WHICH NBA SUPERSTAR WOULD BENEFIT THE MOST FROM THEIR FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP? | S8 EP66

追加: 2026-05-05

[00:00:02]Okay, we back at it.

[00:00:28]Welcome back to It Is What It Is. I'm your host Trista Crick with analyst Mace and Treasure Wilson.

[00:00:36]>> Hey Stat, what's going on?

[00:00:39]>> How are you?

[00:00:40]>> Great. Trisha, how you doing?

[00:00:42]>> I'm good. We're back in the same place.

[00:00:44]>> Yeah, everybody's in the same place.

[00:00:47]>> We get to get some fire takes from Treasure today.

[00:00:51]>> Oh my goodness.

[00:00:53]>> We're on Are we on the slander Detroit Pistons time or we should be not here to slander Detroit.

[00:01:01]>> This should really be interesting. You got the >> Slander Detroit.

[00:01:04]>> The biggest haters of all on the show today.

[00:01:08]>> Oh, you right.

[00:01:11]Who's the biggest haters of all?

[00:01:12]>> Yeah, the biggest haters of all.

[00:01:15]>> Oh man, we got playoff matchups though and we got to talk about them. Let's start with the series that I feel like is really exciting on the East Coast, as you would call it. Uh Hawks versus Knicks. Uh the Knicks are back in the playoffs for the fourth straight year.

[00:01:33]They do draw a very tough playoff matchup in Atlanta instead of the Toronto Raptors, which I think a lot of Knicks fans would prefer. Hawks have won 19 of their last 24 games to start the season. Um, they played each other three times in the regular season. Knicks took two, Atlanta took one, all the road teams won in this one. So, Mace, I'll start with you. Who wins this series?

[00:01:59]How many games? And what do you think that key to the matchup is for the winning team?

[00:02:04]>> Man, I think I think the Knicks win this series. You know, living in New York and living in Atlanta, you know, sometime, you know, >> house divided.

[00:02:14]>> Yeah. No, we're not really divided. I mean, on this, I got to go with the Knicks, you know. Shout out to Sin City and the all of the the um the Nick fans.

[00:02:24]They get to celebrate. I like this for them, you know. know they get some happy times, but don't celebrate too long. You know, you know, you know what's going to eventually happen. It's like Groundhog's Day. We We all know what's about to happen. So, but this should be interesting. This will be the most interesting playoff history of the Knicks. I think if something magical was to happen, this is the year it happened.

[00:02:53]I I could feel it in the air. If if something magical was to happen for New York, this would be the year.

[00:03:00]>> So, in that matchup between New York and Atlanta, what do you think makes New York too tough for the Hawks?

[00:03:08]>> I just think sometime you got you got you got big wings, which you should win the series when you have big wings, but I don't think they're going to be able to find an answer for for Jaylen Brunson. I just don't think, you know, sometime it's either those bigger wings are going to dominate or they're going to be too slow for that type of guard.

[00:03:31]So, it's always one or the other. Every now and then you get a smaller guard that get it done. I.e. Isaiah Thomas, you know what I'm saying? Or Kyrie Irving or Stephen Curry. Hopefully this year, for the Knicks sake, Jaylen Brunson can be added to that list.

[00:03:51]>> Stat So, here's the thing. I'm really excited about this series because I think like Trista said, this is definitely going to be a good one. I know from the games that we've seen, the Knicks do have the edge against the Hawks. And when I give my answer, I am not being a Knicks hater.

[00:04:08]>> Here we go. See what wins is what we're here for.

[00:04:11]>> Let me make that clear. Like, I think >> biggest haters of all.

[00:04:14]>> No, I think that the Knicks are a great team. I think that they're a complete team, but something is telling me, first of all, I think it's going to go all seven games. Okay, I think that this is going to be a close one. Something is telling me to go with the Hawks. Like, I feel like >> this is the team that if it's going to happen, like, you know, it's round one, they might actually be able to have an edge versus the Knicks. Even that last game that they that the Hawks actually lost to, it was a close game. And that's also because we saw a superb performance from Cat. And if that stays consistent, and I'm not trying to be switching here, if that stays consistent from Cat, then I could see the Knicks winning this game. But if it doesn't, this is where I'm kind of leaning a little bit more towards the Hawks. I think that they have a little bit more versatility on offense. And even if it's not this, I'm not going to say this is their year cuz it's definitely not their year this year. But even this round one kind of gives insight into how it's going to go for their next years to come. And I think I'm kind of ready to claim new hotness cuz this is a kind of this is the type of team that kind of creeped up in there. A lot of people didn't have the Hawks on their radar. And ever since they traded Trey Young, I think that they've actually been a better team. And I hate to do that because, you know, we see Ice trade a gang, we like, dang, okay, Trey Young, like this your team.

[00:05:34]However, we've seen recently it's been Jaylen Johnson's team and we're seeing Dyson Daniels and we're seeing like they have a great core, but their issue is also the Knicks advantage. The Knicks have a deeper bench. So, I'm a little back and forth, but I'm just going to say just because >> back and forth.

[00:05:52]>> Yeah, but I'm still going to go with the Hawks. No, because I'm giving you the reasons of why I'm kind of in between both. But I'm going to go with the Hawks and strictly off of just like I said, a little bit more versatility to me just with the the their starting five and then just a little bit younger energy.

[00:06:08]Maybe just like, you know, people have been downing us all year. This is our year. That's kind of where I'm going with this. But it's real hard because also the Knicks should win this. So I'm going with the Hawks, but I think the Knicks should win this. That's going to be my answer. Let me let me ask you a question that since I have you here, right? Oh, >> since you have you here.

[00:06:27]>> Yeah. Since I have you here since I can speak to you directly.

[00:06:31]>> Okay.

[00:06:32]>> Do you just go as as younger people? Do you just go with whoever's young? Even if they're good or not, you just think cuz they're younger, this is who you're going with.

[00:06:42]>> Do you just go with whatever team you think is lit?

[00:06:47]>> We could both answer.

[00:06:49]But the question is yours first. Do you just go with >> No, I don't.

[00:06:54]>> You don't. You don't. I don't go with whoever's lit. I go with whoever has the chemistry and the the winning integrity.

[00:07:02]If they if they have the the fortitude to get it done, I go with that team. The team that showed me the greatest character, that's who I go with.

[00:07:10]>> So, you think the Knicks have the winning integrity?

[00:07:13]>> I think for this level, they do. You know, right? Do you think the Knicks have what it takes to get out of the first round? Yes. So, you go with the Knicks.

[00:07:23]>> Do I think Atlanta have what what they need to get out of the first round? I do, but not as much as the Knicks. I go with the character of the team.

[00:07:32]>> Knicks in how many games? I don't know if you said >> six or five.

[00:07:37]>> So, five is like quick work kind of.

