Latest / Front Runner Podcast Collective / NBA Trade Frenzy: Zach LaVine’s Future, Pelicans’ Dilemmas, and Celtics’ Struggles!

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NBA Trade Frenzy: Zach LaVine’s Future, Pelicans’ Dilemmas, and Celtics’ Struggles! · Front Runner Podcast Collective

• It's Monday, you know what time it is? Front runner podcast. Collective is back on the air. I am your humble holes, Vince. And on today's podcast, we will be going around. The arc with the Atlantic division. We will also do some baseline bugs. We will be catching up. On all of the trade. Storylines narratives disgruntled stars. And you endo from social media, just all kinds of stuff is out there. So we will be hitting all of that. And also we will be talking about. Some other things that are online when it comes to this game. Basketball, but before we get to that, We changed up the format. We've been trying to get into the podcast a little bit more and we're going to do so by getting you into the front running thoughts of the day. First and foremost personal thought. Zach Levine. And his potential exit from the Chicago bulls. We've been talking about it for a year and a half now. And this soap opera continues to take twists and turns. And one of the twists and turns that it has taken this year. Is what our guy. Zach Levine has put up because he is at eight. Nice little year this year. And according to our guy. At C H S N Casey Johnson. He said everything I'm hearing around the league remains that the bulls are going to be sellers at the deadline. League inside your site. Chicago's desire to avoid being stuck in the middle as a catalyst for potential moving Levine and maybe even Nicola And rich now I will say Sovich personally, from what I'm hearing. Is that he will probably be the first to go. His contract is easier, more valuable to get around. And you're going to probably see him go first, but. Our tourist condition is the exact in Chicago. Is really. Burning out the phones right now, trying to be very imagined too, when it comes to Zach Levine. They have a want. To rid themselves. Of Zach Levine now. It's still going to be difficult. It still might come down to the deadline. When it comes to Zach Levine. But I think all parties are ready to go ahead and get something done. Now last year. They weren't ready. And then when Zack got a. Like word that he might be getting traded to Detroit. My mail was like, I will opposite surgery. I'm going to offer surgery. Y'all remember what Detroit was like last year. It was one of those deals now. This is the opportune time to go ahead and trade Levine. And this is the reason why. Levine has hovered around 38%, three point. Shooting for the season. Combined accordingly. To the NBA advanced debts, his true fooding percentage. This year continues to trend above 60%. That's a leap. And especially for somebody who takes a lot of jump shots. Placing him among the upper echelon of efficient volume scores. The bulls offensive. Is significantly Is more efficient with Levine on the court. It is a plus 4.5 per 100 possessions. When Levine is on the court. And there are underscoring. His impact on the offense. Now. Where is he going? That's where why he wants to know right. Where is that living going well? We've heard. A lot of things out there. We heard Denver. We've heard. Golden state we've heard. Other things now. The couple of teams that I want to throw out there. As potential suitors for you. Is the Detroit pistons. Yes. You heard it here first. And also, I'll also like to throw the Sacramento Kings. And the Orlando magic. In this mix. And let me give you my reasons why. Now the Detroit thing is more of a, Hey. This is just upgrading talent. This gives us a viable veteran going forward. If we want to rid ourselves of to bias areas and things of that nature. So that's a, whatever. But the Sacramento. And the Orlando thing to me are real. And I'll give you this reason why. One. Sacramento. Could you use. A score like Zach Levine, you say, Hey, they have DeMar DeRozen how is that going to work? You gone have to get rid of DeMar. DeRozen. Now is he going back to Chicago? No. He will not be going back to Chicago. But a Levine you're basically upgrading your talent. He's around the same age as Darren Fox. As far as this concern, I think there's a couple of years of different what they're in the same time trajectory as far as what you want to do as far as team building is concerned. Then the other thing. Is that. Orlando. To me is the better fit. Orlando taking Zach Levine. Pure fit here. 'cause you're talking well, somebody who can shoot the three. He can spout up and shoot. He can handle the wall. He'll bring you a little more diversity to the offense. If you're worried about Anthony Black picking up the he shooting as far as that's concerned now, you don't have to worry about that as much. Cause that Levine will knock down shots. And the gravity that Paulo and France gives. Gets when they're playing in the game. He's going to have open shots. Because. Make no mistake about it. This still is going to be Franz and Paulo when Carol's team. And then Zach is going to come in and be a complimentary piece to those two. Now. Is it a huge leap? For Orlando? Yes. Is it a huge investment? For a team that is starting to make its upward trajectory. Yes, 100%. Sometimes there are market inefficiencies that you need to take advantage of. And maybe this is one day. Can. I think all of these along shots, I still think that. At the end of the day, Levine will probably, I think Sacramento is probably a better option. More than anything. Now I'll tell you a dark horse. Now you really want to get creative. You're going to definitely have to get a third team involved in this. But a team that is screaming for lettuces. Upgrade. Is the Milwaukee bucks. Now the Milwaukee bucks somehow can find a way to be a dance partner with the Chicago bulls, understanding what. Chicago is trying to do in this deal. And what Milwaukee is trying to do. If they can get a third team involved. This might be a way. For the bucks. To do a major upgrade near talent. And then this would give them a chance to really say, Hey. Okay. Cleveland. Okay. New York. Okay. Boston . We're here to play with you. At this point. So those are names that you, those are the teams that you want to look out for. Now the next thing we need to get into. With this is the new Orleans pelicans, and we've talked about them. But it's his decision time in new Orleans. And. Now ESPN is Tim McMahon. And Bobby Marks are reporting. That identifying potential trades for granting Ingram. Was once a key priority for pelicans management. Stephen A. Smith makes a bold claim that Zion doesn't want to be in new Orleans. His only few, the speculation. Of