The Desmond Ridder Debate: Is It Time for the Atlanta Falcons to Make a Quarterback Change?10/3/2023 The Atlanta Falcons have been at the center of an intense debate regarding their quarterback situation, particularly focusing on Desmond Ridder's performance. In this lively conversation, Julian Martinez and Kyle Ledbetter dissect Ridder's gameplay, shedding light on the concerns and potential solutions. As Falcons fans grapple with disappointment and hope, it's crucial to evaluate the situation objectively and consider the alternatives. This article explores the key points raised during their discussion and delves into whether it's time for a quarterback change in Atlanta. Desmond Ridder's Struggles and the Falcons' OffenseDesmond Ridder, the Atlanta Falcons' current quarterback, has faced severe criticism due to his lackluster performance in the first four weeks of the 2023 NFL season. Julian Martinez and Kyle Ledbetter discuss how Ridder has shown very few signs of being a starting NFL quarterback, emphasizing his high rate of turnover-worthy plays. The conversation pivots to how the once-promising Falcons' offense, touted as "revamped and sexy," has stumbled, scoring only six points in the last two weeks. They argue that Ridder's struggles have been a major factor in the offense's lack of production, prompting a need for a change. Is Taylor Heinicke the Solution?Julian and Kyle present an intriguing solution to the Falcons' quarterback conundrum: Taylor Heinicke. They assert that inserting Heinicke into the lineup could potentially turn the season around for the Falcons, presenting a viable chance of making the playoffs. They compare Heinicke's skill set and decision-making to Ridder's, highlighting how Heinicke avoids putting the ball in harm's way, a crucial aspect lacking in Ridder's gameplay. This discussion urges fans and analysts to consider Heinicke as a legitimate option and questions why the Falcons have been hesitant to make a change. Evaluating the Falcons' Future and Possible MovesThe conversation further delves into the Falcons' prospects and potential moves they could make to salvage the season. Julian Martinez contemplates the idea of pursuing veteran quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins or Ryan Tannehill to bolster the offense and reinvigorate their playoff hopes. The authors stress the importance of making a decisive move to enhance quarterback play and ultimately lead the Falcons to a more competitive position in the NFC South. The debate surrounding Desmond Ridder and the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation continues to gather steam. As the team navigates the challenges of the 2023 season, fans and analysts eagerly await the coaching staff's decisions regarding the quarterback position. The discussion between Julian Martinez and Kyle Ledbetter provides valuable insights into the team's struggles and potential solutions. Whether it's Taylor Heinicke or another quarterback, the consensus is clear: action is needed to elevate the Falcons and reignite their playoff aspirations.
0 Comments
Welcome to a comprehensive analysis of the Green Bay Packers' performance, progress, and identity this NFL season. In this insightful exploration, we'll delve into the team's recent games, strategies, and the evolving roles of key players. From examining Jordan Love's growth to evaluating the defense and coaching, we aim to unravel what makes the Packers tick and what might be in store for them in the coming games. Jordan Love's Progression: The Future of the Packers The spotlight falls on Jordan Love, a quarterback undergoing a transformation under the guidance of Head Coach Matt LaFleur. While comparing his performance to Aaron Rodgers is inevitable, Love shows promise, despite the initial hurdles. He's displaying growth in both mechanics and understanding the offense, although there are areas for improvement, particularly in accuracy and rapport with wide receivers. Offensive Dynamics: The Emergence of New TargetsWith Aaron Rodgers no longer leading the offense, the Packers have embraced a new wave of young receivers and tight ends. Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, among others, are stepping into their own. The evolution of the offense, moving from being tailored to Rodgers' preferences, has brought newfound excitement and possibilities to the team. Defensive Challenges: Unpacking the Run Defense WoesThe defense has faced its share of struggles, especially in defending the run. Joe Barry, the defensive coordinator, has drawn criticism for schemes and execution. The Packers are struggling with inconsistent run defense, emphasizing the need for improvement and adjustments. Matt LaFleur's Coaching Style: A Closer LookHead Coach Matt LaFleur stands at a critical juncture in his career. This season, without Aaron Rodgers, his coaching style and decision-making are under scrutiny. While he's shown promise in previous seasons, inconsistency and challenges have emerged, making it vital for LaFleur to adapt and lead effectively in varying situations. The Packers' Identity: Balancing Legacy and TransitionThe Packers' identity has been defined by legends like Rodgers and past successes. As the team transitions to a new era with Jordan Love and a young supporting cast, finding the right balance between preserving the legacy and forging a new identity becomes crucial. The Path Forward for the PackersIn conclusion, the Green Bay Packers are at a crossroads, navigating a transition phase with a new quarterback and evolving roster. The journey forward entails addressing defensive challenges, nurturing young talent, and defining a new identity for the franchise. With the right adjustments and a commitment to growth, the Packers can aspire to new heights and sustained success in the NFL. In this in-depth exploration of the Green Bay Packers, we've dissected various aspects of their performance, progress, and identity. As the season progresses, the Packers face challenges and opportunities, and only time will tell how they navigate this pivotal moment in their franchise's history. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the journey of the Packers in the NFL.
In a stunning turn of events, Damian Lillard, a prolific point guard, has joined the Milwaukee Bucks, while Jrue Holiday, known for his defensive prowess, has made his way to the Boston Celtics. This unexpected twist in the NBA has sent shockwaves through the basketball community and fans are eagerly anticipating how these acquisitions will reshape the league's landscape. Damian Lillard: A Game-Changing Addition for Milwaukee BucksThe Milwaukee Bucks, a team that recently clinched an NBA championship, has added a new dimension to their offense by acquiring Damian Lillard. Lillard, a celebrated point guard, brings exceptional scoring ability and playmaking skills to the table. The impact of this acquisition is likely to manifest most significantly in the Bucks' half-court offense. Historically, the Bucks have struggled in the half-court, but with Lillard's shot-creating abilities, this is set to change. Khris Middleton, an integral player for the Bucks, is not known for creating his own shot, making Lillard's presence crucial for generating offense when transition plays stall. Lillard's addition creates an incredible pairing with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks' superstar forward. Giannis, while a dominant force, thrives on high-percentage shots and doesn't rely on creating his own shots. Lillard's skill set perfectly complements Giannis, as he can handle the ball adeptly and create plays, giving the Bucks a potent offensive combination. The pick-and-roll opportunities presented by this pairing are poised to be a nightmare for opposing teams. Furthermore, Damian Lillard's prowess in late-game situations makes him a true closer. His ability to hit clutch shots and maintain composure in high-pressure scenarios is unparalleled. While Giannis is a phenomenal player, his strengths don't typically lie in closing games with fadeaway jumpers or last-minute layups. Lillard's addition will alleviate the pressure on Giannis in late-game situations, allowing him to focus on his strengths, ultimately improving the Bucks' late-game performance. Jrue Holiday: Boston's Defensive AnchorOn the other side of the coin, Jrue Holiday's move to the Boston Celtics is a strategic masterstroke. Holiday is renowned for being one of the best two-way players in the league, excelling both in offense and defense. His addition to the Celtics significantly bolsters their defense, compensating for the departure of defensive stalwarts like Marcus Smart and Robert Williams. The Celtics have been known for their strong defensive presence, but the loss of key defensive players raised concerns. Jrue Holiday's exceptional defensive skills and versatility in guarding different positions make him a vital asset for the Celtics. His defensive prowess will play a pivotal role in the team's bid for success in the upcoming season. In the larger context of the Eastern Conference, these moves by Milwaukee and Boston have not only strengthened their respective teams but have also altered the dynamics of the competition. With Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday in pivotal roles, these teams are primed for a showdown, potentially in the Eastern Conference finals. The NBA Landscape ShiftsThe NBA landscape has seen a significant shift with these game-changing trades. Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, with their unique skill sets, are set to impact the league in profound ways. The clash of these basketball titans promises an exciting season ahead, as basketball enthusiasts gear up to witness their favorite stars in action.