[00:07:40]>> Yeah. Six or five.

[00:07:42]>> I didn't say five or six. I said six. My first answer is six. First answer six.

[00:07:48]>> If you're into the new new hotness, I've got a team for you. They're called the Portland Trailblazers. Best defensive rating in the NBA in the last 15 games.

[00:07:55]You missed that one last night. They're not rolling, but maybe I can get you on the bandwagon there for next year. For me, >> I see what you're saying in terms of listen like Naila Alexander Walker and Jaylen Johnson both top of the odds board in terms of most improved player.

[00:08:14]That's pretty rare, right? Nail Alexander Walker 6'5 Jaylen Johnson big wing and he's been tremendous. You also have Dyson Daniels there one of the best defenders in the league. So I get why and my first instinct before I started digging in was that I thought this was the one series that could be on upset alert. But the the thing for me that gives me a confidence in the Knicks and I think the Knicks win this series in six and and the and the these games. So >> you going with my number?

[00:08:47]>> I'm going Yeah, I had it written I had it written down. Okay, >> it's in the notes >> is really is really the issue with the center position for Atlanta >> because Aneka Kongu is an undersized center. Jacqu Landell is not back for a minute now. He hurt heard himself close to the end of the year and they don't have an answer for Carl Anthony Towns.

[00:09:09]Like you said earlier, like they put a traditional center on Cat the last time out and Cat was 9 for12 from the field, two for four from three. Got to the free throw line, 12 rebounds. I don't think they're going to be able to rebound with the Knicks. You got Mitchell Robinson there. You got Carl Anthony Towns there.

[00:09:26]I think they're going to be able to feast on the boards. And if you can't defend cat and he gets his little zesty swag going on.

[00:09:33]>> Not zesty swag.

[00:09:35]>> Jesus.

[00:09:38]>> That's crazy.

[00:09:39]>> But shout out to Nick though when he zesty swag.

[00:09:42]>> You can't do that.

[00:09:44]>> You can't throw that.

[00:09:45]>> You can't do that.

[00:09:46]>> Just swag is crazy. You have no respect.

[00:09:50]You have no respect for New York. I think it's an East Coast thing. East Coast thing.

[00:09:54]>> I don't have any respect for the East Coast. No, I I mean, you don't have it for New York. You don't have it for Detroit. Do you have it for Chicago?

[00:10:04]>> Oh, I definitely don't have any for Chicago.

[00:10:06]>> Yeah. So, you're working on the East Coast. The Northernies.

[00:10:09]>> The Northern Your Comment though is It's kind of like when you're about to butter somebody up, but you know, you're about to say something that's like the way you went with that. I'm like, damn. Like you said all this about saying cat was this and this, but he got that zesty swag. Like that that [ __ ] it all up.

[00:10:26]>> You know what? You're right. You're right. It's part of >> What happens if you see like um what's her name? Jordan. What's his girlfriend name?

[00:10:35]>> Oh.

[00:10:36]>> Oh. Yeah. Jordan. Yeah.

[00:10:37]>> Jordan Woods.

[00:10:38]>> Yeah. What if you see Jordan? Do you say hi? Like ladies, how do you do that? If you >> I don't know Jordan.

[00:10:43]>> I'm saying if you like you you you you say something crazy about a a man when you see her, do y'all just say hi?

[00:10:50]>> Here's here's the thing I feel like people have to kind of understand when it comes to me. Like I'm really just here for the jokes. Like the basketball is is great and like analyzing the game is really important and I love hoop, but really I'm trying to get some jokes off.

[00:11:07]And so if I saw Jordan, I'm like, you know what like Cat does when he gets really excited in the game and he's playing well and he's feeling himself.

[00:11:14]When Cat feels himself, >> that's crazy.

[00:11:16]>> It's a meme. Pause. Pause. It's a meme.

[00:11:19]And it's You don't want Cat really to be >> What did he say when he was playing Memphis? We in Minnesota now. We in Minnesota now. And like Cat, you know what? You know what I'm talking about.

[00:11:30]Like everybody who watches Cat knows the type of swag he's on when he's playing really well. And that's a bad sign for anyone who's playing against him cuz he's an emotional player. And if you his emotions are high and he's riding high and he's shooting nine for 12 from the field, then he's going to show out. And so that's the key factor to me is like, can you can you stop Cap? And the three-point shooting is is >> And can you stop his zesty swag is what you're >> Can you Can you put a damper on the zesty swag?

[00:11:58]>> Woods. What?

[00:11:59]>> Listen, Jordan. I'm so I don't even not me. Trista. That's why I'm trying to get Trista back.

[00:12:05]>> He's trying to get me beat up.

[00:12:06]>> Back on the on the road.

[00:12:07]>> You trying to get back on the road. I'm trying to get you back on the road.

[00:12:13]That's why I asked you, how does this work for females? Cuz I know how it work for guys. So, I don't know if women feel like that's something different, you know, like I was I was talking one time and I said something about a player and then that day I saw the player's mom. It was really interesting, right?

[00:12:30]>> So, I don't know how it work for women with women, right?

[00:12:32]>> You never know what you're going to get.

[00:12:34]Depends on how the conversation for them went that day.

[00:12:36]>> You know, it's funny cuz I see people that I, you know, Doc I've lit Doc Rivers's ass up a lot and all of a sudden he starts following me on Instagram and I'm like, why would you do that? Why would you subject yourself to, you know, I'm going to like flame you?

[00:12:51]>> He wants to know what you got to say.

[00:12:53]>> Yeah. And you see these people and they're like, I love your takes. And I'm like thinking in my head, I've had so many takes.

[00:12:58]>> Honesty.

[00:12:59]>> Some people like the motivation. Some people like that.

[00:13:02]>> Mhm.

[00:13:03]>> Do y'all like the motivation? Cuz I don't.

[00:13:07]>> Y'all can keep that. Y'all can keep that away FROM ME. I DON'T like the motivation.

[00:13:11]>> Some people like the motivation. They say, you know, heard you. Got you.

[00:13:15]>> Got you. I'm going to turn up. I needed that. Yep.

[00:13:19]>> Yep.

[00:13:20]>> Well, let's move Let's move forward in this Cavs Raptor series. This feels like the game.

[00:13:26]>> This feels like the series we'll probably not talk about a lot um like just in general throughout the course of it. We'll watch it. Cleveland looks like the safer pick. Toronto did sweep them 3 0 in the regular season. James Harden wasn't in any of those games, though.

[00:13:42]Since Harden arrived at the deadline, Cavs have been one of the best teams on the East Coast, as you would say. Who wins Mace? How many games and why?

[00:13:52]>> I'm going to have to go with the Cavs. I think this is a sensational year for the Cavs. I think the moment they get um James Harden, they their hearts are set on proving everybody wrong. I think that they come out of the first round playing with a lot of tenacity. And you know, this team I see being right there in the conference finals. They they should they should make it to the East Coast conference finals. I think there will be an upset in the East Coast um playoffs.