a broader breakup now. We talked about things crumbling in new Orleans for a while. Xeljanz. Act with the, for the team, let's call it. That has reared its ugly head. And we talked about the disciplinary action. That the new Orleans pelicans took ENR pods last week. So please go back and refer to the archive pods. And actually there's a really good place where you can go get those at. You can go to our website. Which is. F RPC dot podcast, page.io. In the blog. In the blog section, there is a beautiful NBA draft prospect evaluations for like 45 guys. And then also. That is where you get us. But the archive pods are there as well. And we talked in great length. About Sylvan things have gone on with Xian and what the team. Inevitably has been saying. And the sentiments behind it. And yeah this divorce is. Is imminent. Now is it imminent to the point where we're going to go ahead and have this done by February six? I think that Xi'an still. We'll be a Pelican come February seven. Now the biggest question is will Brandon Ingram. Be a new Orleans pelicans. And that is a question that we need to go ahead and focus ourself on. Now being that Zion is obviously the elephant in the room and. I know people are going to say, oh, you're making a fat joke. No, not. It's just it's. Cliche at this point. With him clay and 50% of his, of the games, they just haven't been able to get a grasp of what this team would be and what they would need around him to make that team. A really viable. Playoff contender. So now that you have to go ahead and strip it down, what are you going to do? After a disappointing start to the 24 20 25 season. Bring them and Brandon Ingram has gotten off to a hot start. His effective field goal percentage is 59%. This is great because we need him. If you're a pelicans fan. You need him to be playing well, which he is doing. And the thing the still that holds it back is. Ingram is still looking for a new contract. He still believes that he is a max extension type of guy. The, one of the things that we talked about in the summertime is that there were Hesitancy you'd coming from other franchises when it came to Brandon Ingram. And wondering if you could pay him as one of your max salary slots. And be a really absolute contender. With Brandon Ingram. Now. With his played me a little bit better. Does this soften the stance of people? I don't know. I still think that Brandon Ingram. On a really good team. There's probably a number three option. Not because I'm throwing shade. It's just because of his skillset. He has still. He still doesn't take as many threes is I think. The modern NBA coach would want. And his defense is still not as good as what you would need it to be. Now some possible destinations for Brandon Ingram. Now we've heard a lot about maybe. Sacramento hot. Target right there, there have been rumors of maybe. Some golden state. He doesn't fit golden state whatsoever. He doesn't fit their style play. So I don't see. Where that plays now. Cleveland. Does Cleveland have enough? To get them. I think at this point, because of where the new Orleans pelicans are. Being a team that is. Destined. For top five, a lottery pick status. You can probably get Ingrid for a little bit less than maybe you would have been able to get them last year. The other thing with this is that who are the other teams, the teams and miss out on cam Johnson, do you pivot? And you moved to Brandon Ingram as a secondary situation. Now you can look at this two ways. Because Randy Inger makes significantly more money than Cameron Johnson. Obviously the more coveted player. Is cam Johnson. But if you were saying, Hey, Whose upside is more. Who has the potential to be put in the right situation? Given the set of rules of the defense. Hey, we're not asking you to be a superstar. We're just asking you to be. Mid, can you be marginal? Can you be a plausible defender on the court? And Brandon Ingram with his body profile. His long limbs. He should be able to provide at least that. He has a done it since he's been in new Orleans, but maybe change the scenery will allow him to do now, with all of these. Things out there. What's my gut telling me. The dam will break and Levine will be traded. Now, do I have an idea who the best suitor is for him? No, I don't. I do not, but I do believe that. Now that the motivation and they feel like they have crossed the Rubicon, so to speak. I think we're at a point where ownership to Ryan stores are more comfortable. With what they have on the team potentially right now. And also later on in the future with the drought and things of that nature, I think they're ready to move on from Zack Levine. There were a six. Before February six, I think that might be gone. Now as I on, I think this is off season move. Most definitely. And the other thing is still trying to figure out what Zion is. Trade value. Actually is. An executive, an east executive said to Tim McMahon. And by March that the potential destinations like a reunion with the Hornets. In his home state. What's in the NBA, Twitter into complete frenzy. And inject an instant star power into a franchise that desperately needs it. If you're. Our tour's condition is what your play with Zach Levine. Because, yes, he's had this little stretch where he's from me. Listen, it's a half a season. But does that wash away? Everything else? Does it wash away? Is a malleable to being a third star. These all things that I think the team who is going to get him is going to have to be able to speak to him beforehand. So before he's even traded, I think we're going to have a better idea. Who's going to get them. Because I think they're going to have a 24 hour window to negotiate with them. Now let's get to our baseline bus because I have some stuff that I want to talk about. And the reason why we are here. And the reason why we are going to talk about. Cougar flag is because that's just damn good content. Who doesn't want to tell? Cooper flag. Nobody. A lot of this stuff is coming from. Our guy, John Hollander. And then I took it with the scout and a court I've already done with him. Cooper flag is. Putting up numbers. At duke and he's getting more comfortable. You're starting to see the. Expansion of the offensive game. You're starting to see some shock creation. From him. To his teammates. It was never a situation where he was a ball hog. It was just more of. Being able to recognize it on, in a timely fashion. And now you're starting to see that. And I think some of this. In the early season was. Let's get used to our teammates. This is the first year at duke. A lot of the guys, there are first year players. Couple, you know, guys that can. Went around the program. For three or four years, but for the most part, the guys who are playing