The Ryen Russillo Podcast: Kawhi’s Reminder Game and Cade’s Arrival. Plus, NFL Draft Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios With Danny Kelly and Danny Heifetz

Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host: Ryan Rosillo
Guests: Danny Kelly and Danny Heifetz

Introduction

In this episode of The Ryen Russillo Podcast, host Ryan Rosillo dives deep into the current NBA playoffs, highlighting Kawhi Leonard's stellar performance and Nikola Jokic's surprising struggles. The discussion also touches upon the emergence of Cade Cunningham and previews the upcoming NFL Draft with insights from guests Danny Kelly and Danny Heifetz.

NBA Playoffs: Kawhi Leonard's Stellar Performance

Ryan opens the episode by celebrating Kawhi Leonard's impressive night, emphasizing his ability to elevate his game under pressure.

• Rosillo: "Kawhi Leonard responding the way he always has historically... just classic Kawhi. Just how smart he is with everything." ([04:15])

Kawhi's efficient play, marked by his high-scoring 39 points and strategic decision-making, has been pivotal for the Clippers, especially in tightening the series against Denver.

• Rosillo: "He's going to hit the shots over the top of you. Incredibly efficient and a great response after the seven turnovers in Game 1..." ([05:30])

Kawhi's versatility and basketball IQ allow him to navigate double teams and find optimal shooting opportunities, making him a constant threat on the court.

• Rosillo: "Kawhi got stripped by Jokic in the paint in the first half... He just read it perfectly." ([07:45])

NBA Playoffs: Nikola Jokic's Unexpected Struggles

Contrasting Kawhi's brilliance, Jokic has faced uncharacteristic challenges, including seven turnovers in a single game and missed free throws.

• Rosillo: "Jokic throws the ball up in the air. It's his seventh turnover... Seven turnovers. Five of them were awful." ([09:10])

The Clippers' defensive strategy of doubling Jokic early has led to his frustration and reduced efficiency, impacting Denver's offensive rhythm.

• Rosillo: "The Clippers are doubling anything that's in the paint and they're doubling him on his first move, not on the catch." ([11:20])

Jokic's hesitation to take open threes and his reliance on passing have further complicated Denver's chances, as the Clippers capitalize on these weaknesses.

• Rosillo: "He likes to play out the possessions longer... But he needs to take more shots." ([12:50])

Cade Cunningham's Emergence

Cade Cunningham has become a focal point for the Detroit Pistons, showcasing his potential as a top-tier player since being the number one overall pick.

• Rosillo: "Cade becoming statistically what you'd hope you would get with the number one overall pick... to respond, go for 30." ([15:30])

Cunningham's leadership and on-court performance have reinvigorated the Pistons, positioning them as legitimate contenders and highlighting the successful acquisition of top draft talent.

• Rosillo: "He is there now, is he a guy? Different emphasis on the pronunciation of that." ([17:05])

NFL Draft Preview: Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios

As the NFL Draft approaches, guests Danny Kelly and Danny Heifetz provide their expert analysis on potential picks, outlining both promising prospects and risky selections.

Best-Case Scenarios

• Danny Kelly: Highlights players like Ashton Genti, a running back from Boise State, praising his explosive power and versatility.
  “He has everything you're looking for... As a complete running back.” ([25:53])

• Danny Heifetz: Emphasizes Jalen Walker's exceptional pursuit and versatility as a linebacker, making him a valuable asset for modern hybrid defenses.
  “He's the perfect type of player for those defenses.” ([30:08])

Worst-Case Scenarios

• Danny Kelly: Warns against teams selecting quarterbacks like Jackson Dart too early, citing developmental concerns and the Saints' current offensive shortcomings.
  “If the Saints take Jackson Dart, it’s disaster written all over it.” ([38:58])

• Danny Heifetz: Criticizes the potential for teams like the Giants to make poor draft choices, such as selecting lesser-known running backs over established prospects.
  “If the Giants took Ashton Rhenty over Abdul Carter, that would be the dumbest thing.” ([39:35])

Guest Insights: Danny Kelly and Danny Heifetz

Throughout the episode, Danny Kelly and Danny Heifetz share their perspectives on draft strategy, emphasizing the importance of evaluating player versatility, potential, and fit within team systems.

• Danny Kelly: Advocates for selecting players who can immediately contribute and adapt to various roles within a team.
  “He offers that hybrid skill set... he's a rare athlete on defense.” ([33:45])

• Danny Heifetz: Focuses on the risks of high draft picks falling into the wrong hands, stressing the need for teams to make informed decisions to maximize their draft investments.
  “Imagine if the Falcons just take another quarterback... it would majorly set them back.” ([44:35])

Conclusion

Ryan Rosillo wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of Kawhi Leonard's performance and the evolving dynamics of key NBA players. The insights from Danny Kelly and Danny Heifetz provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the upcoming NFL Draft, highlighting the balance between potential gains and strategic risks.

• Rosillo: "Kawhi finishes with 39... that's his 30th point playoff game in his last 81 playoff games." ([14:50])

• Rosillo: "These games are connected. The outcome of the previous game heavily influences the next game." ([10:50])

Listeners gain a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape, enriched by expert opinions and actionable insights on both the NBA playoffs and the NFL Draft.

Notable Quotes

1. Ryan Rosillo on Kawhi Leonard:
   “Kawhi can get to wherever he wants to get. He's going to pull up, he's going to hit the shots over the top of you.” ([04:30])

2. Danny Kelly on Ashton Genti:
   “He's basically as complete of a running back as you can get.” ([25:53])

3. Danny Heifetz on Jalen Walker:
   “He's the perfect type of player for those defenses.” ([30:08])

4. Ryan Rosillo on Jokic's Turnovers:
   “Jokic can't have the Turner turnovers that he had last night. It was shocking.” ([12:10])

5. Danny Kelly on Draft Strategy:
   “If the Saints take Jackson Dart, it’s disaster written all over it.” ([38:58])

This episode offers a thorough examination of crucial NBA playoff moments and provides valuable foresight into the NFL Draft, making it essential listening for sports enthusiasts looking to stay informed and engaged.