[00:14:24]I think the Cavs should do it. If there was ever a time, remember I'm talking about this magical year. If there was ever a time for the Magic to show up, this is it. And not the Orlando Magic.

[00:14:35]We're talking about Magic when it comes to like the Knicks. Magic when it comes to the Cavs or Boston, right? One of those teams. I mean, or Detroit, not Boston. I think somebody get upset out of those top teams that we thought was going to win the East. So, I'm looking for either the Cavs or Detroit. One of them is going to upset somebody. And even though the Detroit is number one, it will still be upset if they beat Boston or they beat the Knicks and and keep them from going to the East Coast Conference Finals.

[00:15:11]>> Pistons play they would play the the Cavs in the next round. You think the Cavs could beat the Pistons?

[00:15:19]>> I think if there's this is a magical playoff, so I'm that I'm sticking with that. Somebody is going home that we don't expect.

[00:15:28]Stat, what you think about this series?

[00:15:33]>> I don't want to I don't want to talk bad about the Pistons because like I salute them, right? So I know >> y'all are hating on the Pistons.

[00:15:42]>> No, no, no, no. I'm making that clear be I have to make things clear before I say certain things cuz people be trying to tell you you said things that you never said. So I'm saying that right now. I don't have anything against my good things can be true at the same time. That is your quote. So, it can be good. It can be good and it can be bad.

[00:16:01]And unfortunately, I don't think this series is going to be good. So, I'm going with the Cavs. I just think that they're the stronger team in my opinion.

[00:16:09]I think the Raptors, like, hey, shout out Scotty Barnes, but I'm not really looking for them to shake up too much.

[00:16:15]They might win a game. So, I'm going say Cavs and five that next round.

[00:16:19]>> Cavs and five.

[00:16:20]>> Yeah.

[00:16:22]>> Andre Barrett. No. Scotty Barnes.

[00:16:24]>> Do you believe Do you believe >> we always talk about hope? Is it here?

[00:16:34]Is hope in the room with us? Cuz I not I'm not really sure about that one. I'm going with the Cavs confidently. Now I would love >> Who you say keep hope alive? Was that That was Jesse Jackson, right?

[00:16:49]>> I should know.

[00:16:50]>> Yeah, you should know.

[00:16:52]>> I should know.

[00:16:53]>> Um shout outs to the whole Jackson family. You know, and prayers up for the late Jesse Jackson. You supposed to know that. How is that even black and she doesn't know? Keep hope alive.

[00:17:07]>> Do you know all the words to lift every voice and sing?

[00:17:13]>> Do you know all the words, babe?

[00:17:14]>> You definitely been [ __ ] with me and Ken.

[00:17:17]>> ONLY THE FIRST VERSE THOUGH.

[00:17:20]Second verse. People do they know. Lift every voice.

[00:17:25]>> Go ahead. sing it.

[00:17:28]>> You said I've BEEN SITTING WITH Y'ALL BEFORE. NAH, because y'all made me kick on my toes, bro. I don't either. We like I just the time.

[00:17:35]>> You know, you want to know something crazy? In my middle school, we didn't have a national anthem.

[00:17:40]>> Do you know lift every voice sing?

[00:17:43]>> Mhm. We sang it in my middle school every single assembly. I can go right now.

[00:17:50]Ring with the harmonies of I can start anywhere you want.

[00:17:56]>> Ring with the harmonies.

[00:17:59]>> YOU DON'T START FROM THERE.

[00:18:02]>> THAT'S CRAZY. Everybody in the comments, let us know if that's how it start. This song DOES NOT START LIKE WHAT'S IT start like?

[00:18:11]>> No. What does it start like?

[00:18:12]>> Lift every voice and sing.

[00:18:14]>> Yeah.

[00:18:15]>> We got it, Y'ALL. YOU GOT IT, that boy.

[00:18:19]Good.

[00:18:21]>> See, I'm with you. Okay. Trying to quote Jesse Jackson. She got the song. Okay.

[00:18:25]>> I have the song. IT'S >> SHE STARTED WITH THE WRONG PART. THAT'S THE PART WHERE I SING IT IN THE SHOWER.

[00:18:34]>> Prove that's the wrong part of the song.

[00:18:35]You got to start with the beginning.

[00:18:37]>> And he doesn't know any piece.

[00:18:40]>> Listen, J wasn't popping when was in his prime. I got to bring that up. It doesn't start like that.

[00:18:51]>> Back to the Raptors.

[00:18:53]>> Oh my god.

[00:18:55]>> Oh my good.

[00:18:56]>> I think it's clear. I know. I think that's just the part I like.

[00:19:00]>> You don't know. And we don't have enough time to prove. You don't know. But you definitely are.

[00:19:06]>> Go ahead. Sheesh.

[00:19:07]>> Back to the Raptors. Yes. I shout out to them, you know, for getting here. But do I believe in them? Maybe at a different point in life, but I'm definitely going Cavs and five.

[00:19:19]>> Yeah, DIFFERENT POINT OF LIFE.

[00:19:21]>> DIFFERENT POINT OF LIFE. I I root for everybody. I'm just not rooting for them right now. That's that's what I'm going with.

[00:19:27]>> That's fair. Listen, everybody knows this Raptors team's offense has been very suspect when you play against good teams. Like, that's just what it is.

[00:19:36]There's a bunch of wings like Scotty Barnes who can do awesome things defensively. Um, yes, Brandon Ingram is a bucket. I don't have much belief in this Toronto team to do much. They they can force a bunch of turnovers.

[00:19:49]Cleveland's defense hasn't been great.

[00:19:51]So, I think this could be like a closer game by game in the series than a blowout, which you've seen in other matchups that um have this type of like high octane, high offensive. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden versus a team that can't really score. Um, but yeah, I have Cleveland in five. Like just and see.

[00:20:12]>> Yeah, Cleveland five.

[00:20:15]>> That's that's pretty much it.

[00:20:16]>> You know what? I did not know. I was looking up the lyrics.

[00:20:20]>> It starts with lift every voice. I did not know the second part. I'm not sure if this is really a part of it. The stone stony the road. You know that part?

[00:20:31]>> Is that the second verse? Yeah, we never sung the >> We used only the first verse.

[00:20:36]>> Yeah, we stopped on let us march on to victory is one.

[00:20:40]>> Yeah, that's when we stopped.

[00:20:42]>> Okay. I was just making sure >> cuz if they would have said second verse, I don't know the second verse.

[00:20:48]>> No, >> but I did know the first >> good >> the first part. Where we going?

[00:20:53]>> Nuggets.

[00:20:56]>> Got the two.

[00:20:57]>> Base is like bass is like my uncle with the mint jeulip. Where are we going next? Nuggets, Timberwolves.