like crunch or minutes, Are going to be freshmen. Maybe a sophomore here or there. But. It is going to predominantly be. The first year guy. So Cougar flag has really had some. Really great games. He had their 42. Breakout performance. In game 16 against the fighting Irish and Notre Dame, who also took it on the chin tonight. In the national championship game against Ohio state. But they have nothing to be ashamed of. That was a. That was incredible. National championship game. Now the other thing that John Hollander did, there was a chart. And I looked at this chart and I go, it's oh, okay. So they compared. Cooper flag to other paths. Number one, overall pigs. At the age that he's at. And where they were in their development. Tears. And what have you. It said that his, who said that Zion's trajectory. He was a high impact freshmen with standout performances against army wait for his Syracuse. However, even Zion. Pete game scores, fall short of flags, Notre Dame explosion. Now Ben Simmons purple line display consistency in early season excellence, highlighted by Stiller games against north Florida. And Vanderbilt. Other topics like K Deandre Ayton Karl-Anthony towns, Markel folds, Paulo, gang Carroll. Now. When you look at the chart you saw. Just a huge difference in just all the advanced and low numbers and things of that nature. And I don't want to bore you with all that, but. Here's what I'm seeing with him. He has a confidence and a. How can I put this? There's an air of confidence because he's prepared for what he's doing. If that makes any sense. He. Plays with a. Not a reckless abandon. He plays with a, just an inquisition. He plays with intentionality. He is always trying to strip the ball. He's the type of guy that Tries to get into the crane and then look for an open man. Quick decisions, getting off the ball quickly, making a decisive cuts. When he goes to the basket, he goes to the basket. There's not a lot of dancing with him. Which will catch a lot of people off guard. Does he have some wiggle to his game? Yes, he does. He has some wiggle to his game. The other thing that he has to his game. Is that he's an explosive athlete. He reminds me a little bit of Maybe blake Griffin tight. A little bit. That's what I've been really noticing about. Cooper flag. I just been noticing that the games. He's impacting them on both sides of the court. He is making teens feel him on that defensive side. He is taken. Many. Of our top collegians. That would be one we showcase, oh no, you don't. Nah, you're not going to get showcased when you're up against Cougar black, not going to happen. So he's. He's everything that we want him to be. He is a definitely consensus number one, overall pig. I don't think anybody's really given him a challenge this year. I think. ACE Bailey got off to a really. Huge start. And there were maybe some whispers that eventually. ACE Bailey could be. Even a better prospect and Cougar flag. There's a lot of certainty when it comes to Cougar flag, for sure. Now. We go talk about some Bruce Brown and why is Bruce Brown? In the baseline bus. You asked that question. Ladies and gentlemen. The reason why we're talking about Bruce Brown is because this is the type of name that you're going to see all over the trade deadline. Now cam Johnson is still the Belle of the ball. We'll talk about him a little bit later, cause he's going to come up on our, around the arc segment. And when we talk about Brooklyn, but. He's come back off a knee injury. He's working him his self back into shape. So the numbers are modest. But this is what we're looking at right now. According to recent reports. Toronto Raptors are very motivated to move. Bruce Brown Jr. Before the trade deadline. Brown is on a $23 million expiring contract. And it hasn't Reproduce the success that he had in Denver? Obviously. Because he was playing with the inferior talent. And he was playing with the greatest. Center of the modern era right now. Nikola Jokic Nikola. Jokic. This bad boy. Let's just call it what it is. And he made Bruce Brown, a lot of money in that 2023 championship season. Now the numbers. Look like this. 7.2 points, a game 3.4, rebounds a game in 18 minutes. He did this the first 31 games with the knee injury that we talked about. Toronto is eager to get off of him because he is an expiring contract. So they could just lose him and he could walk at the end of the year, which he would. Also the Raptors are in Tanka Palooza. They are in hot pursuit. Cooper flag. We can have Cougar flag going to Canada. Can we. No Shay to our people in the six. And we'll get to you later. Trust me. Bruce Brown. Is really just doesn't even fit the time table that you're on. So reading yourself, other contract. Also when X wiring. We're in contract. You're doing something good for your team and you're picking them assets along the way. Now. Was it. Really. Bad situation with him being alpha 31 games. Yes, because you're not going to get as much for Bruce Brown. As you might've thought a year ago. That's why I actually, I think. I remember when man a manual quickly came over in the trade and I was like, Bruce Brown is definitely getting traded at the trade deadline. I was so shocked. That he did not get traded at the trade deadline last year. And then we went off into the off season and then he also didn't get traded. Then I was like, okay Maybe they just want a steady hand around the young players and his energy is just good. For the young players. I just think they, they make botch this one too. My estimations of the compensation that the Toronto Raptors got back for. Oh, Jan lb was light. And it was a year too late. And now again, It's going to be a year too late. And also coming off of what we seen the price tags. So far in the trade deadline. You're seeing second rounders and this guy's coming off a knee. So somebody is getting a guy who definitely will bring. Good value to the team. Here's what you're getting with groups ground. We talked while. Let's talk about the good. You're getting defensive versatility. Because he's six foot three, you think? Oh Tiny guy. He defends up. He can defend. One through four. Because he had long arms. And he's, he has the ability and the want to do all the dirty work. Now here's the other added bonus that you get with Bruce Brown. You get secondary play-making. He showed flashes in Denver and he could help. Any team who is looking for just a veteran. Hand, who will we steady? Make the right pass. See the Oakland man. Hit the open man and keep it moving. The other thing that you get with him. Is that you get the inverted pick and roll. Now. If you're not up on that or whatever. I understand. But basically inverted pick and roll. Usually you see the big set, the pick, so then the