Podcast Summary: The Ringer NBA Show – Episode on the Knicks and Sixers Release Date: February 25, 2025

Introduction

The episode begins with brief mentions of the podcast hosts and upcoming segments but swiftly moves into the core discussions after skipping advertisements and introductory remarks.

Detroit Pistons' Impressive Winning Streak

Timestamp: [01:52] – [06:39]

Raja Bell initiates the conversation by highlighting the Detroit Pistons' remarkable seven-game winning streak. Despite being underrepresented and often overlooked, the Pistons have been performing exceptionally well in the Eastern Conference.

Howard Beck praises the Pistons, noting, "This is their longest winning streak in like a decade. A decade. Incredible." He attributes their success to the leadership of J.B. Bickerstaff and the emergence of Cade Cunningham as a potential All-NBA talent. Beck emphasizes the team's hard work, new culture under their coach, and strategic acquisitions like Tobias Harris, which provide stability around their young core.

Austin Rivers echoes Beck’s sentiments, adding that the Pistons have found a good blend of young talent and seasoned veterans like Tim Hardaway Jr. who contribute both offensively and professionally, fostering the development of the team’s core players. Rivers remarks, "Found people to put around them that are good pros, that teach them the ropes... I’m happy all the way around for him."

Minnesota Timberwolves' Performance and Potential

Timestamp: [06:39] – [07:55]

Raja Bell briefly touches upon the Minnesota Timberwolves' recent game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, pointing out a fumble that could indicate either a turning point or be inconsequential.

Austin Rivers responds by acknowledging their continued effort on the court despite challenges, stating, "They kept hooping, so I don't mean to take anything away from him."

Howard Beck adds excitement about a remarkable block by Edwards, commending it as one of the coolest blocks he's seen in a long time.

New York Knicks: Potential and Challenges

Timestamp: [07:55] – [32:04]

Raja Bell transitions the discussion to the New York Knicks, expressing skepticism about their recent performances despite a strong regular-season record of 37-20. He points out significant losses to top teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, with an average margin of defeat of 21 points.

Howard Beck provides a nuanced perspective, stating, "This is their best period of time since the 90s... as a fan base, remember what your franchise has been through." He highlights the Knicks' resurgence, their potential to achieve back-to-back 50-win seasons, and their current standing, which places them sixth in the Eastern Conference, making them playoff-bound.

Beck also discusses the broader context of the Knicks’ performance, suggesting that while they are no longer struggling as they have for the past two decades, they are now facing the reality of competing with true contenders. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining perspective, considering the franchise's history of dysfunction and the progress they've made.

Austin Rivers complements Beck's analysis by stressing the significance of balancing young talent with veteran experience, which he believes the Knicks have managed well. He encourages the fan base to appreciate the team's current achievements, even if they fall short of championship contention.

Raja Bell delves deeper into the pressures associated with being a team that has exceeded expectations. Drawing parallels with the Atlanta Hawks' past performance, he questions how the Knicks will handle the heightened expectations after a strong season.

Howard Beck further explores the Knicks' strategy, particularly the trade for Karl-Anthony Towns in the preseason. He argues that while the trade was logical, the loss of key players like Isaiah Hartenstein has impacted the team's depth, especially in the center position. Beck remains optimistic, suggesting that the Knicks could still reach the conference finals if players like Mitchell Robinson return from injury and continue to develop.

Raja Bell shares his frustration with the team's recent setbacks, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the current success and not prematurely criticizing the team based on a few tough losses. He relates to the emotional journey of the fan base, who have endured years of hardship and should appreciate the team's progress.

Austin Rivers adds a player’s perspective, advocating for enjoying the moment and building meaningful relationships within the team, rather than solely focusing on championships. He underscores the fleeting nature of a player's career and the importance of valuing the present.

Howard Beck draws comparisons to the Phoenix Suns' successful era under Steve Nash and Mike D'Antoni, highlighting how maintaining a fun and exciting team can sustain fan interest even without immediate championship success. He emphasizes that the Knicks, much like the Suns during their peak, should be celebrated for their consistent performance and competitive spirit.

Philadelphia 76ers: Struggles and Trade Implications

Timestamp: [32:04] – [44:48]

Raja Bell introduces a segment titled "Hard to Handle," focusing on recent struggles faced by the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold a 20-37 record after a significant loss to the Chicago Bulls. He mentions Joel Embiid considering knee surgery, which has further derailed the team's season.

Howard Beck discusses the trade that brought Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks, analyzing its impact on the team’s dynamics. He explains that while the trade was not a mistake, the loss of key players like Julius Randle and Isaiah Hartenstein has left the Knicks without sufficient depth, particularly at the center position. Beck stresses that the trade’s full implications will only be clear as the season progresses and if the team fails to overcome their current obstacles.