[00:21:03]>> I think it's the glasses. Uh, three versus six. It's a rematch. We've seen them play two times in the last couple of years in the playoffs. Minnesota knocked out Denver out in seven games a couple of years ago. Same stars. Um, Nuggets are deeper this year. They found themselves some more role players.

[00:21:20]Brucey B is back. Um, Joic just led the league in rebounds and assists. The Wolves want another trip to the Western Conference Finals. I think that's going to be tough. Who wins this series? Um, how many games, Mace, and why?

[00:21:35]>> Oh, man. As much as I I love Anthony Edwards and the way he attacks the rim and plays, you know, with a lot of courage and bravado, I just don't think Minnesota gets past Denver. I think Denver with with Bruce B being back, Bruce Brown being back, I think they're pretty much unshakable because when they see him in that lineup, it reminds them of what they once was, right? So, every time that you you unite this team together, whether you got, you know, Mike Malone there or not, this is the the the caliber of team that could upset anybody in the West, right? It's just a matter of if they come to play every single day. You know, when you think of Joker, there's nobody got an answer for Joker in the West Coast. So, if he begins to get on a roll and start having those 50, 15, and 12 games, it's going to it's going to be really shocking. I I really think this is the the playoff year where somebody who's supposed to make it doesn't make it. Um, and it's been a long time since that happened.

[00:22:46]Normally, we we're looking at the usual suspects, but I think this year it'll be something different. So, I'm definitely going with Denver. I'm going with Denver in I want to say five games.

[00:23:00]>> I want to say Denver in five or six, but definitely not seven.

[00:23:06]>> H for this one. I just >> Sweep alert. Gentlemen, sweep alert.

[00:23:12]Gentleman sweep alert. Gentleman sweep alert is 41.

[00:23:17]>> Did y'all know that? Did y'all know that's the gentleman sweep stat?

[00:23:21]>> Okay. Yeah. Gentleman sweep.

[00:23:22]>> You think these people in the mirror know?

[00:23:24]>> Let them get a game so they can go back and see their auntie and all of that.

[00:23:29]Gentleman sweet.

[00:23:30]>> Give him a little Give him a little taste.

[00:23:31]>> I learned that from Charles Bachley back in the days. He used to always say gentleman sweet.

[00:23:36]>> He got a lot of uh tips and comments from back in the days. Charles Charles Barkley got some some good some good gems. Do they apply to my life? Not all the time, but some good gems. DEFINITELY DON'T APPLY TO ME, BUT >> NOT ALL THE TIME.

[00:23:53]>> OKAY. Uh my pick for this, I just think it's really hard. It's just so hard just when you see Jokic even though it's like we love Ant-Man. Like I don't want to go against Ant-Man. kind of like Mace was saying cuz Mace just made great >> take my takes >> take >> and if I take it then what now Mace no that like you honestly what they say hit the nail on the head I hate those sayings cuz I'm like what is the like I know what that one means but that's not part of my everyday vocabulary yeah know Mace made great points I agree with him I love you know what the Timberwolves got going on but do I think it's enough this year to beat the Nuggets no I think the Nuggets are great strong team like Jokic is always going to perform the way that he does. He's still forever going to be one of the best players in the league. We know what we're going to get from Jamal Murray. He's a great player and he also always delivers in last minute moments like he's good under pressure. He's great. Even just like the younger guys that we've seen from Straw, Payton Watson, like I just think overall the Nuggets are a great solid team. Now, I'm not going to go gentlemen. I don't know about five. I'm thinking around six. I could see the Timberwolves winning around two games and that's how I'm gonna go with it. But shout out to both teams, but I'm going with the Nuggets. Definitely going with the Nuggets.

[00:25:15]>> Yeah, I uh I agree with both of you guys. I think the thing that it comes down to is what are the Wolves going to give us?

[00:25:25]Like, can they give us what they're capable of? Because when you're head coach, >> what are they capable of? They're capable of the Western Conference Finals appearance. That's what they've done two times in a row. But when Chris Finch, after a loss early this this month says, "We're a million miles away from the team that we can be," I think that's a big red flag in terms of you not taking the regular season seriously. This has been an up and down inconsistent team for the entire year. This is a team that probably should have been highly motivated to do more after the way they looked against OKC, but they came back and they looked worse. You know, Dante Devanchenzo and Julius Randle have had to hold it down for Ant Edwards and and Jaden McDaniels when they've both been injured. I need to see Ant-Man be Superman. If they're going to win this series, that's what he's going to have to do. And Rudy Gobear is going to have to turn back the clock and he's going to have to figure out a way, which he never is able to do. really no one is slow down Joker. Um, but you see what happens when these two teams play in the playoffs. Rudy Gobear has to sit his ass on the bench. Like that's what they have to do. They have to play Nas Reed a bunch more minutes. They have to go small. They have to try to figure out a way to say, "Okay, well Jamal Murray will beat us." And Jamal Murray though is having an AllNBA season. He's averaging 26 a game. He's shooting 44% from three. Aaron Gordon's back healthy.

[00:26:53]I just think when you talk about a team that's not as motivated as the Timberwolves have have been, they've been very lackluster all season and then you've got a team on a 12-game win streak like the Nuggets. I think it's going to be really really tough for the Nuggets or for the for the Wolves to beat the Nuggets. So, I'm I'm with you guys. I got the Nuggets in five.

[00:27:15]>> Yeah. I also think that the Timber Wizards, some of them players are going to face the boot like immediately >> and we're going to talk about that later on the show like who >> giving the boot.

[00:27:24]>> Who is really like it's giving hot seats giving like maybe you're on the trade machine.

[00:27:30]>> Yes.

[00:27:31]>> Spo track. Um but the Lakers and the Rockets are an interesting matchup. Um this is it could have been awesome but no Austin Reeves Mace, no Luca, and you've got a 41-year-old LeBron. You got a KD that's 37. These guys have faced each other multiple times in the NBA finals. Um and so now you've got a completely undermanned Laker team versus a Rockets team that um >> blow out >> they Yeah, they need to win this game convincingly or this series convincingly. Um what do you think the factor is in this game besides just the injuries to the Lakers? Yeah, this is this I I don't know what else you could make it about if you don't have you don't have Austin Reeds on the floor. No Luca, you got LeBron pretty much saying that he could be potentially injured and not 100%. What What are we expecting?

[00:28:27]Your your second unit to beat KD and Sigon? No, that's not going to happen.

[00:28:32]And I I look forward in order to do it in real Rockets fashion. They should blow them out pause every game and blow them out four games in a row. Get them out of here. It should be This should be a real sweep. I would I would be surprised if it's not a real sweep. If it's not a real sweep, then Houston is not focused. Houston got to get them out of there the first four games so they could get rested for the second round.