guard can go around and now he's got the switch. Where, if you're playing a switch, switching defense, the biggest now on the guard. And usually that's a disadvantage to the big, because the guard is too quick. And he used to agile to get around. Or stick with the guard, now. But. Bruce Brown has made a living. setting picks. And roll into the rim. And obviously senators aren't sticking with him. It's too quick. Also, he is a baseline. He's a baseline point merchant. And what I mean by that is that you stick them in the duck as spot. And he basically acts as a power forward. Now. He will crash the boards. So your secondary opportunities will be. More robust with Groo's ground in your life. The other thing is that he has a really good knack. Of people losing him and quickly making a move to go towards around. He gets hit with a pass and it's a dunk or lay up easy. So group brown, you can a high IQ player. He knows how to play the game. And he also knows how to star. In the role that you give him. So if you give him 20 minutes is going to be pretty good, productive 20 minutes, usually. When motivated, obviously. What will it cost to get them? We were speaking on that before. Since brown is on an expiring contract that. The price has to be likely. Has we less likely. There's going to be a first round pick. I think the Raptors are motivated to get off the contract to move the money. Because there, there are really expensive roster. And we'll talk about that. When we talk about them in around the arch. The other thing is this, is it. Coming off the 31 games, missing the games, the knee injury. These are things that are going to bring his value down. We saw what Dorian Finney Smith went for. I think that Bruce Brown is similar value. Similar. Asset garnering situation. So if you can get two to three second round pigs for Bruce Brown, I think you're doing. As good as you possibly can. You might not even get three. I think it's more light too, because people are going to be real iffy on the knee. Now a rounded advance Annaliese dipped in 20 23, 20 24. What he was in Indiana. And then. Eventually in Toronto. There was a on-off lingo. Positive 3.2 last season. It went to 1.8. Now, this is because the team that he was on was terrible. It was on Toronto. Now his shoe, true shooting percentage went down from 57% to 50%. This could have something to do with the injury or this could have to do with Bruce Brown, starting to slow down. I think. If he is in on a contender, I think we get the best of Bruce Brown. I think the number will go up. I'm not saying that you're getting a guy who slacking right now. I just think that he's on the team. They can't really. Phil case him to their best abilities at this point, there's just young. Around him. And young. What opportunities. Grady dicks of the world wa opportunities. Manual quickly is trying to earn his contract. You got Scottie Barnes who needs the wall? RJ Barrett. Canadian Canada's favorite son. He's there. So there are a lot of miles to feed. So I can see where bruise ground gets lost in the mix. But I think if you plucked Bruce Brown out of Toronto and you stuck him on any contender, if he was on Denver, if he was on well, Denver, we saw what that was like championship. What are you? He was on Cleveland. Low key. Orlando, if you want like a low. Risk. Option where you don't have ties to them next year. And I'm saying. So my guy, John was still down there. Got your eyes. You got your ears open. There you go. Bruce Brown. I'll help you guys out. Look at this. Maybe I should just be a jail. I don't know. I need to think about this. Now. Couple of things. Defensive box plus minus do. To the limited mobility and in this time, Early in the season, these numbers aluminate well, Containers might be see him as a BI-LO candidate. If he regains the form, he could be a huge pole season asset. That's the thing. The time you get them. And you start getting into the middle of February. This is probably about the time he's going round in the shake and you're starting to see the Bruce Brown and he'll start to bear the fruit. That you will need to. Do well in the playoffs. Because that guy can guard. That's what we do know. And if you stick them in the corner and say, Hey, listen, we need you to knock down this three point shot. Or if you are crashed out aggressively on. Go ahead and take it to the hope and go ahead and make something happen. Bruce Brown can do that. And he could do it. With the high efficiency level. And I think that somebody is going to. Take dabble on gross ground and they're probably going to benefit. Very highly. He could be that guy. We saw PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford go last year. And they ended up being basically the. The two missing pieces. To a Dallas run. To the finals. It could be a guy like Bruce Brown who makes all the difference in the world. If he goes to the writing. And he plays a ride them. A lot minimum minutes, anywhere between 20 to 24. So you don't overexpose him. Also then he can just. He can blow out his energy. In the time that he's on the court, it's listen, You're going to get six minutes squirts, go out there and raise hell for six minutes. I think you're going to see the best of Bruce ground. When he gets traded. Hold the Lakers. Do something well that. Tick, Rob. Tick. Now we are going to move to our favorite segment on this podcast around the arc is the Atlantic division. Let's go ahead and get into it. We got a lot of stuff to get into the Boston Celtics are really. Okay. The Celtics, the defending champions. The team. That looked unbeatable last year. I've fallen on hard times. There are eight and eight. And their last 16 games. For a team that was expected to be dominant. I really believe that coming off the championship. No, how young this team was knowing that you were getting, you were still in the early prime years of Tatum and brown. And the continuity that was coming back. And the experience that was coming back. I just thought that. They would feel more emboldened to go out and just be like, let's just prove to everybody where great. Unfortunately. For this team. The slump that they will have gone into. I don't know if he raises legitimate concerns or anything like that, but. They're in a rut. Is it a sign of deeper issues? Probably not personally. We can get into all like the Ooh. Is this going to be the thing that holds them back? No. You've still got Jayson Tatum. He's an all NBA tiger forward. Still putting up strong numbers this season. He's averaging 27.5 points, a game 9.2, rebounds a game 4.4 SIS game. Now his true shooting percentage has dropped. It's gone from 60.4% last year. 2 57 0.2% this year. Now. He had a game against Atlanta where Tatum had multiple chances to seal