billion.

Shams Charania [37:07]: "So I don't see any NBA team selling for less than 3 to 3.5 billion ever again. Like, I think that's the bare minimum to buy an NBA team."

"That's Good Shit" Segment: Celebrating Sports Highlights

Pat McAfee introduces a new segment titled "That's Good Shit," where the team highlights positive moments from the week's sports events.

1. NBA Finals Game Seven:
   Lou Dort's impressive performance with a backdoor play and decisive actions received accolades.

   AJ Hawk [48:21]: "Lou Dort back door with a little English with a kiss and hey, that's good."

2. John Harbaugh's Fitness Journey:
   Celebrating the Baltimore Ravens' head coach John Harbaugh committing to a fitness regimen at 405 pounds.

   Ty Schmidt [48:36]: "John Harper moving weight. 62 years old... that's good shit."

3. LSU's Cade Anderson Dominates in Baseball:
   Highlighting Cade Anderson's stellar performance in the College World Series.

   Pat McAfee [49:11]: "What does he do? He throws nine shutout innings, 10 K's, three hits, complete game shutout. Unbelievable."

4. Car Racing Incident in Missouri:
   A Toyota driver successfully navigates a heated road condition without major accidents.

   Pat McAfee [50:07]: "Driver keeps it rolling, stays on the track. You could shit your pants if this happened to you in the roadway."

5. Dak Prescott's Golf Prowess:
   Dallas Cowboys' Quarterback Dak Prescott impresses by sinking a 65-foot walk-off putt during a charity golf match.

   Connor [52:22]: "Dak Prescott sinks a 65 foot walk off putt to beat the boys from Good, good."

UFC 317 Preview and Jon Jones' Influence

Pat McAfee and Connor preview the upcoming UFC 317, focusing on a vacant title fight between Ilya Tapuria and Charles Oliveira. Discussion revolves around the potential impact of Jon Jones's prior performances and his legacy in the sport.

Pat McAfee [60:13]: "He [Jon Jones] just became a half piper after that. He's fully committed to that."

Cincinnati Bengals' Stadium Renovation Deal

The team congratulates the Cincinnati Bengals on securing a $470 million renovation deal for Paycor Stadium, with $120 million from the team and $350 million from Hamilton County without increasing taxes.

AJ Hawk [68:22]: "So I looked into it. 470 million in renovations. Bengals will supply 120 million of that. The other 350 million is going to come from Hamilton County."

Free Agency Insights and Player Contracts

Shams Charania provides updates on NBA free agents and key player options, highlighting player movements and potential team impacts. Ian Rapaport discusses NFL free agency, focusing on high-profile players like Justin Tucker and Jalen Ramsey, and contract negotiations.

Shams Charania [43:24]: "Sunday is going to be an important day for player options. Free agency gets going on Monday night..."

Bill [101:22]: "This should get worked out. There is literally no reason that this shouldn't get worked out."

Parenting and Camp Experiences

The show touches on the challenges and benefits of sending kids to summer camps, with Ian Rapaport sharing his family's experience of a seven-week camp for his sons.

Bill [74:14]: "We figure it out. There's plenty of sports at camp."

Pat McAfee [77:35]: "It's amazing as a 10-year-old. Going to have to experience life."

Pop Culture and Social Media Highlights

Pat McAfee and guests discuss Will Smith's resurgence in music and social media, touching upon his new tracks and public perception post-scandal.

Pat McAfee [142:00]: "Shout out to Jason Mraz. Super talent."

Connor [142:43]: "Pumpkin farm, perfect match."

Closing Remarks

Pat McAfee wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to enjoy the weekend, engage with various sports events, and maintain a positive outlook.

Pat McAfee [157:35]: "Have the greatest weekend of your life. We'll see you on Monday. Goodbye."

Key Takeaways

• Ace Bailey's future with the Utah Jazz remains secured despite uncertainties.
• Matthew Schaefer leads as the top NHL draft prospect with strong support from Commissioner Gary Bettman.
• The Toronto Raptors undergo leadership changes, signaling a potential strategic reset.
• Portland Trailblazers are on the market amidst rising NBA team valuations.
• Introduction of the "That's Good Shit" segment to highlight positive sports moments.
• UFC 317 features significant title fights with Jon Jones' legacy in focus.
• The Cincinnati Bengals secure a major stadium renovation without tax increases.
• Free agency updates in both NBA and NFL emphasize player movements and contract negotiations.
• Parenting decisions around summer camps provide valuable life experiences for kids.
• Will Smith's comeback in music and positive media influence is acknowledged.

Notable Quotes

• Pat McAfee [00:00]: "Sports are happening all around us... from what everybody's saying in the NBA world, this guy's kind of stuck."
• Shams Charania [23:09]: "He will play for the Utah Jazz next season."
• Pat McAfee [21:44]: "If one person pisses you off, you can see how sports fans turn against that person forever."
• AJ Hawk [48:21]: "Lou Dort back door with a little English with a kiss and hey, that's good."
• Shams Charania [37:07]: "I'm looking at the Portland Trailblazers being up for sale at around 3.7 billion."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the diverse range of topics covered in The Pat McAfee Show episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the key discussions and insights shared by the hosts and guests.