In conclusion, these acquisitions have added a new layer of excitement to the NBA, elevating the competitiveness and setting the stage for an exhilarating season. Fans are eagerly awaiting tip-off, eagerly anticipating the stellar performances that these superstars will bring to the court. Stay tuned for an NBA season that promises to be nothing short of spectacular! The NBA landscape is abuzz with anticipation as the start of the 2023-2024 season draws near. While trade requests and drama have dominated headlines, one intriguing story to watch is the reemergence of Ben Simmons, now a member of the Brooklyn Nets. In a recent interview with Marc J. Spears, Simmons expressed confidence in his abilities, claiming he could outshine his former self. This article delves into the twists and turns of Ben Simmons' career, his journey to redemption, and what it means for the Brooklyn Nets' prospects in the upcoming season. Ben Simmons: A Complex NarrativeBen Simmons' career has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Drafted as the number one pick with high expectations, Simmons seemed destined for greatness. However, his journey took an unexpected turn. Questions about his commitment to the game arose, with some even suggesting that he didn't love basketball, a seemingly cardinal sin for a professional athlete. His struggles with shooting and the fear of ridicule further complicated his situation. Simmons' time in Philadelphia became a battleground, with his mental health playing a significant role in his struggles, including a back injury that some believed was tied to his emotional well-being. The breaking point came after a disappointing playoff series loss to the Atlanta Hawks, leading to Simmons' decision to never return to Philadelphia and a contentious exit. A Fresh Start in BrooklynThe Brooklyn Nets, known for their offensive prowess but criticized for their defense, sought to address this imbalance when they acquired Ben Simmons in a trade for James Harden in September 2022. The move was seen as an opportunity for Simmons to rejuvenate his career and potentially fill a defensive gap in the team. However, Simmons' stint with the Nets during the 2022-2023 season left much to be desired. He struggled to find a defined role on the team, and the Brooklyn Nets' playoff run ended in a sweep by the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the initial hopes that he would bolster the team's defense, Brooklyn's identity shifted to a defensive-minded squad that struggled to score, and Simmons appeared to be lost in the mix. The Current OutlookAs we approach the 2023-2024 season, the question on everyone's minds is whether Ben Simmons can rediscover his former self and contribute meaningfully to the Brooklyn Nets. Simmons believes he is back to being a top-tier NBA player, but doubts linger. The Composition of the Brooklyn NetsThe Brooklyn Nets have undergone significant changes in recent years. The core of the team now comprises players like Nic Claxton, Mikel Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Ben Simmons, all known for their defensive abilities but not considered top-tier scorers. This composition raises concerns about the team's offensive capabilities and whether they can compete at the highest level in the Eastern Conference. Simmons' Trade ValueTrading Ben Simmons presents its own set of challenges. With his hefty contract and recent struggles, finding a suitable trade partner willing to part with valuable assets has proven difficult. However, if Simmons can show that he is still a defensive force and a capable playmaker, his trade value could increase. The Trade ScenarioOne potential trade scenario could involve swapping Simmons for a player who better complements the Brooklyn Nets' roster. For instance, the Sacramento Kings, in need of defensive help, could offer Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes in exchange for Simmons, along with another player from Brooklyn's bench. This type of trade would prioritize fit over draft picks and could benefit both teams. As the 2023-2024 NBA season approaches, Ben Simmons stands at a crossroads in his career. Can he make a triumphant return to being an elite player, or will his struggles persist? The Brooklyn Nets, with their revamped roster, face their own challenges in integrating Simmons effectively. Whether Simmons' redemption story unfolds in Brooklyn or elsewhere, his journey remains one of the most compelling narratives in the NBA. As fans eagerly await the season's tip-off, all eyes will be on Ben Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets, watching to see if they can defy the odds and rise to the top of the Eastern Conference once again.
The realm of NBA podcasts is abuzz with insights and opinions from players themselves. Patrick Beverley, in particular, has made waves with his recent take on whether the dynamic duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum can bring a championship to the Boston Celtics. In a candid discussion, he voiced his skepticism about their compatibility as a winning pair. Join us as we delve into this thought-provoking topic, exploring the dynamics of the Celtics' roster, their chances in the Eastern Conference, and the impact of recent roster changes. Complementary Duo or Mismatched Pair?Patrick Beverley's assertion that Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum don't complement each other enough sparks an interesting debate. Looking at the attributes of both players, it's evident that they share similarities in their playing style and skill sets. This raises questions about their synergy on the court, particularly when it comes to creating a well-rounded team. Zack Burl echoes Beverley's sentiment, asserting that the two players are quite similar in what they bring to both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. While he disagrees with the notion that they can never win a championship together, he does concur that their compatibility is an issue that needs addressing. Analyzing the Roster Changes and Their ImplicationsThe decision to make Jaylen Brown the highest-paid player on the team brings about a shift in the Celtics' approach to team-building. Zack Burl suggests that this move necessitates a more strategic approach to drafting and scouting players. With Jaylen and Jayson locking down positions two through four for several years to come, the Celtics are on the lookout for cost-effective, high-quality players to round out their roster. Kyle Ledbetter points out that the departure of Marcus Smart has a significant impact on the team dynamic. With Smart being the longest-tenured Celtic, his absence paves the way for Jaylen and Jayson to take the reins and establish themselves as leaders. This shift in leadership could signal a new era for the team. The Kristaps Porzingis FactorThe addition of Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics' roster brings an intriguing blend of offensive firepower and three-point shooting. Zack Burl notes that Porzingis's scoring prowess, coupled with his accurate three-point shooting for a big man, enhances the team's offensive capabilities. Additionally, the change in positioning for Jaylen Brown allows for better matchups as a shooting guard, potentially boosting his performance. Julian Martinez expresses concerns about the defensive aspect, fearing that the team's defense might take a hit due to Porzingis's glass cannon reputation. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the defensive intensity that defined the Celtics' successful runs in the past. The Quest for Eastern Conference SupremacyWith the Eastern Conference undergoing various changes, the Celtics find themselves in a position to capitalize on the shifts within the competitive landscape. Zack Burl sees this as the Celtics' best chance to clinch the conference title. He highlights the potential decline of traditional powerhouses like Milwaukee and the internal turmoil in Philadelphia as factors that could work in the Celtics' favor. Kyle Ledbetter, however, offers a counterpoint. He believes that the Celtics' prime opportunity to secure the conference championship might have passed them by in previous seasons. He references the team's remarkable performance in the 2021-2022 season, where they excelled as the top-ranked offense and a top-five defense. While he acknowledges the Celtics' continued strength, he suggests that their ultimate championship window might have slightly shifted. The debate around the compatibility of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum is emblematic of the broader discussions within the NBA community. As the Boston Celtics navigate through roster changes and adapt to a new leadership dynamic, their prospects in the Eastern Conference remain intriguing. While the chance to clinch a championship might be a topic of contention, there's no denying that the Celtics' journey towards glory is one that keeps fans and analysts alike captivated. Whether this dynamic duo can rewrite the narrative and bring home a title is a storyline that will continue to unfold on the hardwood.