the game. What miss free throws Lee and regulation. And brick Opal potential game winner. And struggled from deep shooting. Just three of 11. From beyond the arc. That we point style that drive and cake style that They play. Your long distance shooting is not going to always hover around 45%. Just not going to S. Not gonna happen. So you have ebbs and flows in the season. It's a long season, 82 games. This team. Even though Jayson Tatum didn't play a lot in the Olympics, he did go to the Olympics. We're going along. Long off season for them. And they played late into June last year. A little. Little struggle here and near, I'm not going to worry about. The Boston Celtics. Now you're saying. We're going to be missing people. And. Christophe. Zynga is not going to be available to us in the postseason. Then I would ring the alarm bells. Post haste. But these guys look good. The injuries are starting to set aside. Everybody's starting to get healthy. And they're starting to look old and I just think this is they're a little bored. Jaylen brown. Has seen his efficiency take a hit. His effective field goal percentage, his drive home 55.1% to 50.8% this year. Now. Everybody wants to talk about the late game struggles. I just think they need to go to the hole more. I think they have two other most athletic. And also Physically gifted. Forwards who have one has a pretty good handle. The one, the other Jalen brown. If he's a two, three dribble guy. And makes a decisive move to the rim. There's nothing a defender can do. I think if they make a assertive effort to get into the paint. And look to score. I think that would open up the three point shots and you wouldn't have people just flying out to the corners. As they do right now because their peers is waiting for the kick out to the three. Because they don't think you're going to take the layup. You asked are proven wrong that you will take. The paint points. And I think if they get a little more balanced with the pain points, And then three point shooting will start to come along. Like I said, it's a long season. It's a little bit of a malaise, but here's some numbers though. Here's the numbers that will tell you that they are in a slump. The Celtics offense. Has been uncared to w w. Uncharacteristically erratic. There is a rating over the past 16 games is only 112.2. Now remember last year. It was 118.4. That is a significant drop. Now, looking at those numbers, he does look a little alarming when you look at it that way, I still believe in this team, but. You can tell that they are not taking things as seriously as they probably need to be taken to them. And then a. Lay gain execution is another issue. And where could that be a problem? Let's look at the numbers a little bit. Boston has faltered repeatedly in CrunchTime over the stretch. Their clutch net rating is a dismal negative 5.6. I can pair two plus 8.7 last season. Mental lapses like tech Tatum's technical, foul. After missing layup and holidays, turnover are indicated of a team that's struggling to find its rhythm under pressure. I lived in Boston for about 15 years. And I'm sure right now. Talk radio right now is a blaze in Boston. I am 100% sure that Michael Belger is also flaming. Does this fanning the Plains talking about this team? Is doomed. And there. Underperforming and they should trade a bunch of dudes. 'cause that's what my guy, Mike, folded up. Mike fell. Alga does, but Mike Felger is a great. Radio guy in Boston. I love listening to him when I was there and the fans are passionate and I can tell you. That. If you live in the city and I know a lot of the guys do. They feel that. They feel that a lot, it's like living in Philadelphia in your affiliate, in your Philadelphia Philly. Or your Eagle? They say it's the same thing with the 76 is I don't know if his, as much as it is with the Phillies and the. The Philadelphia Eagles. I think there's a little more. Scrutiny when it comes to those two franchises in that city. But when it comes to Boston, And they want a championship and. Austin fans are really smart. They look at the team, they go, this is a young team. We're in our prime. Our superstars are in their prime. We should be really great for awhile. The hypothesis is a sound high. Bothers is right. Problem is. We deal with human beings. Sometimes. It's hard to keep your foot on the gas, the whole downtime. And yeah, they might be looking at some of these games and probably yawning and thinking. Thinking this is a snooze. Best in whatever and not taking the team seriously. What you do notice as soon as they feel they're playing 18. Of their caliber or just right beneath their caliber. Their ears perk up. And you get their attention. So I am not a person who is quick to hit the panic button, even though I was super hard on Jayson Tatum last year. When he was bumping his gums. About the mob mentality. And I was like, bro, stop doing that. Stop doing that. You hurting yourself doing that because you ain't close to Kobe. When you got Jaylen brown out here winning Eastern conference finals, MVPs, and NBA. Finals and VPs. That's not cool. That's not very Kobe Bryant. Okay. But this year, I'm going to give my man some slack. This year. I'm going to give them some grace because. He did have a long season. He did play in the Olympics. He was salty while not playing a lot in the Olympics. There was a lot going on. Now Joe Missoula approach of adversity. I was going to unconventional. He said, this is the fun part. Missoula said after the Hawks law, he said, There is no fear. I'm actually more excited at this juncture. Of the season than I was at the beginning. While his optimism might calm down. Bosses. for 2025 season feels more chaotic. Then their championship campaign. The absence of Marcus, the. The app since oh, Christoph Porzingis and the health management situation. Here's the thing. You knew you were going to lose. Yeah, Porzingis for about 20 games every season. Anyway. Is surprised that doing business with somebody who was seven foot four. And is able to move on the perimeter like he does. Just cost of doing business. I think the people of Boston. They don't want to hear it from a Sage like Aaron Rogers. What I think you guys need to relax. Just chill out. What's your diagnosis. Mine is that you guys. She's chill. But I want to hear from you. So hit us up on Twitter. At front runner, PC. Or hit our producer up. At Raya. Underscore Funche. F RPC. Get on the Twitter. Get on with the comments. Engage with us. So we'll engage back with you. Most definitely. Now, Liz we'll move on to the next. And this is something that I've been wanting to talk about for a second. The Knicks. Are doing really well. We were playing well this year. Some of the early season issues have, seem to dissipate. Our guy McKell bridges is playing better. The shooting has come along. The hitch has gone. Hallelujah. But McKell bridges early in the season. It was looking real tough. And now this team is. In the third position in the Eastern conference, they playing well. Carl Anthony towns, obviously it's getting, playing like a absolute G. And Jalen Brunson is still just doing real Jalen Brunson type things. And what I mean by that. Is Janet Brunson had himself a little game tonight. Let's check up on Jalen and see what he did, it was incredible. They played at Atlanta. And of course they bust Atlanta's ass. Eh, Jalen Brunson had 34 points. 