[00:29:00]And consider this a gift from heaven, right? The the basketball gods gave this to Katie and Sigon. And that maybe that's why the god name is Amen. Right.

[00:29:10]Amen. Thompson, right? Because they needed this. They would not want to put together this type of team and lose first round to the Lakers. That would have been a great debacle. It would have crushed Houston hard and their future hopes. it would have just been very hard to to to really stomach that pause. So, I think this was a gift to the Houston Rockets. So, they might as well make the most of it. You know, you can't People be like, "Well, they didn't win the game cuz their team was hurt." Well, that's a part of championship pedigree. Good fortune.

[00:29:47]>> Good fortune. So, I look out. That's another thing I look out for. Good fortune. Not just championship integrity, but good fortune.

[00:29:56]>> Yeah.

[00:29:57]Good fortune for sure. I'm just going to say it really sucks because this would have been such a good series to watch.

[00:30:04]Like, and I always s say this, but it's like I want to see these players play.

[00:30:09]Like, what are we going to get from LeBron, Ruie, and Aton?

[00:30:15]>> Nothing.

[00:30:16]>> Well, this is how LeBron used to play KD, right? He used to play KD with a stack team. So now he gets >> he gets to see how it feels to suit up against somebody who got a few extra players on the team.

[00:30:34]>> He said that get back up. I'm not going to say it, but y'all know the song I'm talking about cuz that's exactly what's going on over here. But yeah, this is this is a blessing to the Rockets. They actually get to chill for a little bit, I think. I don't think they're going to have to put up too much pressure. And then just it's unfortunate for the Lakers because I know the conversation keeps being like, "What happens to LeBron? Is he returning? What's next? D.

[00:30:54]It's like you don't even want to go out like that.

[00:30:57]>> Now, if LeBron beat the Rockets >> then >> by himself.

[00:31:02]>> Yeah, >> I'll put him up there.

[00:31:04]>> Yeahoo.

[00:31:05]>> I'll put >> This will do it.

[00:31:07]>> Yeah, this will do it.

[00:31:08]>> This will do it. This is the time. This is the moment.

[00:31:10]>> I want to go on the record. I know Cam is not here today.

[00:31:14]>> It's the anticipation. Like, we hyping it up.

[00:31:17]>> Gets this done.

[00:31:20]I'm putting him right there with Michael Jordan. He's not in front of Michael Jordan, but Mike is not in front of him.

[00:31:28]I I'll make it that clear.

[00:31:31]>> That's all.

[00:31:32]>> Neck and neck.

[00:31:33]>> Yeah.

[00:31:33]>> So, this is him saying they're not neck and neck because it's not going to happen. So, LeBron's forever going to be right here because he didn't get it done.

[00:31:41]>> No, no, no. I'm I'm I'm letting I'm letting people see that I'm not just biased. There are things you can do to reach that level.

[00:31:50]>> But this is how you do it. You got to pull pause out something heroic. You got to do something that defies the odds, >> right? Like when you beat Isaiah, you beat oh Mark Maguire, you you beat like five five allstars on this one team.

[00:32:10]>> Then you're one of them guys. Joe Dumar, right? I forgot the name. Dantley or I forgot his name, but it was it was like five allstars on this one team and he beat all of them.

[00:32:24]>> That'll do it, y'all.

[00:32:26]>> Well, if if Houston does not convincingly win this series against the zombie Lakers, we need to have a real conversation about whether Eme Udoki is the right coach to be coaching.

[00:32:41]>> You're putting him on Doc Doc Rivers alert. I'm just putting him on warm Yeah. Warm butt alert. Yeah, warm butt alert.

[00:32:49]>> He's because he kind of like Doc Rivers throws his players under the bus at every chance that he gets. And listen, I have no reason to want to to diminish whatoka has done.

[00:33:03]>> What is that called when it's never you?

[00:33:06]When you're never the problem.

[00:33:08]>> Yeah. It's like a lack of accountability.

[00:33:10]>> What What's the word for it though? Is is it is that narcissistic?

[00:33:15]>> Not that he is. We're not saying emana is. I'm saying but is that a trait that is never you is always >> that's a trait of it for sure. But I don't I know what you're trying to say.

[00:33:26]I just can't think of the word.

[00:33:27]>> It's like it's never you. If there's a problem.

[00:33:31]>> Yeah.

[00:33:31]>> It's like it got to be them cuz I don't do anything >> cuz I'm perfect. I'm always doing it.

[00:33:37]And I think you saw that and and Udoka is from one year. That's a horrible trait to have as a leader, I might add.

[00:33:44]>> Yes. And that's the thing that when I evaluate coaches and give my opinion on them, that's like the number one thing.

[00:33:52]It's it's you at the end of the day. If your coaches are not if your players are not prepared, that's because they weren't locked in. And that's your responsibility to get that out of them.

[00:34:02]you you've had a an the the opportunity to get Reed Shepard ready to go and put him in the starting lineup as your starting point guard to get him those important minutes ahead of the playoffs, but you won't do it. And Rockets fans have been going going out of their mind trying to figure it out. And now KD's bringing the ball up and again he just continues to sherk or push off the blame. So I think a lot of people are kind of annoyed by that. This may have a lot to do with what's going on off the record, right? Cuz sometime there's things going on that nobody's discussing, but obviously there's something if our team needs a point guard and we drafted a young point guard from a blue check state, right? Or a blue blue chip state, right? This this this guy comes from Kentucky. We need a shooter. He his his resume is shooting.

[00:34:59]Why is he not playing? We need a point guard and we need one who can shoot and he checks both boxes and he's young. Why is he not playing?

[00:35:09]>> Yeah, it's a it's it's stunning. It's stunning. The rotations for Houston have been headscratching and I think that's a big red flag. If they don't get this thing done convincingly, you wonder, okay, like Fred Van Fleet, you guys brought this up yesterday, Fred Van Fleet uh tore his stuff up later than Damen Lillard did. That's why Damen Lillard, I think, is going to be ready to go. Um, and Fred Van Fleet has a little bit more time on top cuz he did that. He tore his u his Achilles or his uh was his ACL or his Achilles stat? I think it was his Achilles.

[00:35:49]history with small guys tearing their knee.

[00:35:52]>> His ACL first.

[00:35:53]>> Yeah, ACL. He tore his ACL.

[00:35:55]>> What's the history with smaller guys tearing their ACL?

[00:35:59]>> You know, I think in general it's just a hard thing to come back to, but they have a lot of more technology overseas.

[00:36:05]You got the like platelet replacement therapy and all this stuff. I think also Fred Van Flee has had issues with his back over time as well. So, I'm concerned about him being the point guard and getting ready to roll. So anyway, I do >> all that to say, Houston better put belt to ass.

[00:36:20]>> I do want to add though and I think Houston will put belt to ass, which I think we're all in agreement with that.