Boston Celtics' Bold Move: Extending Jaylen Brown as NBA's Top Earner - A Winning Strategy?8/12/2023 🏀 Boston Celtics' Game-Changing Move: Jaylen Brown's $340M Deal Explored! 🤑 Join us as we dive headfirst into the basketball buzz surrounding the Boston Celtics' groundbreaking decision to extend Jaylen Brown on a staggering 5-year, $340 million deal, making him the NBA's new highest paid player. 🌟 In this in-depth discussion, we dissect the strategic rationale behind this eye-popping contract, exploring the financial and on-court dynamics that led to this unprecedented move. From on-court performance to locker room leadership, we uncover why Brown's extension could be the right and perhaps only path for the Celtics' future success. We break down the numbers, analyze Brown's impact on the team's dynamics, and consider the implications for the Celtics' competitiveness in a fiercely competitive league. With exclusive insights and expert opinions, this video leaves no stone unturned. Whether you're a die-hard Celtics fan, a basketball aficionado, or just curious about the inner workings of NBA contract negotiations, this discussion has you covered. Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and get ready to unravel the strategy that could shape the Boston Celtics' championship aspirations. 🏆🎥 Hit that subscribe button and be part of the debate as we explore the factors that propelled Jaylen Brown to the top of the NBA's earnings chart and why it might just be the ultimate power move for the Celtics. 🏀💸
🏀 NBA Trade Madness: Impact on Championship Race! Mavericks, Warriors, Celtics, Suns Moves Examined Buckle up for a deep dive into the ever-shifting landscape of NBA trades and their potential game-changing impact on the pursuit of championship glory! In this riveting video, we break down four major blockbuster moves that have sent shockwaves through the basketball world. Join us as we dissect the Dallas Mavericks' strategic decision to re-sign Kyrie Irving, the Golden State Warriors' bold trade of Jordan Pool for Chris Paul, the Boston Celtics' high-stakes trade of Marcus Smart for Kristaps Porzingis, and the Phoenix Suns' electrifying acquisition of Bradley Beal. Each move has the potential to reshape the championship race in unique ways. From analyzing the star power and skill sets of each player to evaluating the fit within their new teams' systems, we explore how these moves could tip the scales in favor of championship contention. We'll discuss the ripple effects on team dynamics, playing styles, and the fierce competition at the highest level of the game. Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan, a fantasy league enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the strategic chess match of NBA trades, this video offers comprehensive insights into the potential impact of these moves. Join the conversation, share your predictions, and let's unravel the intricate web of possibilities that could define the road to an NBA Championship. Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest NBA trades, player movements, and their implications on the quest for basketball supremacy. Don't miss out on this thrilling analysis that navigates the complex intersections of talent, teamwork, and championship aspirations. 🏆🎥 Julian Martinez: [00:00:00] All right. I'll let you play a little bit of hot and cold. And you were Get. [00:00:02][2.3]
Kyle Ledbetter: [00:00:02] A little bit. Little bit. [00:00:03][0.8] Julian Martinez: [00:00:04] Okay. So if I if hot is winning an NBA Title and cold is the NBA lottery, I want to go through a couple teams as NBA free agency kind of marches on. Some teams are more or less that we know what their roster is going to look like. The Dallas Mavericks. [00:00:17][12.8] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:00:17] Yeah, I guess the Mavericks are a little bit colder, although I do like that they picked up Seth Curry like that was one of their problems last year is trying to figure out the floor spacing. But yeah ultimately their team is Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic and not a whole lot else. I mean, I know they picked up two bigs in the draft this last year. Olivia maxwell Prospect from France and I believe it was Jaden Maxey, I think his name is, and that'll help them obviously by getting longer and adding shooting with Seth Curry. But those are kind of periphery moves at this point. Dallas will be better next year than they were this last year, but at the same time, I guess colder than, say, Dallas is on their way to winning the championship or even getting back to the Western Conference finals like they did in 2022. [00:01:01][43.7] Julian Martinez: [00:01:02] Golden State Warriors,. [00:01:03][0.8] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:01:04] Golden State. I don't know what to do with them because I don't believe there's anything they can do to win a championship. But at the same time they have Steph Curry So that usually is a bump for your team and they're going to be better category. But I don't think Golden State really got a whole lot better or worse coming out of this draft. They got a couple of young players who probably won't play minutes given how their their roster lines up. And then Chris Paul replaces Jordan Poole as the sixth man which will make their floor spacing a little bit better. And there's talks about Chris Paul is going to be like the personal coach for Moody and Kuminga which you know, we'll see how that ends up going with that unit as the second unit. But I mean, they got better by upgrading from Jordan Poole to Chris Paul. I just don't think that it's enough to really make them better than the six seed they were last year. [00:01:52][48.5] Julian Martinez: [00:01:53] Boston Celtics. Hotter or Colder? [00:01:55][1.8] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:01:56] It's hard to get hotter than the best team in the NBA, which is what the Boston Celtics were last season. But I talked about this when the trade first went down, which is that, first of all, Boston's best chance of winning is to keep Tatum and Brown together and then figure that thing out from there because, like they were the best team in the regular season last year in the NBA, they were two games away from winning the finals the year before. Like on paper. I hear you're upgrading from Marcus Smart to Kristaps Porzingis and I think yeah, that is on paper an upgrade Porzingis is a better player And then I think of the practical application and I'm like how are they going to put that together? I don't think Porzingis is going to be as valuable as he might be given that he's now the third option on the Boston Celtics. The way they put their offense together. He's going to be touching the ball less and if you touch the ball less you are often less valuable just as the name of the game. Like you can't make it, you can't make as much of an impact if you aren't as involved. The way Porzingis was in Washington, in New York, less so in Dallas. But let's focus on the Washington and New York periods of Porzingis his career. So the good news for Boston is they didn't have to overpay to get him like all they basically had