34 points where Jalen Brunson. So obviously fantastic. So what's the problem. Why am I so geeked out about talking about the New York Knicks? Y'all saying blue and orange skies forever. Though you'll Tim's put your Tims on the table. What's up. Here's what my problem with the next. The same problem I had was at the start of the season. Where the hell is Mitchell Robinson. And when the hell is he getting back? Listen. Karl-Anthony towns can shoot the ball from outside. No doubt. Call Anthony towels can punish little people when they switch onto him. He takes them down to the post. And says. I'm about to do unspeakable things to you. Putting out 30. On a consistent level. But. We are not going to sit here. And try to tell you that. Carr Anthony towns is some sort of defensive Maven. That was supposed to be the job of Mitchell Robinson. Yes, he has been hurt. I'm not asking him to come all the operating table. On to the basketball court. Allah Willis Reed. No. What I'm asking for. Is. The timetable. Was January. We are now. Getting towards the end of January. Oh, where, oh, where has Mitchell Robinson gone? Oh aware. Oh aware. Could Mitchell Robinson be. He ain't on the court. I know that. There is no doubt that. Waiting on Mitchell Robinson. Last season 2023. Rogerson posted top 15 defensive rating among NBA sinners playing at least 20 minutes per game. He also ranked. Top five in block shots. Block shop percentages per cleaning the glass. And was among the leaders. In opponents field, goal percentage allowed at the rim. This season. Obviously, they, he hasn't logged a minute. Because of foot surgery. Now is he going to be the same rim deterrent? He was. Post-injury. How long is it gonna take for him to get round up? And again, I asked the question. When's he coming back. Because we still haven't heard that. Here's the thing. It's a risk reward situation. If fully healthy. If big F. You know what we say? Ifs, but we'll get to that in second. Ron Watson anchors the defense, particularly in lineups where Karl-Anthony towns moves to the power for the four position. However the Knicks have learned. The hard way that counting on. An often injured big man. Can derail the dope. Of the team. Now. I have been a great proponent of making a tray, not waiting. I said, Hey, let's go ahead and nip this in the bud. Now, listen, I understand that. Mitchell Robinson can be one of these, like all world. Different from makers on the defensive side of the ball. But if he can't be available to you, what good is all that potential? It's all theoretical. What do you do? Do you continue to wait? Or do you try to go out and. Get a headstart Allah, like you did in the OGN Novi situation last year, when you got OJI. Before Christmas, so obviously we're past that we're getting real close to the trade deadline are the Nick's going to be aggressive when it comes to the big market. Is there. Potential answer, not on the roster yet. That's the question that I'm asking the New York knick fans. So hit me up on Twitter at front runner PC. Hit my producer up Ceria at Raya. Underscore Fage F RPC. We also have blue sky. Blue sky for me is the exact same. At front runner, PC. And then it's dot B sky docile shul. Bus a rare. She the star. So she sat there and went like this. No, not player. It is F RPC. Hyphen Raya. Dot B sky docile. So you got those. Knicks fans. Do you want to see a trade? Do you want to be in the Yonas Valentine? Bennet business. Hypothetical offer. Mitchell Robinson 2 22, 20 26. A second round picks. For Valin Tunis, who says no. Does he fit the NIC style? He's a rough, rugged rebounder. Who's a drop big. So he's not going to be out there switching and stuff like that. He's not going to be very Like flamboyant with the Ram protection. You know what I'm saying? It's not going to be these like crazy blocks where he's on sports center all the time, but what he's going to do. He's going to log minutes. He going to get rebounds and you're going to get people foul trouble. That is what Yonas valid tunas does. How well, Isaiah Stewart. Beef stew. Nick fence. I know you. I know you would love. Isaiah Stewart. On your team. Let's think about this for a second. And you go. Vince, what would be the trade? Stuart. And 36% from three. Last year. He does the shoot at a high volume, but still. I think that Stuart young. 23. That energy could be useful off the bench. Sometimes you just need that. And sometimes you just need that edge. And with Julie's Randall gone. And I know Nick fans are not missing him. And you shouldn't. Because of Minnesota fans want him gone to. Trust me. I've heard it, which is crazy, but I think that. Isaiah Stewart green, 23 years of age. Giving them some edge and give them some juice off the bench and given them just a a physicality and a toughness. That I think they do lack at this present time. Is he the rim protector that Mitchell Robinson is no. You're not getting that back in return. Is very hard to get bag. What you're giving up. You just have to do different. He's going to provide a physical presence. He's going to use his fouls. He's going to get a ton of rebounds. And he's going to play some, he's going to play on the defensive end. Like his hair is on fire. And if you try him, You might have to get into a fight. Cause Isaiah Stewart don't play. He does not play. Here's my last thought on this. If Mitchell Robinson's timeline remains murky, the Knicks must weigh. The potential upside of his shot blocking versus the certainty of someone. Liko balance Yunus or Isaiah Stewart. They can't afford to go into another class. Handing off his health. Like you gotta have some certainty or Mitchell Robinson. Like he, you have to have some sort of drop dead date late. Listen, we going to see you. Bye. January 25th, that gives us three or four games to assess where we are with you. Are you the same guy that left? If you are great. Let's keep this moving. If you're not. Do we got to go? We need to we push all our chips into the middle of the table. We got call Anthony towns. And we don't want the fans to turn on him. So we need a big deck and help us defend the rim. Real