Episode Summary: "Is Ace Playing His Cards Right? Plus, Raja’s Richter Scale for Recent Trades"

Release Date: June 27, 2025
Podcast: The Ringer NBA Show
Hosts: Logan Murdoch and Raja Bell

In this insightful episode of The Ringer NBA Show, hosts Logan Murdoch and Raja Bell tackle two major topics: the draft tactics of emerging NBA prospect Ace Bailey and a comprehensive analysis of recent NBA trades through Raja’s unique "Richter Scale." The conversation delves deep into player development, team dynamics, and the broader cultural implications within the NBA.

Ace Bailey: Strategic Play or Misstep?

The episode kicks off with Logan introducing the central topic of Ace Bailey, a promising wing from Rutgers University. Bailey has recently stirred conversations by declining workouts with several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, leading to his draft slide to the Utah Jazz at the fifth overall pick. Logan questions whether Bailey's reluctance reflects overconfidence or a lack of strategic planning.

Notable Quote:

• Logan Murdoch (04:39): "He just refuses all workouts, including with Cliff's Sixers... It seemed to be a little dip on this chip throughout this draft process."

Raja acknowledges the nuances of Bailey's decision, highlighting the delicate balance young players must maintain between asserting their preferences and adapting to the expectations of NBA teams.

Notable Quote:

• Raja Bell (09:13): "If there is a player like that, how important is it for the players around or the people around him to be like, eh, I don't know. Right."

The discussion emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support systems in helping young players navigate the pressures of entering the professional arena. Raja points out that teams like the Utah Jazz, known for their supportive culture, can provide the necessary environment for Bailey to thrive despite initial setbacks.

Notable Quote:

• Raja Bell (13:07): "It becomes critical to have people around you if you're trying to achieve certain levels of success in athletics or in any field that can shed some light on what's important within those fields."

Logan adds that the NBA is a tight-knit community where reputation and relationships significantly impact a player's career trajectory. He draws parallels between Bailey’s situation and other athletes who have either succeeded or faltered based on their approach to team interactions and personal development.

Notable Quote:

• Logan Murdoch (07:32): "The NBA... it's a very small community within the professional ranks. And you don't really serve yourself well doing this. Right. Like it doesn't really help you."

Raja’s Richter Scale: Evaluating Recent NBA Trades

Transitioning to the "Richter Scale" segment, Raja introduces his method for assessing the impact of recent NBA trades. This segment provides listeners with a structured analysis of how these moves influence team dynamics and the overall league landscape.

Trade 1: New Orleans Pelicans to Atlanta Hawks

• Details: Pelicans traded their 23rd overall pick (which turned into Georgia big man Asha Newell) and a 2026 unprotected first-round pick to the Hawks for the 13th pick.
• Raja’s Rating: Dumb (40:50)

Raja critiques the trade for its lack of strategic depth, comparing it to taking a significant risk for minimal gain.

Notable Quote:

• Raja Bell (40:50): "It's hard to put a number. Can I just say dumb?"

Trade 2: New Orleans Pelicans to Washington Wizards

• Details: Pelicans traded CJ McCollum, Kelly Odenek, and a future second-round pick to the Wizards for Jordan Poole, Sadiq Bay, and the 40th pick for the 2025 NBA draft.
• Raja’s Rating: Very Low (42:24)

This trade is viewed as another low-impact move, failing to provide significant benefits to either team.

Notable Quote:

• Raja Bell (42:24): "That is like a very, very low register on a Richter scale for me."

Trade 3: Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Brooklyn Nets

• Details: Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick to the Hawks; Sadiq Bay and a second-round pick to the Celtics; George Niang traded elsewhere.
• Raja’s Rating: Five on the Richter Scale (44:44)

Raja considers this trade more impactful, noting that acquiring Kristaps Porzingis could enhance the Hawks' competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.

Notable Quote:

• Raja Bell (44:44): "Kristaps is one of those pieces... a lot of people would like to have that think that they have a shot... to have some serious legs in the Eastern Conference."

Logan concurs, highlighting the potential shifts in the Eastern Conference dynamics due to this trade.

Notable Quote:

• Logan Murdoch (45:59): "If you're just talking yourself into the Eastern Conference, it's wide open. You could make a run like a 20, 21 run maybe."

Player Development and Team Dynamics

Throughout the episode, Logan and Raja stress the importance of balancing individual aspirations with team success. They argue that for young players like Ace Bailey, developing humility and understanding their role within a team is crucial for long-term success.

Notable Quote:

• Logan Murdoch (15:44): "It just seems like Ace Bailey is getting caught up in the bullshit way too early right now."

Raja reinforces this by emphasizing that talent alone isn't sufficient without the right mindset and support structure. He draws comparisons to seasoned players who have successfully integrated into their teams by prioritizing collective goals over personal accolades.

Notable Quote:

• Raja Bell (26:57): "Shot selection is going to be critical for him, especially as a young player... he's got to work on that body."

Personal Stories and Listener Shoutouts

The latter part of the episode features personal anecdotes and listener interactions. Logan shares a heartfelt story about Sabrina Unescu's impressive performance at a Liberty Valkyries game, highlighting the importance of community support and personal resilience.

Real One of the Week:

• Logan Murdoch: "Shout out to the Valks and shout out to Sabrina and shout out to everybody involved in a great night at Chase Center."

Raja reciprocates, sharing experiences from coaching and emphasizing the significance of a strong support system in achieving athletic excellence.

Notable Quote:

• Raja Bell (55:45): "For all of those people, I want to say thank you. And y' all are my real ones, man."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Logan and Raja reflecting on their journey with the podcast, expressing gratitude towards their listeners and the broader NBA community. They celebrate the growth and impact of Real Ones, emphasizing the bonds formed through shared passion and dedication to the sport.

Notable Quote:

• Logan Murdoch (57:34): "I love Real Ones. Real Ones is my favorite podcast. It is my favorite thing to do."

Final Thoughts: Logan and Raja reaffirm their commitment to delivering insightful and authentic analysis, promising to continue engaging their audience with in-depth discussions and personal stories.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insightful quotes, and the dynamic interplay between the hosts. It provides a clear overview for those who haven't listened, ensuring they grasp the main points and the depth of the conversations held.