to do was flip Marcus Smart in exchange for Porzingis And by the way I think they got a draft pick in exchange as well from the Memphis Grizzlies. So you know I guess at the end of the day they didn't overpay for it. So I guess everything's going to be okay there for Boston. They just dumped some salaries of Gallinari and Muscala to make it work. So yeah, I think Boston is going to continue to be a top three team in the NBA. No move that they made made them worse at the end of the day. [00:03:30][94.1] Julian Martinez: [00:03:30] Okay. And the last one I'm going to hot and cold test you on is going to be suns. [00:03:33][3.2] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:03:34] The Phenix Suns. Hmm. You know, I made the joke when the trade first went down for Phoenix that they went from getting bounced in six games in the second round to the Nuggets to getting bounced in five games in the second round to the Nuggets. Like, yes, Bradley Beal is a better player than anything they had prior. And also it doesn't make them better than Denver and also doesn't address the fact that they're probably going to have some injuries in the regular season. But Phoenix is the second best team in the Western Conference and I think that's worth something. Also, they filled out their bench quite nicely. I know everyone was like, who are they going to have to play after the Big five? And they actually did fill out their bench kind of nicely. They got Chimezie Metu from the Sacramento Kings. They brought back Josh Okogie, they brought back Damon Lee. I do think they have a solid enough bench around those guys. So Phoenix is the second best team in the West, which I guess is worth something. So I'll go hot. [00:04:25][51.4] Julian Martinez: [00:04:26] So Frank Vogel versus Monty Williams, how do you think that's going to go down? Obviously bringing in more of a defensive coach. We know the problems that Monty Williams is having with some of the personnel there in Phoenix. Phoenix, out of those teams teams I mentioned is probably the most interesting because you add in as you add in a megadeal like Bradley Beal and with Bradley Beal being traded for what feels like a decade at this point. So to see it finally happen, what basically stole the headlines for at least the week before we got into the real free agency talk that we're talking about. Well today I think some of the things that. People are saying and you know, this is more casual. Take your take. You'll see on NBA Twitter but it's not an untrue take. There is only one basketball and you have the ball and you have a bunch of guys who isolation scorers between KD, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, who do you think cedes the most ground between that and that trio? [00:05:14][47.6] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:05:14] The Phoenix Suns go as far as Devin Booker takes them. That has been the case for ever since Durant got traded. Beal is obviously the clear number three, which I don't think means like, Oh, Beal is going to take a step back. There were times where last year he was the number two behind Porzingis on the Washington Wizards. So I think that the Phoenix Suns go as far as Devin Booker takes them and that's kind of crazy to think about right Like Kevin Durant's one of the 10 to 15 greatest players in the history of the NBA and at this stage of his career, the Phenix Suns go as far as Devin Booker takes them, which by the way, isn't the worst bet in the world because the Phoenix Suns, they were two games away from winning the championship with Devin Booker as their best player two years ago when they had that. Chris Paul, Mikel Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, DeAndre Ayton team that won the Western Conference. So it's not a bad bet to say we go as far as Devin Booker takes you because he just might be one of the five six best players in the NBA also. Yeah, no reason they should have fired Monty Williams. That's just whatever they got. Frank Vogel Fine, whatever. He's like Jason Kidd on that Brooklyn Nets team. [00:06:18][63.3] Julian Martinez: [00:06:18] I guess DeAndre Ayton's happy at least, right? He's still with this team, by the way, too. That's another weird nuance here. I was expecting him to fully get dealt after the Bradley Beal deal happened. But here we are. He's still there. Let's revisit the Boston Celtics a little bit because I tell you this had my heart this with this one, I'd be torn if the Celtics ever pulled down banner #18 I want to be with that group that trio Marcus, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown because these are home guys. These are guys that were part of the squad for years. Yes, they plus they've tantalized us but at the same time like they stole our hearts for years especially Marcus with the hustle plays. Still it's the same effect of the Warriors and Draymond Green. That's what we had with Marcus Smart and he's gone now. And I do think Kristaps is a good trade him. I think that that was a good move by Brad Stevens. All the value like you mentioned picks back you just traded away Gallinari a player who didn't even get to step on the court for you because of that ACL injury last year and you managed to turn that into Kristaps, who turned into your number three scorer on this team. Or while I guess if you kind of factor in where Malcolm Brogdon got to sit also an awkward situation and given that he was tried for a minute then he wasn't but Malcolm Brogdon of what this team you are as the J's go sure I agree with that is completely valid when you when you talk about this team and what's going to happen there because you look at the Miami series while Jalen I mean one of the worst game sevens in the history of game sevens is where you start if Jaylen Brown just has his normal 20 plus point stat line doesn't doesn't shoot poorly from three then the Boston Celtics are probably in the NBA finals. How that goes with Denver Denver will currently that's the Vegas favorites going on for next year's finals Boston versus nuggets maybe puts you in a better position addition and if that is the case, you probably want some more versatile bigs like a Porzingis on your on your team when you are talking about going that dude out there Nikola Jokic coming off his NBA championship want some more flexibility and especially when you have an aging Al Horford Rob Williams whose injury history as long as long as the day is dated a wedding or whatever thing But either way my point is having at least that trio I think works and you already have some talented guards between Brogdon and White, now Payton Pritchard, who wanted a trade this offseason, I guess. Yes, he gets more minutes. We'll see how you know Joel was all in I think their Ingram closer you look at the east I still think they're the best team Philly's going to take a step back we know what the Harden stuff I don't think Patrick Beverley Beverley is going to go for them exactly And then the bucks I mean it's a health concern health concern and dealing with this Miami team that's not still TBD as we said wait on a Lillard trade. [00:06:18][0.0] [370.2] There's a lot of drama happening for the Atlanta Hawks organization.