quick note on Josh Hart. Has anybody been checking out what this dude has been doing with the New York next, real quick, before we get off onto another tangent. He's on case to enjoy. To join the exclusive club. That's occupied by Joel Embiid. Nikola Jokic. And Larry Bird. What he's doing it at six foot four. These are draw DS, a jaw dropping and stashed up. My man is putting up. Josh Hart is averaging 14.2 points a game that's not the incredible part. He's averaging nine. Point six, rebounds a game. And 5.7 assists. And 1.5 steals a game. He shooting 56% from the field and he shooting 36 point almost 37% from three point land. No player under six foot eight. Has ever posted at least 14 points, nine boards and five assists in one still while shooting. Above 50%. From the field and 35% from three. Only Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic and the great Larry Bird. Are the only three players to ever. Do this feat. And our guy, Josh Hart. For the New York Knicks is getting it done. Also former. Baby Laker said, I got love. But Josh Hart. Do y'all dang, big dog. Do your thigh. Here's what's going on with them. All right. Joel Embiid, obviously we talked while the last pot. He has knee swelling. He is going to be out for seven, 10 days. Tim Bontemps of ESPN reported. He's definitely missing the next three games. So there's no chance of that. There's no chance of him playing. And this team is continually continuing to struggle. Philadelphia 76 offense. Was it worth it? Was it worth that push. To make. The playoffs last year. 'cause I'm gonna tell you right now, it's looking pretty shitty now. And again, I definitely understand that you're not that far away from the bulls. The bowls might be the only team in the heat. Might be the only teams that you can surpass and get into that plan situation. But if you think for one second, That there's some magical run that the Philadelphia 76 is, are about to go on. Where they end up getting like the five seed. And like they're legitimately in the playoffs and not in the plan. Tell me where the consistency is going to show up. Because we're still waiting. For Paul, George. Now I will give him that he is at age 34. And I will also give him that. He has had two hyper extended knees and it was the same knee twice. So that's clearly hampered his production. But I think the 76 ERs were looking for a little bit more. From Paul, George. Last season Paul jars, his true shooting. He had true shooting percentage. Was commendable. It was 59%. While this year is drought to 54%. That's. Dumb. Because this is a dude who six foot nine, who could, who has a dribble package. Usually I can get to a mid range shot and knock it down or get to the realm. And it has a pretty. Decent layout package. And to see him struggle like this. Two things. One, I don't think you physically, I don't think he's physically been right all year. But the pressure of him being, having to play because Joel Embiid. Is still hurt. This is where we are. We ranked on a 34 year old. What could go wrong? We ranked on a 34 year old. And Joelle and be wit. Bal wheels. What could go wrong? Philadelphia, big three, Joel Embiid, Paul, George, and Tyrese Maxey. They've only logged 10 games together. And right now they are sitting. 15 and 26. Let's also talk about. The cell plot that's going on with the Philadelphia 76. What are we doing? Because he oh, it was one thing. This is from Marcus Kelly. Philly crowd actually booed the injury port when. It flashed on the jumbo Tron? No MBA, no maxi. And a hobbling Paul George. So the 76 fans, when they put the, the. Eligible and the problem will, and the doubtful on the big screen. They booed the injury report. They are sick. Of this. And here's the best part. You got. What to, you might have three more weeks. Of cover. In the city of Philadelphia. Because the Eagles did beat the Rams. In the playoffs, congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles. Also congratulates it to the Los Angeles Rams as well. It was the best game of the weekend. One, no doubt. Until that classic we saw last night. Between super Superman, Josh Allen. And the flash Lamar Jackson. That thing was Eckrich last night. When the Philadelphia Eagles either win the Superbowl or not. When the SU whoa. The 76 is, are going to hell. To pay in their own city. Because. This is not cutting it. And low management and Joel Embiid saying I'm not playing back to backs. Any more. Now, given way too much to this city. Bro. You ain't seen nothing yet. My man. You have not seen anything at all. These people are going to be able to focus on you soon enough. Football is coming to an end. And what do the 76 is due then? We need to get to the Toronto Raptors. We talked about them a little bit earlier. But welcome to the tanking in the six. The Toronto Raptors are playing chess. While the rest of the league is playing checkers. Because they are doing tank job. Oh, no. Pig level and what I mean by beta level. Is look at the contracts that they are dealing with right now. You got a manual quickly. You got Scottie Barnes. Jaco portal. RJ bear making money. Man. This is like the most well-paid tank team. In history. Are you comfortable? Do you need some cucumber with some cilantro and lime in your water? Can I get you a papaya mask? Of any kind. Scotty barns. Are you well rested? Did you feel comfortable? And our spa. Of tanking. Man, it must be nice to live in Toronto. No pressure. I don't have to win. I'm making double digit millions of dollars. This is great. 10 and 32. 10 and 32. Ooh. Okay. So quickly Barry. Pardot, all of them pricey pricing people. What does this kind of money get you? What kind of productivity does this money get you? I'm glad you asked. Offensive rating 110. That is 23rd in the NBA. So we're talking pretty much bottom tier. Defense a rating, 117.2. 26th in the NBA. Their net rating is a negative 7.1. 27th in the NBA. These are all not-great numbers. These are not great. But the worst part about it is that. Scottie Barnes is doing his part. 20.3 points a game. Even though he's been injured. 8.3 rewild. 6.5 assists. And one and a half steals is still just Scottie wise. He's doing yeoman's work. Also a true shooting percentage for Scotty has gone up is 57.2 last year was 55.1. So you see a slight improvement. This is good, especially when you were having such a bad year. Your ability to be able to focus on your crab, your ability to try to continue to continually move the bar. On your greatness. I love to see that, especially in a young player. In Scotty warrants in the position that he's in right now. Cause it's not fallen loser games. But I love them. I love the kid. I just, I love that he still has that kind of tenacity. You do that. I don't really have lot to say a while Scotty Warrens, but it looks like our evaluation on him was right. That's what I do now. RJ Barrett. 