[00:36:24]I don't know. As far as Eno, I actually think he not actually like he's a great coach in my opinion and I understand how we're saying like not take accountability. He's blaming the players, but also like businessminded too. Like he also wants to keep a job.

[00:36:40]>> Yes.

[00:36:40]>> So unfortunately he's going to put it on another play. He would probably put on a KD, whatever the case may be. So, he's >> No, if he wants if he wants to keep his job, he better get he better win.

[00:36:53]>> Well, yes, that that for sure. But also, I could see the answers not really taking accountability. He's going to be like, "This person didn't do this. This is the play that I drew up. This didn't like you know, I see that." So, like I I kind of get it.

[00:37:08]>> He trying to keep that job. Yeah.

[00:37:09]>> And this is a great team to be coaching right now because the Rockets the Rockets are on fire. This was really your team. The Rockets are on fire. I ain't going to lie. So, this is this is a smooth first round for them. Just say it.

[00:37:22]>> They be your own.

[00:37:23]>> He's shaking his head cuz he he knows.

[00:37:24]He's like, "Yeah, like this. This is his safety net, too, cuz he knows the Rockets are tough right now." He talking about like they better win. You know, they going to win. This is one of your teams and they're actually good. Like, they're actually smooth right now. That second round is when I start to worry, but I'm not worried about them or their coaching right now. Um, >> I'm a Blazer fan, remember?

[00:37:44]>> Oh my goodness.

[00:37:45]>> Best defensive rating in the last 15 games. Portland Trailblazers, watch out.

[00:37:50]Just watch out for us next year. We got to go to break. The shenanigans will continue. Which player in this playoff field will benefit most from winning their first ring when we come back from It is What It Is.

[00:38:20]She call this thing about toxic four years in counting.

[00:38:26]Got you feeling like option.

[00:38:30]Maybe I'm my own problem. Babe, she tired of hearing. I don't know. My stubborn me won't fall. Oh. dealing with this thing called trust.

[00:38:42]>> But she really thinking about she want to be free.

[00:38:49]>> Why am I in this woman?

[00:38:53]>> And we're back on it is what it is. We were talking about the playoff matchups.

[00:38:57]We went through all the ones that we have so far locked in. But I wanted to pose this question because there's a bunch of players in this playoff field that I think we all are in agreement are really, really freaking good and going to be good for a long time.

[00:39:10]>> Wait, wait, while we talking about the playoffs.

[00:39:12]>> Mhm.

[00:39:13]>> Um, is where's Miami in the playoffs?

[00:39:17]>> Oh, >> he said, let's bring up let's bring up somebody else's team. It's not even in the conversation whatsoever.

[00:39:24]>> I'm just saying I I heard everybody but stats team in this whole debacle. have two teams and they're both not doing so well where the Warriors are.

[00:39:34]>> She became a Golden State fan.

[00:39:37]>> I know they were hating on Miami Hawkins last night.

[00:39:40]>> Like like I I don't know what you want me to say. I don't know what >> she's from Florida so she know what it feels like when the boat leaves the dock >> and the boat has left the dock.

[00:39:51]>> Boat leaving the dock is crazy. I've never got left from the boat ever, but I've seen people get leave from the boat. That's not You've got to have your passport ready.

[00:40:02]>> That's not fun.

[00:40:03]>> They It seemed like in Miami the boat left the dock. But we'll we'll see.

[00:40:09]>> We have nothing to see, unfortunately.

[00:40:12]>> Yeah, cuz unfortunately >> now it makes sense why the hate is directed. All the missiles are directed.

[00:40:19]Can I get a solo, Nick? This is where I need Nick to put the bubble up there and put the thumbs up and all that. Nick, you know, this is where the hating comes from. It comes from Stats team. The boat leaving the dock and then she's joining in with Trista. The double hate, the new hotness alert is crazy up here. So, she's going for Portland. She's saying next year. I guess she's joining the New York the New York Knicks. Every year is next year. So, >> no. I always thought we wouldn't compete. the way that that roster was set up for for a very long time. We had nobody that was defensive-minded, the wings were not athletic. Like we were having Alfaruk Amino and guys like Evan Turner and Miles Leon Myers Leonard.

[00:41:09]Anyway, we got to get to these rings.

[00:41:11]>> I think the Blazers I'm I'm going to tell you something from the basketball guards. I think something happened.

[00:41:18]>> You think we're cursed?

[00:41:19]>> I was going to say that. I think Portland is cursed.

[00:41:24]They had Brandon Roy, they had Sam Buoie, they just think they had Greg ODM. It's like every time you think they had something, they had nothing. And then and then they had the young boy and they trade him to Boston, which I thought was so crazy for Drew Holiday.

[00:41:45]And then the coach get put get mentioned in an indictment. This is just you can't make this kind of luck up. I remember when Terry, what's his name? Terry something used to limp, but he was getting 30. I said, "This team, something is wrong with this team."

[00:42:03]>> Terry Porter.

[00:42:04]>> Yep.

[00:42:06]>> Just never been able to do it, man.

[00:42:08]Never.

[00:42:10]>> Never.

[00:42:11]>> And then remember you guys had Damen Lillard and then he left you guys cuz you guys weren't good enough. No, I I saw a a graphic the other day >> over Mike.

[00:42:21]>> Yeah, we did take Sam Buoie over Mike.

[00:42:23]We Yes, that's that win in history. Took Kevin We took Greg Odin over Kevin Durant. We know. We know.

[00:42:28]>> I saw the top top 10 biggest.

[00:42:32]>> How do you feel about that? When they picked Greg Oden, did you think like, oh, we got the >> I thought to myself, we took a big this is not going to end well. Then when they get um DeAndre Aiden, it's like they keep doing it. I It's something about the G.

[00:42:49]>> But Donovan Clingan's really good. He's a big >> I know. But they always go They only had one big man pause that was really good to my understanding.

[00:43:00]>> And that was >> No, I got to add Bill. Then they had three. They had Kirsty.

[00:43:07]Kersy was getting busy. And then they had um >> Bill Sabonis. Yeah, Bill.

[00:43:14]>> Sabonis. Sabonis was the one I was thinking about. Sabonis was really good.

[00:43:19]>> So, back to these players that uh don't have rings that we think are really good. We've got Webby. We've got Ant, one of the more charismatic players who could end up becoming the face of the league.

[00:43:30]>> Wimpy is getting a ring, I might add. I I want I want to just put that disclaimer out there. Don't Don't go too far with Wimby's name. Wimby will be getting an NBA championship >> at some point. Yes. Donovan Mitchell >> some point soon. Some point soon. I think I think his >> his um his attention to detail and being 74 will play a role. I don't think you pause can can have somebody that tall, that dominant, and not win a ring. Every person that was ever super tall and dominant got a ring.

[00:44:12]>> Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, right? The list goes on.