So they recently fired head coach Nate McMillan. And now a report is coming out that Trea Young, his time with the Hawks, may be coming towards an end. Does this surprise you? Not at all. Surprising that Trae Young might be on his way out of Atlanta because Atlanta's got a new general manager. They're about to have a new head coach within the last two months. They fired well, they reassigned their general manager and then fired their coach. So they've done a total front office overhaul. They went all in on this season by trading three unprotected first round picks to the Spurs in exchange for Dejounte Murray. And they are a play in team and they're going to be a play in team at the end of this season and it appears that they have peaked with the Trae Young cast of their team, which was Ben Simmons passed up an open dunk and they lost a playoff game to allow them to go to. An open dunk. Andre Young mind you Yeah. The one in I think it was one in 770 chance that the Sixers blow a 24 and 27 point lead in various games of that series allowed them to get to the Eastern Conference finals. And look if Trae Young is the best player on your team, making the Eastern Conference finals is a massive success. I don't think Atlanta anticipated that Trae Young would end up being the best player on their team, or at the very least in the last six seasons of Trae Young. They haven't put a single other All-Star around him. I disagree with them not thinking the Trae Young would be the number one player on their team. When you think a guy top ten, you want them to be a number one player on your team at some point, right? But yeah, it never turned into anything more. You hope that guys who are drafted that high end up in the Hall of Fame one day end up as one of those retired jerseys in the rafters for your team. So Trae Young was a highly drafted first round pick a guy that did get a team to the Eastern Conference finals just a couple of years ago. Three years later, he's going to not be on said team because Atlanta's you know, they're a team that hasn't had a lot of stars to really cling to. They had that like fun run during the Boston Celtics, Big three, Miami Heat, Big three in the early 20 tens with Al Horford and company that kind of fell off and dissolve pretty quickly. But other than that like they haven't had like a lot of star power to turn into and trae Young was turning into that guy for them. He was the villain of Madison Square Garden. He was the guy that killed the Knicks. He had all the hype, all the praise. Even going into last year's playoffs against the Miami Heat, I thought, okay, there's an outside chance that they could give this Heat team some trouble. Right? You talk to off podcasts about him being a top six player in efficiency. The fact is he's declined. He's not that same player. What's his current number? What's his current rank this season? 23 among all players, 20 among players with more than 30 games. We think about all this ending stars, all the guys that kind of around trae Young's age group, right? They like a guy like Jayson Tatum. Once Jayson Tatum gotten into that top ten, he's never left. He's been solidified as a top ten guy. trae Young, The fact that he's going to drop all the way from top six to being a top 20 guy who knows top 30 guy gain in disagreements with coaches, gain disagreements with the front office. I think there's always going to be a role for a guy like Trae Young, a guy who shoots a high percentage from three, although even those numbers are starting to decline rapidly this year. He's currently only shooting 32% from three point range. Think about what it's supposed to be like, right? Small guard next. Steph Curry was a lot of the monikers thrown for him, mostly because he was the type of guy to take risky shots. You know, Paul George would say would be a bad shot right at them. The fact is that those bad shots aren't going in at as high equipped this year. And we're starting to see the Hawks end trae Young's career suffer for it. So I will say for trae Young's career, the first half of the season, compared to the second half of the season, his shooting numbers have changed dramatically. I think if you take just his last 25 games, he's shooting like 37% from three, shooting 88% at the free throw line. His true shooting percentage is up 15 points. So trae Young has been better the second half of the season than the first half of that. First half was rough. And remember, in the playoffs last year, I think he went like one for 18 during one stretch against the Heat. Like the Heat figured him out real quick and it was not pretty. Well, I guess that's another question, right? Has the league figured out trae Young. No, because trae Young's efficiency numbers and true shooting numbers have gotten super better in the second half of the season this year. So he's still a great player. So do you think potentially why we saw a slow start to this season might have been an adjustment from Dejounte Murray Gain injected into the lineup and maybe there was some what we say lack thereof chemistry early on in the season could be. That could be factors we don't know about could be that he really hated his coach could be that Hibbert his coach clearly had beef which kind of led to the coach getting fired last week. And now we have Quin Snyder coming in. Let's play the probability that he ends up staying in Atlanta, even though they're exploring trade talks. Player gets explored in trade talks at some point or the other. What do you think Quin Snyder brings to this team? Because we saw Quin Snyder have success in Utah. Obviously never. I believe they topped out at the Western Conference finals under Quinn was second round. Second round. Okay. They did get the number one seed in the west one year, which I think we should understand. They are that is they lost during the. Paul. George. Kawhi Leonard, you. That's right. Yes. Well, he was one of the highly regarded coaches in the league. At one point he comes to this Atlanta team after a year off. Look, when you have a new general manager and a new coach, it would be, I would argue, like irresponsible for you to not see what you can get for Trae Young because you're starting fresh. You you he has three years under contract a star player and I'm going to call Trae Young a star player, not a superstar, but a star player with three years under contract. Look at what Donovan Mitchell just got for Utah last year. Under the same circumstances, three years under contract, a star player in his mid twenties. It would be irresponsible for them to not see what they could get in exchange for Trae Young on the open market. So with with that situation they'll be fine. And look, he's got three years under contract they've already invested in Dejounte Murray I think Quin Snyder given time will do something nice with the Hawks. As with any NBA coach it's all about the talent you surround him with. Why people are hesitant here is because at the end of the day, Trae Young is still really young. He's 24 years old. Like, we don't see a lot of teams move off a 24 or 25 year old that has already led and I will say led a team to an Eastern Conference finals. Trae Young really did put the Hawks on his back that year. Now if it's a lack of motivation issue, if it's a league figuring it out issue, if it's a team construction issue, those are all factors that can be fixed and corrected. We could just you make a counter adjustment rosters that takes the roster, but if you're in your mid twenties, there's still time to figure this out. Like and again I think for Atlanta you know unless you're going to get the deal of the century right if you're getting like comparable to like a Boston Celtics Nets type deal or any time the, you know, Celtics end up fleecing the Nets because that tends to happen, then I don't see the reason to move off of trae Young immediate. I think it might be a mistake if you're not getting that type of deal. Well, funny you should mention that because I will throw an option out there that is too perfect because where is Trae Young from Oklahoma. Where did he go to college? Oklahoma. Who's got a million draft picks into perpetuity and isn't tanking anymore because Shai Gilgeous-alexander is good enough to carry that team to a ten seed with a bunch of bums. Oklahoma who's got Chet Holmgren coming back next year is a rookie Oklahoma. I think that that is a match made in heaven. If you put Shai and trae in the backcourt, maybe Giddey has to go to the Hawks in that trade. But you put trae and Shai in the backcourt, Chet Holmgren in the center, you've got the multiple Jalen Williams because again, Oklahoma has two guys named Jalen Williams on their team. Oklahoma City could be building something nice. And so that seems like a match made in heaven. If they wanted three years guaranteed of trae Young and they have all the cap space in the world so they don't have to worry about trae Young's $8,048 million contract. So I think it's safe to say that the Mavericks won the trade. I think the Mavericks won the trade. But again, trae Young has not had another All-Star in Atlanta in his six years. Like the reason that general manager got fired is he drafted trae Young and didn't really do anything else after that, just kind of treaded water. Dejounte was supposed to be there for him. Yeah, well, yeah. And so was Kevin Huerter and so was Bogdanovic when they got him you know it was. Kevin Huerter looking good now for Sacramento so. Oh yeah maybe like the been lets go but but they basically gave away Kevin Huerter for free because of salary cap reasons they just gave away Kevin Huerter for a protected first round pick which was a terrible trade by Atlanta just a terrible trade. Granted Kevin Hurt has been playing like shit for two months, but it's still a terrible trade given the production that Kevin Huerter was putting up before then and him still being on a rookie contract. All right, guys. Well, what do you think of trae Young's future with the Atlanta Hawks? Do you think it is coming to a close? Do you think it would be a mistake for it to come to a close? We do like the years that it was like in the video. Subscribe to the Channel Palace on our social media for Juju and stay safe, happy and healthy. We will see you next. Julian Martinez: [00:00:12] Well, this is certainly not the news I was expecting. What about a month removed from the NBA season, head coach Ime Udoka of my Boston Celtics likely suspended for the year. This comes after a report that was put out that he had a consensual relationship with a staff member that broke Boston celtics code of conduct for their employees. Kyle, initial reaction? [00:00:35][22.3]