22.4 points, Gaye 6.7 re Wells 5.9 SIS. He also has a affective field goal percentage that has gone up slight. He's a 50.9% efficient. Affective field goal percentage now. Up from 49.3 last year. Now. That's the thing, what RJ. Where it is it. As physically talented as he looks, the productivity has just not been there. Just hasn't at all. There we are. And then we talked well quickly and what he got paid and everything like that. Yaga portal. They are. Tanking. Very expensively. And now to our last but not least cam Jocelyn saga continued trade deadline. Watch continues. We need some real dramatic music maybe next week. We got something coming for you. Trust me. As we said earlier, I think in a previous pod cam Johnson is the bell. Of the trade deadline ball. Who doesn't want a six foot eight. Rangy wing. Who. Who's averaging 19.6 points a game. Shooting a career high. 43% from three. His effective field goal percentage is 57.8. Which is up from 55.3. And he is on a shit team. His true shooting percentage this year is 61.2%. Which is. Awesome. And there his on-off rating, the nets are plus plus 5.5 points, a game per 100 perceptions. When he is on the court. He provides. Productivity. He's additive to what you do. He's not a complete SIM on defense, you would think. You will get better, but he is. He's net neutral. But. He gives you the appearance of defense as far as that's concerned. So you have that. Now. Is he going to get traded? That's what everybody has come to find out. And yes, cam Jocelyn will get traded. But I'm gonna tell you right now. Sean Marx understand that you are out here. Pushing for two first round picks. For cam Johnson. So how many people have laughed in your face? And or how many people have just hung up the phone? Because if you're asking for two legitimate first round picks, I'm quietly laughing at you. Probably. In a real disrespectful tone to. I wouldn't hang up on you. I think that root. I think once my laughter stopped. Once I was able to compose myself enough. Then you and I will be able to have a discussion. And you can give me the merits of why you think you deserve two first round picks. For cam Johnson. Because I would love to know. I would love to know why I would have to give up two first round picks for cam Johnson. Now you said at one first round pick. And like a sec. Second first round pick with some protections on it with some contingency plans on it. Sure. But this is not like. The best two way. Player in the league. No. But our guy, Sean Marks the executive other Brooklyn nets. He's driving a hard bargain right now. He wants two first round picks. He's looking at the cam Johnson numbers and going down, we need to strike while the iron is hot. Okay. We need to get all well, we can. Out of this. Now. Cleveland is in on Cameron Johnson. There are a lot of people who are in on camera and Johnson. It will depend on the price tag. And they also then depend on what Brooklyn wants back. I am hearing. They want expiring contracts. WAC. So if you got some mix wirings and maybe you got a. Couple of extra first round picks laying around or whatever. Maybe you can finagle deal where you have one first round pick. Unencumbered. And then the second, first round pig, highly protected. Let it convey into some seconds. And you, they get yourself cam Johnson. But if Shai marks continues to stay on this two legitimate first round picks. I think GAM Johnson will end up staying in Brooklyn net. So we will see how long Sean Marks. Wants to continue. This high stakes poker game. Of Texas Hodel. We'll check it out. I can't wait. I'm going to be here. I have nothing else to do. What I'm saying is watch basketball. And watch this transaction wire. Cause this is all we going to do. The other thing that I would do want to talk about before we get up out of here and everything. Is February 6th. That is the trade deadline day. We have decided to allow all the trays to go through. Then my cell, so Raya, we will get on the phones. We will be talking to people. We will get instant reaction. We will then put a pod together. That is so magnificent. That is all inspiring. It will make you cry. It will make you cry. So join us. For our trade deadline. Extravaganza. That we will hold on February six. After all the dust settles. After we know. Where marginal player B. Goes to semi competitive player or team a. And we'll break it all down for you. It's going to be great. I'm going to love it. this time a year. She's enjoying it. Especially coming off, doing true crimes and stuff like that. She loves basketball. She just says, this is great. This is all great. This is great. All right. With all that being said, Does so much entry going on with this trade deadline. And I will tell you one other thing. We talk a lot about where these people might end up being going. We talk about what possibilities are out there. No, this. Trades or heart in the NBA. Trades have got, gotten significantly more difficult. Due to the new CVA. And how restrictive it is if you're above the first eight brand. And we all know if you're above the second acre and you can't do anything. I think you, I think there's also in the fine print of the second apron in the contract that you probably can't even kiss your significant other for two years. If you're in a second, April. I also think that another thing that's buried in the second eight renderings that you probably can't father children. For five years is a penalty. If you're in the second apron as well. And I also think that if for some reason you are in the second apron, And you were born. With a month that started with the letter M you get exile to Easter island. Now don't quote me on these little things in the CVA. Not 100% positive. I need to lock that down. But the second apron of the CVA is super. Super punitive. Best of luck to those teens in that situation. It is time for us to blow this Popsicle stand. I want to thank so Raya for hanging in there with me. This was a long pod because we had a lot to get to. There's a lot of crazy stuff that we needed to set up. And we did so thank you so Raya for all of what you do on a daily basis for us. The other thing, is this the best part of you? Is you. Make sure that you surround yourself with people. Who are doing nothing but Brighton your light. That they are. Speaking, nothing but positivity and to your world. And hopefully you're able to then return the favor and go out and do some good in this world. And we will see you back on this feed on Friday. Deuce. No Wednesday. Today is Monday. I'm tired. You know what, man, you'll see me. When you see me Wednesday, hump day, I'll lean back. Trust me. Deuce.