The Ringer NBA Show: Episode Summary

Episode Title: The Murky Future of Joel Embiid and the Sixers. Plus, No-Power Rankings. | Group Chat
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Hosts: Justin Varier, Rob Mahoney, and Big Waz
Podcast Series: The Ringer NBA Show – Group Chat segment (Mondays and Thursdays)

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Group Chat from The Ringer NBA Show, hosts Justin Varier, Rob Mahoney, and Big Waz delve deep into the uncertain future of Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid and the ramifications of his season-ending injury. Additionally, the trio navigates the unconventional territory of "No-Power Rankings," analyzing the NBA's bottom five teams based on their current trajectories and organizational challenges.

1. The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid's Injury

The episode kicks off with a candid discussion about Joel Embiid's devastating season-ending injury. Embiid's absence has left the Sixers reeling, with only 19 games played this season (8 starts and 11 games with Embiid on the court).

• Impact on the Sixers:
  Justin Varier expresses concern, stating, “Whenever an athlete gets shut down and has surgery, it's always like, we expect a full recovery... This is the sort of situation where we have to start worrying about Joel's end future in the NBA.”

• Tank Strategy & Team Direction:
  The hosts debate whether the Sixers should adopt a tanking strategy to preserve their draft pick or remain competitive despite the setbacks.
  Big Waz supports tanking, noting, “The Sixers need to lose games... this is where things have gone for them.”

• Prospects and Roster Moves:
  Discussion shifts to young talent like Quentin Grimes, whose performance has been a bright spot amidst the turmoil.
  Rob Mahoney mentions, “Quentin Grimes putting up 44... Why not have him playing for something, feeling like these games actually matter?”

• Future Uncertainty:
  Rob further elaborates on Embiid’s murky future, pointing out the continuous concerns about his ability to return fully.
  Rob Mahoney: “These are the conversations we're having. And they're my number three team. And the reason why I think... you just know if this guy's going to play or not.”

2. No-Power Rankings: Analyzing the Bottom Five Teams

Eschewing traditional rankings, the hosts categorize the NBA's bottom five teams based on their dire situations, lack of direction, and organizational missteps.

a. Number Five: Charlotte Hornets

• Performance & Talent:
  Big Waz assesses the Hornets as a struggling team with a poor season record but notes the presence of promising talents like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
  Rob Mahoney: “Their two best players are LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. Emphasizing those two as the centerpieces of your rebuilding is a dubious idea.”

• Organizational Strategy:
  The Hornets' management is praised for their long-term vision despite the current struggles.
  Justin Varier: “They've been overly prudent and thinking more in the long term... maybe Lamelo Ball isn't our guy, maybe it's actually Brandon Miller.”

b. Number Four: Washington Wizards

• Team Dynamics:
  The Wizards face skepticism about their young roster and lack of standout performers.
  Big Waz: “They have players who are threatening to play more, which is a healthy thing for a team in their position,” but overall, the outlook remains bleak.

• Management & Future Prospects:
  Concerns are raised about the Wizards' ability to build a cohesive team around their current assets.
  Rob Mahoney: “Their front offices do not have any definitive direction. There's no single prospect that gives them momentum.”

c. Number Three: Utah Jazz

• Rebuilding Challenges:
  The Jazz are critiqued for their slow and ineffective rebuilding process, despite accumulating valuable draft picks.
  Big Waz: “They have an incredible amount of draft capital, but they're waiting for that one piece to turn things around.”

• Player Development:
  Questions remain about the Jazz's ability to develop young talent into impactful players.
  Justin Varier: “They have to wait until 2031 to regain draft control, which is too long a period of mediocrity.”

d. Number Two: Chicago Bulls

• Organizational Mismanagement:
  The Bulls are highlighted as the epitome of mismanagement, struggling with poor drafting, ineffective trades, and lackluster player development.
  Rob Mahoney: “They're horribly mismanaged and don't have a talent you could build around.”

• Player Roster Issues:
  The Bulls' current roster lacks cohesion and star power, with veterans like Jalen Brunson not providing the needed leadership.
  Big Waz: “They don't have any prospects that can be a star, making their future unpredictably bleak.”

e. Number One: Brooklyn Nets

• Lack of Direction:
  Being placed at the top of the No-Power Rankings, the Nets are critiqued for their lack of a clear path to competitiveness despite an attractive market.
  Rob Mahoney: “They have no players you can point to as part of the next great Nets team.”

• Roster Instability:
  The Nets' inability to maintain a stable and impactful roster is a primary concern.
  Big Waz: “They don’t have any prospect that you can feel really confident is going to be a star.”

3. Debates on Team Strategies and Future Moves

The hosts engage in a spirited debate about various strategic moves teams might consider to climb out of their current predicaments.

• Sixers’ Trade Dilemmas:
  Discussion centers on whether the Sixers should prioritize retaining their top picks or make bold trades for veterans like Paul George.
  Justin Varier: “If we knew more about the injuries, I think they could easily be number one in this list.”

• Prospect Evaluations:
  Analyzing players like Jared Butler and Lonnie Walker, the hosts ponder their potential impacts and suitability for their respective teams.
  Big Waz: “Lennie Walker is probably an NBA player, but he's on the fringe.”

• Ownership and Management Influence:
  The detrimental impact of poor ownership decisions on team performance and player morale is a recurring theme.
  Rob Mahoney: “They treat this shit like it's a freaking Double-A league. That's why I see the future of the Bulls as bleak as hell.”

• Kevin Durant’s Potential Moves:
  A lengthy discussion ensues regarding Kevin Durant's possible destinations, debating the benefits and drawbacks of him joining teams like the Wizards or returning to the Nets.

  Rob Mahoney: “I would love to see him go to the Wizards and make them relevant.”

  Big Waz: “He is a swing piece that takes a contending team and can give them some things they badly need.”

4. Team-Specific Insights and Predictions

The hosts provide individualized insights into the strategies and future prospects of various NBA teams outside the top five.

• Washington Wizards: Despite their struggles, the Wizards possess some quality players like Chris Middleton and Jordan Poole, but organizational indecisiveness hampers their progress.

• Utah Jazz: While having accumulated significant draft capital, the Jazz's slow rebuilding pace and reliance on unproven prospects fail to inspire confidence.

• Chicago Bulls: The Bulls' management, led by Jimmy Butler, is critiqued for mismanagement and lack of clear talent to build around, solidifying their position near the bottom.

• Brooklyn Nets: As the pinnacle of their No-Power Rankings, the Nets suffer from roster instability and lack of a clear superstar to guide the team back to prominence.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a consensus that several NBA teams are struggling due to a combination of poor management, injuries, and lack of direction. The Philadelphia 76ers emerge as a focal point of concern due to Joel Embiid's uncertain future, while teams like the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets epitomize organizational failures. The hosts emphasize the importance of strategic management and player development as critical factors for teams aiming to ascend from the league's lower tiers.

Notable Quotes

• Justin Varier on Embiid's future:
  “This is the sort of situation where we have to start worrying about Joel's end future in the NBA.” [07:19]

• Big Waz on Sixers' tanking strategy:
  “The Sixers need to lose games... this is where things have gone for them.” [05:13]

• Rob Mahoney on Bulls' mismanagement:
  “They're horribly mismanaged and don't have a talent you could build around.” [07:56]

• Justin Varier on the Phoenix Suns:
  “They're so putrid and they just don't have to be... Devin Booker creates a healthy market.” [63:44]

• Rob Mahoney on Kevin Durant's potential move:
  “I would love to see him go to the Wizards and make them relevant.” [69:39]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and debates from the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the hosts' perspectives on the NBA's current landscape.