Kyle Ledbetter: [00:00:35] Well, we don't have all the information, so that makes it difficult to figure out exactly what behavior Udoka conducted that would lead to the suspension. This is a Boston Celtics team rule thing. I don't know exactly what the NBA rule is when people sign contracts, especially people who are in the basketball operations side. And I don't know exactly the details of those rules, so I don't know exactly the information when it comes to like any code of conduct laws and rules and such, both in the NBA and the Celtics. We know that he's getting suspended for the year and we know that email doc is going to presumably still be the coach after the fact, which suggests that he broke an ethical line and not a line that was one that warranted the termination of his job. And I think it's an interesting position because there hasn't really been anything quite like this where we're talking about I mean, you could point to situations like in baseball with cheating scandals, but nothing like this that warrants a long term suspension. And so I think it'd be better to have more information around this case. And I don't want to do the speculation without knowing, because when you hear its story of sexual infidelity, all of a sudden men flock to that story and start going crazy about that idea. And I think that out of respect for whatever that situation is going to be, I don't want to do speculation. It's just we we know that whatever conduct he may Udoka engaged in is worthy of having it basically an unprecedented suspension because it's behavior that doesn't warrant a firing. But Warren, being away from the team for a year, it's a very unique situation, at least as far as I can remember. [00:02:17][101.4] Julian Martinez: [00:02:18] It's interesting just knowing or at least what the report says, that this was a consensual relationship happened in the workplace. And, you know, I've been in workplaces, too, where they make you signed the contract that you will not date such and such because, you know, it may create a conflict of interest down the line. And I guess when you consider that Emma is the head coach, you know, is a powerful person in that organization, you worry about that blurring the lines later. And I guess this is if you're the Celtics, your way of protecting yourself, just a case, who knows years later, I don't know the staffer. I don't know what their interests are or what their future is in the NBA. But what if they say, Ime was a person in a position of power and he took advantage of that, you know, for this relationship, consensual now. But who knows what that could turn into or morph into ten years down the line. So maybe this is the Celtics way of prematurely handling this. It's unprecedented, too, because usually you don't see an organization shooting itself in the foot in terms of the product they are able to put out on the field for the Celtics, you know, email doc first your head coach takes you to the NBA Finals and less than a year later, we're talking about this. That's insane to me. We talked a little bit about this last night. We talked about what could the suspension be, because we already knew that it was circulating in the rumor mill about a month, maybe some games a year, a year for a coach that was ascending and, you know, to if you're like the players. So let's talk about like a year later after he comes off the suspension or the players together, are they just going to embrace him with open arms or let's say the Celtics have a down year in that down year, they feel is because of email. Don't you think that kind of like puts an impediment on leadership from teammates? [00:03:59][101.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:04:00] Absolutely. Yeah, absolutely. [00:04:01][1.3] Julian Martinez: [00:04:02] It just completely changes that locker room dynamic. We'll see if, like the Celtics even have a good season. You know, it's going to fall on the assistant coach. So we'll just put it out there that Joe Mizzola is going to be taking over for head coaching duties for the year. So that puts add to the rumor of Brad Stevens potentially coming down from the box and going down back to the hardwood. It looks like they're going to stick with assistant coach. And that's probably a smart move because you also don't want people thinking this flip flop relationship between who's the real head coach? Is Brad Stevens. Is that Emma? When you talk about a year later, there's a danger in that, too. What if the Celtics have a really good season? What if they do better than they did the previous year? Then you have this situation you talk about like when quarterbacks sometimes get hurt and they're back, that comes in and does a better job. Remember what Nick Foles did with that one year, you know, wins the Super Bowl and then that creates the awkward locker room dynamic with him and Carson Wentz. Now, that could happen, too. There's a whole can of worms that got opened with the suspension. Just surprises me, too. Again, this is a Celtics in House suspension. This is. In an NBA suspension. [00:05:07][64.7] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:05:08] Part of this is, and you mentioned it earlier, is the idea of him being in a leadership position. And therefore there is a power imbalance between whoever it is that he's having a relationship with because it's hard for anyone to be on the same level of leadership in a male dominated industry the way that Ime Doka is as head coach of the Boston Celtics, former NBA player for a decade. Like it's hard to that's a person in a position of power and we should expect that most of our organizations that are leaders are held to a higher standard than, say, the people who are employees, which is important to bring up, given the fact that now Robert Sarver is going to be pressured to sell his team despite the fact that he only got a year suspension and a fine. Well, let me ask you, do you think. [00:05:53][45.4] Julian Martinez: [00:05:53] There's any situation in which you could date down any work with the NBA locker room and, you know, just any workplace could just I don't know. You're the supervisor at a fast food restaurant. Can you date your subordinate? [00:06:07][13.9] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:06:08] I am willing to talk it out in a conversation with nuance and involving more women. Like hearing the perspective of women who are not in positions of power is important when talking about these conversations and how they feel about pressure from people who are in positions of power to have relationships. I think that's a conversation that's much more complex than this weird world of sports that he may doka finds himself in because we just don't have the information available. So I would say it's a guess. There's a lot. [00:06:38][29.7] Julian Martinez: [00:06:38] Of women also want to date successful men. And I would also say, like you talking about the head coach of the basketball team, that's a hell of a successful man right there. Sometimes you build yourself up to try and put yourself in a position where you're looked highly upon and well, that kind of means you can't do certain things because of it. [00:06:55][16.7] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:06:55] And that's a situation where. [00:06:56][1.2] Julian Martinez: [00:06:56] It's yeah, it's you can't date a subordinate or coworker, whatever. [00:07:00][3.9] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:07:00] You could say. That's the situation where it's morally reprehensible and also for whatever the reasons may be, because I also acknowledge this is pro sports. If he made a joke, it adds value. He will be retained the same way that the Boston Red Sox fired Alex Cora because of the cheating scandal with the Astros and then hired him back a year later. Like, if you add value, you will get second chances and you will get to keep the position that you have. If Madoka was, for example, the general manager of the Minnesota Timberwolves named Gersson Rosas, who was also fired for having an inappropriate relationship with someone within the workplace, Gersson Rosas was not as