Austin Rivers criticizes the decision to keep Joel Embiid playing despite his injury, arguing that it is detrimental to the team's chances of success. He advocates for prioritizing the team's draft position by potentially tanking the rest of the season to secure a higher first-round pick. Rivers states, "Priority number one, priority number one."

Howard Beck responds by outlining the Sixers' precarious position in the standings and the necessity of making tough decisions to protect their draft pick. He suggests that if Embiid requires surgery, the team should fully commit to tanking, even if it involves disciplinary actions like fines or investigations. Beck underscores the importance of securing the team's future through a higher draft pick, despite the immediate negative consequences for the season.

Raja Bell expresses frustration with the Sixers' reliance on players like Paul George and Joel Embiid, whom he believes have not consistently proven themselves as worthy of their high expectations. He criticizes the ongoing hype surrounding these players, arguing that their performances have not justified the optimism.

Howard Beck counters by defending Devin Booker and Paul George, highlighting their individual achievements and contributions. He argues that external factors like health have played a significant role in the Sixers' struggles and cautions against completely dismissing the players' abilities. Beck maintains that the Sixers' season is effectively over, given Embiid's possible surgery, and reiterates the importance of tanking to protect their draft pick.

Austin Rivers reinforces his stance, emphasizing the lack of viable alternatives for the Sixers and supporting the strategy of losing games intentionally to secure a top draft position. He argues that this approach is the most pragmatic way to salvage the team's future despite the immediate disappointment.

Mailbag Segment: Personal Basketball Memories

Timestamp: [44:48] – [58:35]

The hosts engage with listener-submitted questions about personal high and low moments in basketball.

• Pasha Hagigi shares a listener's experience evolving from watching classic NBA games to witnessing the next generation of players.
• Raja Bell reminisces about memorable moments such as Allen Iverson's iconic plays and personal milestones like receiving his first NBA contract.
• Austin Rivers recounts both significant career moments, including making the Sixers roster, and challenging experiences, such as conflicts with teammates that led to personal setbacks.
• Howard Beck reflects on his early memories as a ball boy and his greatest sports fandom moments, particularly the 1982 NFC Championship Game involving Joe Montana.

Ringer Staff Starting Five Fantasy

Timestamp: [58:35] – [65:36]

The hosts participate in a light-hearted segment where they envision a starting five composed of Ringer staff members.

• Raja Bell and Howard Beck jokingly select participants like Kyle Mann and Roger Bell without serious consideration of their basketball prowess.
• Austin Rivers introduces humor by lamenting the overuse of the term "bag" in basketball terminology, expressing frustration with how it detracts from the game's fundamentals.
• Pasha Hagigi contributes by suggesting staff members who might add comedic value rather than actual basketball skill, further emphasizing the playful nature of the segment.

Listener Questions and Final Discussions

Timestamp: [65:36] – [75:14]

Listeners submit intriguing questions, prompting deeper discussions:

1. LeBron and NBA Eras:

   • Pasha Hagigi presents a listener's idea to classify basketball eras as "BB" (Before Braun) and "AB" (After Braun), reflecting on how eras are defined by influential players.
   • Howard Beck critiques the concept, emphasizing the multifaceted influences on the game's evolution, including executives like Daryl Morey and players like Steph Curry who have reshaped basketball strategies.

2. Top Five Least True Hoopers:

   • The hosts debate the definition and implications of "least true hoopers," with Austin Rivers passionately arguing against the term, asserting that it undermines player contributions and the game's integrity.
   • Raja Bell and Howard Beck engage in spirited exchanges, humorously challenging each other on their selections and interpretations of the term.

3. Philadelphia 76ers' Future:

   • Pasha Hagigi asks about the future trajectory of Devin Booker and the Sixers, particularly in light of potential trades involving Kevin Durant.
   • Howard Beck speculates on possible outcomes, including Booker seeking opportunities elsewhere if the team continues to struggle, and the implications of acquiring additional draft picks without substantial team improvements.

Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [75:14] – [75:43]

The hosts wrap up the episode with light-hearted banter, emphasizing the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the NBA. They encourage listener engagement through mailbag submissions and express eagerness for future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Howard Beck: "This is their longest winning streak in like a decade. A decade. Incredible." [02:00]
• Austin Rivers: "You have to enjoy the process, dude. Enjoy it." [16:27]
• Raja Bell: "It's going to have the potential to be a very depressing episode." [02:00]
• Howard Beck: "Pretend as a fan base, remember what your franchise has been through." [10:02]
• Austin Rivers: "Priority number one, priority number one." [34:17]

Conclusion

This episode of The Ringer NBA Show offers an in-depth analysis of the New York Knicks' promising yet challenging season, the Detroit Pistons' unexpected success, and the Philadelphia 76ers' ongoing struggles. Through engaging discussions and listener interactions, the hosts provide insightful perspectives on team dynamics, player performances, and strategic decisions shaping the NBA landscape.