[00:44:19]>> Do you mean soon as in this season are the basketball gods? Tell me.

[00:44:22]>> I wouldn't be surprised if if the Spurs win it all. I would me personally either this year and the next this year, next year or the next year after that, it one of those years they get a ring. I think this team is too stacked unless they just do something stupid when it's time to reup. This team have too much firepower. Pause. And even when you think of the people that come off the bench, they're bringing Ron Harper Jr.

[00:44:50]off of the bench. And I'm not I don't think it's Ron Harper Jr., but is that his name?

[00:44:55]>> Dylan.

[00:44:56]>> Dylan Harper. But it's impossible to not get a ring. I think he's as good as the starting players and he's coming off the bench. So, this team is ready to to cut the nets down.

[00:45:08]>> So, as a out of Webby, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylen Brunson, and Aunt Edwards, and then we'll add Kade as well.

[00:45:17]>> Which one of these guys do you think benefits the most by winning their first championship this year?

[00:45:27]>> I think Wimby. I think if he wins a championship this year, it the NBA gets really crazy because now they can definitely transition the league away from guys like Kevin Durant, LeBron, Steph, and now they know the future is secure. This is a person that we can hang the NBA on because if he get one this year, there's only more to come.

[00:45:54]>> What do you think, St? I think benefit the most.

[00:46:00]>> Yeah.

[00:46:01]>> I think Jaylen Brunson.

[00:46:03]>> Yeah.

[00:46:03]>> Oh, yeah.

[00:46:04]>> Because I like I I hear >> I can see that too.

[00:46:07]>> Yeah. Like I hear Ant-Man >> and I hear WB and I and I still >> I don't know for whatever reason it's just like specifically Jaylen Brunson and the Knicks in my eyes and probably to a lot of other eyes they have less time.

[00:46:21]>> Like I think these other guys have more time. I think that I don't want to say higher ceiling, but a higher ceiling.

[00:46:28]Like we're excited to see what the future holds for them. I don't want to say we're not excited to see what the future holds for the Knicks, but I think we're all in agreement. That's like it needs to happen now cuz if it doesn't, >> it's it's kicked to the curb. So, I would definitely say Jaylen Brunson. I know you're gonna add Gohead.

[00:46:46]>> Yeah. When you was talking about who benefits the most, you're you're correct in Jaylen Brunson. I think a championship in New York would make so much money, right? I think there's no other place that would make as much money other than Los Angeles. But the the the the realm that New Yorkers would go to for a championship in New York.

[00:47:12]Oh, they may get a rap song. They might get a rap deal. You know, they already gave them streets and they and they won a few games. You don't want to see the Knicks in the championship. I'm telling you, the tickets might be 100,000 just to sit in the front. It might be crazy.

[00:47:29]>> Wow. And honestly, even if the reason being the city isn't big enough, I think that this also gives Jaylen Brunson validation cuz I feel like in all these conversations he does kind of like, oh, Jaylen Brunson, if they get >> if he brings a championship to New York, he will be God.

[00:47:50]>> Yeah. the media will make them like you know how many good guards New York has had over the years from >> from Rod Strickland the the Stefon Marberry >> Kenny Anderson it's just the list is so long that if you're the first Rod Strickland if you're the God that gets it done even Kyrie in Brooklyn James Harden in Brooklyn if he's the first God in New York to get it done like my son say after the 1900s, >> right?

[00:48:26]This is going to be huge.

[00:48:28]>> This is going to be >> Yeah. And and it's not even a bad thing for him because it's like he does frequently deliver. So I know for him it's got to be frustrating even when we have these conversations with top three point cuz even when we were talking about point guard I think you did you say you had Cade over him? I don't recall. We had a Yeah. Which is not even a like that's a great take because I understand that but this right here kind of solidifies his standings because I mean like we say know we have we've went the whole show without saying title town but like that's kind of what he needs to be able to secure that. So I think Jaylen Brunson he definitely benefits the most and I know I we know we gave or takes earlier and I did say the Hawks and I understand that just because I I think I'm just giving them a little bit more edge. Maybe that's wishful thinking. Call it what you want, but like if the Knicks do win and that's going to come down to Cat's performance, even Josh Hart's performance, this is this is that moment. Like this is that moment that we actually want to see. AND THEN ALL THAT stuff that we've said about the Knicks throughout the season, throughout the year, throughout all our episodes, throughout all our >> No, that you said that you said >> and you included.

[00:49:33]>> No, no, no. We could go back and get the tape. Me and Killer said that if there was ever a year for the Knicks to win it.

[00:49:42]>> I said it. He agreed with me.

[00:49:43]>> I'm not saying it not being the year.

[00:49:46]>> I'm not saying you didn't say it wouldn't be the year. I'm just saying the doubts that we've had because you guys have really kind of taught me like >> it's always next year and like why why trust them now? Like we haven't gotten that yet and like they disappoint us every single time.

[00:49:59]>> That's what NY stands for, Trista.

[00:50:02]>> Next year. Next year. And that's what I'm alluding to those takes. Sin has every reason to say whatever the heck he wants to say to all of us if they win at all because I understand that frustration.

[00:50:14]>> He's gonna be happy cuz he knows I said it. I I put the blessing out there for the Knicks to win it this year. If they want to win it, they got to talk to me though. And they got to talk to me nice cuz >> I know the basketball. You need a basketball.

[00:50:30]>> You said they got to talk to at this point. We got to talk to them nice because they des they like if they win they deserve this.

[00:50:36]>> Now we don't have to talk to them nice just yet that this is a going thing.

[00:50:41]This thing has been going on since I was wearing acid wash jeans. This is how long this has been going on.

[00:50:50]>> Jeans.

[00:50:51]>> Yeah. That's what I'm trying to tell you. AJ's the buttons that snap. You know the weapons.

[00:50:59]Do you remember that Easter with the weapons? I had the yellow t-shirt cut up with the with the AJ's and the yellow and purple magics. I was fresher than everybody.

[00:51:12]I was cleaner than the pastor in church.

[00:51:15]They probably wanted to kick me out of Kanan Baptist on 116. Y'all remember y'all kicked me out. I was too fresh.

[00:51:23]They thought it was picture day. People wanted to take pictures.

[00:51:27]>> I had to get out of there. We need that picture. Now I got to see how you got kicked out. I had the Laker t-shirt cut up. You know the way y'all wear it now. I was wearing it like that back in the days. That was my fashion.

[00:51:41]>> Trends setter.

[00:51:41]>> Yeah. Trends setter. I didn't even know what I was doing though. It was it was it was by accident. So when I saw Lil Uzi do it, I said I had a t-shirt like that. Lil Uzi got the drip from murder.

[00:51:53]Man, what's the problem with acid wash jeans? Huh?

[00:51:57]>> We don't like acid wash jeans.