was not someone who was worth retaining because the Timberwolves didn't want him around in the first place. And, you know, he wasn't doing a great job running the team. So I understand that part of of sports and how it will let people come back as long as they have value. So I'm not going to say like we don't know exactly what ethical or reprehensible line. Again, we don't have all the information. More details could come out that do lead to Emma Udoka being fired. A lot of it is is public pressure. And the Boston Celtics are obviously operating under their own code of conduct, which hopefully protects people in in. [00:08:11][71.0] Julian Martinez: [00:08:12] Yeah. I mean, you know, in fairness, though, you know, again, this as far as we know, consensual relationship both parties were down how my parents met within the workplace. You know before the Internet most people met their significant other or spouse in the workplace. It's not a crazy idea. It's not a crazy suggestion that sometimes and specifically in this one. Okay. So she's a team staffer. That's all I know, right? You're traveling together, you're on the road together, you're talking with each other. Maybe you find out, oh, she likes the same movies I do. She likes to say music. I do. And one thing leads to another, and then suddenly it happens. You know, that can happen. That can happen very organically. I understand the Celtics want to protect their best interest because if again, years down the road, something shifts in their relationship and it becomes toxic, then you don't want to have that situation in your locker room, in your workplace. But tell you know, to play devil's advocate here, sometimes these relations morph in a more if he may put a ring on them, like what we'd be talking about in the same way. [00:09:12][59.4] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:09:12] In those cases, leaders are held to a higher standard than the rest of the employees. It's the fact that Ime Udoka is the head coach of the Boston Celtics is, I assume, the reason that he's being suspended because the stereotype of athletes cheating on spouses is something that's been played out over decades to the point where it's now a lazy stereotype like we know this exists in the NBA. Family Guy was making jokes about this like 13 years ago about infidelity in sports. Like that stereotype has been played out so much to this point that we don't know. [00:09:41][28.6] Julian Martinez: [00:09:41] I assume we know long either, too. Like, is this an open marriage? Is this like are they even married? I don't even think they're married. I think they have a kid together, but they could be on the outs, you know, stuff like that happens that exists. Like just talk about it for on a human level, not just who you may is or who the staffer is or the Boston Celtics. You know, just, you know, if this was happening at a Dairy Queen or something, I don't know. I mentioned Gary calling, but what do we questioning? As much if, like, we knew that, hey, these people just get along, you know, they're. [00:10:09][28.0] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:10:10] Oh, well, if it were. If it were not a high profile job, we just wouldn't give a shit. Like, that's the thing I've learned about people in society is that because this is a famous person being involved in this and a famous leader at that, because again, this is a position of power that you may Udoka has and has the ability to abuse that power. And therefore this is a standard. [00:10:31][20.7] Julian Martinez: [00:10:31] Necessarily abuse said power. [00:10:33][1.8] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:10:33] Yes. And that's why he's not being fired. It's just because this is, I assume, an immoral situation or an unethical situation for. [00:10:42][8.5] Julian Martinez: [00:10:42] Deltec. [00:10:42][0.0] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:10:43] In a position of power within the workplace. [00:10:44][1.5] Julian Martinez: [00:10:45] It's the Celtic protecting themselves. That's how I look at this. They just don't want this to morph into something worse, which given the political climate we live in today, you know, I understand they don't want to be involved in that. Years down the line, five years down the line, five months down the line, five days down the line. Stuff can like shift in terms of how people view one situation to another. So I understand why they're trying to, in theory, get ahead of this situation. Just sex or email sex or the team. It's going to suck for his leadership moving forward. How the Celtics view him moving forward, how guys who are developing in their careers Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Robert Williams, all these guys look at him moving forward. We'll see how that dynamic goes. It's a great opportunity. Certainly if you're Missoula, you know, hey, take the reins and run with it. We'll see. What has this situation morphs to like? You know, you mentioned possibility they still have an open door firing. I don't think that's going to get to that point. [00:11:37][51.9] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:11:38] Like, yeah, we just don't have all the information. We don't have all the. [00:11:41][3.1] Julian Martinez: [00:11:41] Year that's still developing too. It could very well turn into a couple months. There could be appeals process. There's a lot of things that could go on and this that may shift what the overall suspension and punishment or whatever it may be is. But overall, you know, whatever your thoughts are, you know, dropping below in the comments, kind of want to get some feedback how you're feeling about the situation where the Celtics in the right to make this move was he may in the wrong this that other anything in all how you're feeling I kind of want hear your thoughts leave it like on the video subscribe to the channel follow us on all our social media that you should talk sports. Kyle Ledbetter JuJu Talks Sports on Twitter. Stay safe, happy and healthy and we'll see you on the next one. [00:11:41][0.0] [676.4] Cavs Fan Reaction to Donovan Mitchell trade to Cleveland for Sexton, Markkanen & 5 Draft Pick9/1/2022 julian martinez: [00:00:12] Okay, guys. So the Donovan Mitchell drama has officially came to an end, but he will not be wearing a New York Knicks jersey as previously thought so. Knicks fans put away your fake custom made Donovan Mitchell jerseys. He is going to Cleveland, Ohio, so Woj. Tweeted out the details of the trade. So he is going to Cleveland in exchange for Lauri Markkanen Agbaji Collin Sexton and 3 1st round picks unprotected including two pick swaps. So trader Danny definitely went to work. My first question is going to be for my Ohio based colleague Andrew Hagenbaugh roots for the Cavs who cheers for the Cavs. What do you make of this trade? Are you happy? Are you thrilled? Do you think it's going to work out? I'm sure you have a lot of emotions going one way or the other. [00:01:01][48.4]
andrew hagenbaugh: [00:01:02] Yeah, no. When I saw the news I work. I was very thrilled to hear that the Cavs got Donovan Mitchell. They're just adding to this young core. And Koby Altman I think did a fantastic job of getting another All-Star into this team to pair with a bunch of youngsters like the likes of Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland and obviously Isaac Okoro that's going to be your starting five and team that made the Play-In tournament with 35 like them barely a bench that was good things for the Cavs and J.B. Bickerstaff is loving life in Cleveland. I'm sure right now I'll talk about the defensive side of the ball when this happens. I mean, everybody on the floor that you have now very good defensively and very good offensively. So this is a team is going to bounce up and down the court. They're young and they're not going to tire easy. They're going to tire you out bouncing up and down the court and just making sure they you can't do anything. You can't stop them. You can't keep up with them. This is a team that's going to be young and they're going to be very dynamic. [00:02:01][58.8] julian martinez: [00:02:02] Okay, so Andrew Hohman, as the two Texas based residents who both root for the Boston Celtics, this trade happens on the backs of one Danny Ainge. Someone we know and love for his trades is wheeling and dealing for our organization. What do you make of what he's doing in Utah to this point between this Indigo Bear trade. [00:02:20][18.8] Andrew Hohman: [00:02:21] Is doing a similar thing to what he was doing in Boston. Stockpiling picks, stockpiling assets. That's a typical trade or Danny move. I mean, it led to this Celtics team that they have right now and they just went to the finals. I mean, you never know what can happen in Utah. It can always go either way when you're stockpiling picks you can make or miss picks. But he's given them a chance to really build something special there. It's fun to watch from the outside and doing the same thing you did for us. We'll see what happens. [00:02:56][34.7] julian martinez: [00:02:56] One thing that I kind of look at the Utah roster, though, now what's going on, Sexton coming in or Markkanen they're fine pieces and they're pieces that I think can at least provide wins for this roster is I kind of wonder if that ruins their opportunity to truly tank. One of the big things coming into next year's draft is everyone's excited for the big French prospect, the number one prospect coming in next year. The name escapes me, but just look up his highlights. Eight. The guy's a stud and I think he's highly coveted. I think San Antonio is right now on the front running for him because they really depleted that roster. One of the big problems that a lot of people had with the Danny Ainge regime in Boston was mostly because he was afraid to make the big trade. Now he has all these assets and no definitive stars left on the roster. He doesn't have a Brad Stevens who was a coach who was good enough to elevate the roster like last time, although he did hire someone from that Boston Celtics regime to kind of fill the role. So I wonder if he's going to have the same level of success because he's not going to have a draft pick as high to land a Jayson Tatum or a Jaylen Brown necessarily, because the fact that he hit on those two picks in particular was why the Boston Celtics have the roster they have today. If you don't land those two guys then we're looking at Danny Ainge is overall stockpiling as a complete failure as opposed to the win as it currently is with the Boston Celtics. Although we were hoping that it would result in a championship by now, it's still looking fairly better than it was. So now that you have Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland and you look at the top of the east, Andrew Higginbotham, how do you think this Cleveland Cavaliers team stacks up against the likes of Boston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Miami? Can they crack that top four? Because if they're really making this move just to get into the playoffs, then is that really a victory for this organization? [00:05:01][124.1] andrew hagenbaugh: [00:05:01] So I don't think it's going to happen this year that we're going to try to top four I. To give it another maybe a year or two, because obviously you gotta remember, this is still a very young, the youngest core in the league. The average age of the starting line up is about, what, 22 and a half years old? 23 years old. It's a very young team. I think this first year is a year to kind of just develop and get everybody working together, get all the pieces moving. And then I think once you start hitting next season, then you can start saying, okay, this casting could potentially be, you know, a top four, top three roster. So for me personally, I would see the Cavs as maybe like a five or six right now. [00:05:39][37.3] julian martinez: [00:05:39] Are they better than that? [00:05:40][0.7] andrew hagenbaugh: [00:05:40] They have. Yes, I would say they're better than the bulls right now. [00:05:43][2.9] julian martinez: [00:05:44] Are they better than Brooklyn? [00:05:44][1.0] andrew hagenbaugh: [00:05:45] Brooklyn's a toss up. I know they lost a couple of pieces, but I think they can compete with the likes of Brooklyn. [00:05:50][4.9] julian martinez: [00:05:51] What do you think about them versus Atlanta and think about other teams that are kind of like in that range. I'll I'll take the three, you got to remember, is over there now with Trey Young. So that team improved? [00:06:02][10.7] andrew hagenbaugh: [00:06:02] Yeah, they did. So I think the Cavs even like last season, we were almost about equal with L.A.. I think what Donovan Mitchell, again, just his prowess and his, you know, his game. I think he can help elevate a lot of these guys a little bit above. So I think for me personally, I think they could do better than Atlanta. [00:06:22][19.3] julian martinez: [00:06:22] What about you, Andrew Homan? Where do you think they rank in the Eastern Conference today? [00:06:26][3.8] Andrew Hohman: [00:06:27] I mean, I think you got to put them behind Miami, Boston, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and maybe Brooklyn. They're they're probably right around rafters. Bulls, hawks range somewhere in there, kind of right where they were this last year, I think. [00:06:41][14.2] julian martinez: [00:06:42] So do you consider this a win, like if being that they're still in that second tier? [00:06:47][5.5] Andrew Hohman: [00:06:49] It gives them the opportunity to make another move at some point to give them another star player if they can get a second guy to play alongside Donovan Mitchell. You might be looking at a team that really compete in the East. [00:07:02][12.9] julian martinez: [00:07:02] Here today, I would say. They're a team that I always think has an opportunity to win a playoff series and that's a good spot to be in. If you told me the Cavs were able to win a playoff series. That's that's okay. Last year I thought if health permitting, they could have probably beaten that year's Brooklyn team. Unfortunately, they only have Jared Allen who's injured towards the end and they weren't able to get it done. They lost their edge defensively. I think if you're a fan like Drew here, you just have to be excited that you have organization that's willing to make a move to get better. It's why I didn't hit over the head the Chicago Bulls for making the moves they did last year. Because I think that any team that's committed to going out there and acquiring good players as a team that I can support, a team that I can say you're doing a good job at as an organization. And I'm surprised that this deal came together. Honestly, Cleveland just kind of came out of left field when it came to Donovan Mitchell. Obviously, again, we've been hearing the heat, we've been hearing the Knicks. And I'm sure if you're the Heat fans, you have to be kind of kicking Pat Riley a little bit. And I know you love Pat Riley, but you have to be kicking him a little bit for not being that aggressive to go out there and still Donovan Mitchell away. And if you're the Knicks, I mean, the Knicks just have a whole other issue. They just think RJ Barrett to this extension, Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, they have a whole mess of issues currently on their roster and a lot of committed money to probably be worse than the Cleveland Cavaliers this year. Think about that. The Knicks are spending more money to be worse than this Cleveland team. So you got to love it from that point that they are improved. I still don't think that they're ready, like Andrew said, to compete with the big boys in the conference, to compete with the Celtics. We compete with the Milwaukee Bucks of the World, the Heat. They got a little bit closer to them in my mind. I think the Heat are due for a little bit of a regression, but I think this is a good move. I'm glad that we kind of least got one door close to the psyche of the last thing I will ask you, Andrew Higginbotham, what is your best pitch to the city of Cleveland, Ohio, for Donovan Mitchell? What are the things that he has to check out and do now that he's in town? [00:09:14][131.2] andrew hagenbaugh: [00:09:14] Well, obviously you have to go to the bases. You have to go to a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Obviously, that's the number one thing that everyone does when they go to Cleveland. You couldn't even venture south and go to the Pro Football Hall of Famer on occasion. I mean, all these places are about 40 minutes away from each other, 45 minutes away. So it's all a great vicinity, Akron, Cleveland. And, you know, we're all very close together. I mean, you can go to Lyman's, get yourself a corned beef sandwich. It's very good. I've got to get a corned beef sandwich. But there's there's so much there's so much to do. Downtown Playhouse Square has a lot of good plays that you can go and watch. So there's a lot to do and there's a lot to see. And I'm sure guys like especially Ricky Rubio, who's been here for a year now, I'm sure he's going to take them around the city and show them around. And I'm sure a lot of these guys are going to be like, hey, listen, we got to do this. Go here, go here. Obviously, you had the major sports team get the Guardians and the Browns right there so you can go to obviously good Team Bond and the Guardians of Browns games. But there's quite a bit to do around the city of Cleveland more than people think there is. [00:10:15][61.0] julian martinez: [00:10:16] Okay. We'll send that clip specifically to Donovan Mitchell tweet at him. And in fact, we're going to put you on top of any and all freeagent discussions for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Andrew Hang about. Thank you for being there. Spokesman But guys, it's not Busters. We want to know what you think of this trade in the comments section below. Do you think that the Cleveland Cavaliers did a send in the Eastern Conference to a team that could make some noise in the title picture? Maybe we miscalculated how good this trade makes them. What do you think Donovan Mitchell is going to do in his first year out there? What about Utah side of things? Do you think this is a win for Utah as well as they try and get better in a full on rebuild leave that will go in the comments we like on this video, Juju talks sports here. I'm joined by 1 to 2. Drew's to Drew's for you, Andrew Hohmann and Andrew Hagenbaugh. Make sure to support them. We got all our social media in the bio below. Stay safe, happy and healthy and we will see you next time. [00:10:16][0.0] [590.1] |
AuthorStay up to date with the latest NBA News and our staff Power Rankings Updated Bi-Weekly throughout the NBA Season. Archives
October 2023
Categories |
RSS Feed