[00:51:59]>> I'm saying back then we didn't know they were skinnies. We We was wearing those skinnies. We just didn't know they were skinnies.

[00:52:07]>> I feel like >> Okay.

[00:52:09]>> It was the electric boogie. Yes. That you know how the electric boogie?

[00:52:13]>> No.

[00:52:14]>> Oh, okay. I I figured that.

[00:52:15]>> I don't even know what that is.

[00:52:17]>> You know that >> that How is that different than the electric slide?

[00:52:21]>> Oh my goodness. If Ken was here, he will walk out. The electric slide.

[00:52:26]>> What's the electric? I don't know. The electric boogie. No, >> it's when the people doing their moves and they're going like this.

[00:52:32]>> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I know. I know that.

[00:52:35]>> Stat. You guys are on a culturally appropriate show and you don't know.

[00:52:40]Look at her. That's what they're doing.

[00:52:43]That is literally what they're doing.

[00:52:44]>> See that? That's the electric boogie.

[00:52:46]>> That's what they're doing in the thing.

[00:52:47]It's like a step.

[00:52:48]>> PUT THE CAMERA ON. WE DO IT AGAIN. Do it again. St. I said this is the electric boogie.

[00:52:54]>> They're sitting here doing this.

[00:52:56]>> They're doing that.

[00:52:58]>> Electric boogie.

[00:52:58]>> Bro, you're going to have to teach me because I ain't never seen no electric boogie in my life.

[00:53:03]>> When the people did like this, you you ever seen them do that?

[00:53:06]>> Yeah.

[00:53:07]>> Oh, like this.

[00:53:08]>> That's electric boogie pop.

[00:53:10]>> You know, stick it and roll it.

[00:53:14]>> We got different dances, y'all. Like, I don't know THE ELECTRIC BOOGIE, BUT I CAN STICK it and roll it. I don't I don't really know what you want me to do.

[00:53:22]I don't really know what you want me to do.

[00:53:24]>> Is crazy. Stick it and roll it.

[00:53:26]>> I love Stick and Roll It. They know what I'm talking about. Some Some people know the Electric Boogie. Some people know Stick It and Roll It.

[00:53:33]>> Some I can't even name another >> You said electric slide is the electric boogie.

[00:53:37]>> No, I just asked >> cuz I only know I didn't know that. That I know that >> you can't be doing You can't be doing hip-hop, Trista. You don't.

[00:53:49]>> Maybe there was a different turf on the West Coast.

[00:53:53]>> You have it in a bag spin.

[00:53:55]>> Yes.

[00:53:56]>> Okay. Okay. Back to your point about Jaylen Brunson though, I think the thing that's uh like really interesting is that it changes the possibility for a small guard because right now we say that only 6'4, 65 guards and above will win titles and that you can't win with someone who's like I think Jaylen Brun is not really six foot. He's probably 5'11. He's got thick thick sold shoes on to be 6' 6' one. And if he can do it in big moments and take those crucial clutch shots that we know that he does, gets gets into the body, creates space, little mid-range, you know, passing whipping the rock to, you know, Mitchell Robinson or Josh Harden underneath the basket and gets Madison Garden up MSG to to win a title on the back of him. I think buys them more time stat like to keep this thing rolling but puts him in a situation >> by buy them more time >> in terms of I think James Dolan said hey if we don't win a title I'm going to make some changes and so you get to keep Muel Bridges you get to keep Carl Anthony Towns you maybe you go out and re get Isaiah Hartenstein maybe you figure it out um if you can win a title right like it at least buys you the idea that hey we can do more. We can keep this. And I think you're right. I think time is starting to tick out. But he gets a restaurant. I mean, the city probably gives Jaylen Brunson his own.

[00:55:29]And >> yeah, he if he goes to the championship, he gets his own restaurant.

[00:55:33]>> Yeah. He get a car dealership and everything. If he he might get an avenue, you know, they they might give him an avenue. The way the way media work today with the internet, he can force his avenue. You know, he could say, "You know what? I'm the only one that ever gave y'all a championship. I want it right here. I want ETH Avenue between this and this to be Jaylen Brunson Avenue."

[00:55:59]>> Do it, too.

[00:56:00]>> So, everybody that comes here knows that. You see it up on the signs.

[00:56:03]>> Does he become the greatest Nick of all time?

[00:56:07]>> If he wins a championship, I think he does. Um, I think he's had these same type of moments that, you know, that that other players have had, you know, that when Willis Reed ran out the out the locker room. You know, Bernard King, he's one of the great Knicks. Um, but I think Brunson has had some amazing games in that garden. Um, I think if he if he wins a championship, we got to make him the greatest Nick because I haven't seen the Knicks win in my whole life.

[00:56:43]>> When they won the championship, we weren't born.

[00:56:47]Phil Jackson was on the team.

[00:56:50]That's too long ago.

[00:56:52]>> That's too long ago, you know. So to think of that if he wins the championship cuz I know all the players I saw come through there. Steve Francis, Anthony Hardaway, um Allan Houston, it's the list is just too long of guards who was supposed to be great to say that he got it done at 511 from Jamaica.

[00:57:19]We got to give >> and in the second round too. Yeah, we gotta give th give this give this some real some this might need to be a case study.

[00:57:27]>> Yeah, I do think >> Jaylen Brunson need to be a case study cuz in my in my growing up we've never seen a guard 5'11 get this much done. 6 feet get this much done.

[00:57:41]Not on the east coast.

[00:57:42]>> Not on the east coast.

[00:57:44]>> Not on the east coast. Who you were about to say?

[00:57:46]>> No, I was going to say not on the east coast. I was just we we're saying 511.

[00:57:51]Do we actually think he's 5'11 because >> Oh, definitely.

[00:57:53]>> Yeah, he's like >> AI was 61. AI was 61. So, >> AI was 6 feet.

[00:58:00]>> I got to look.

[00:58:01]>> I think he was >> Oh, that's why I said that's why I said at that height because AI was 61.

[00:58:06]>> His height is lift listed at six foot.

[00:58:09]And I know you never go off the cuz you just never really know. And >> you see him in person, you're like, >> "Yeah, but then it's like I'm seeing Jaylen Brunson and Steph at the same height." So, it's really throwing me off a little bit. That's why I'm like, I don't know. I got to I got to see that.

[00:58:21]>> I think Steph is 6'2.

[00:58:23]>> Yeah, but it also says Jaylen Brunson is 6'2. So that's why I'm like which one is it?

[00:58:27]>> That that matters. That matters. I will say but back to your question that you asked real quick before we >> So are you saying Steph is 6 feet?

[00:58:36]>> No, it says he's 6'2.

[00:58:38]>> No, but I'm saying with your eyes, >> you might No, no, no. Steph is actually 6'2.

[00:58:45]>> Then why does him and Jaylen Brunson look the same height? Well, it's they're listed at the same height. I >> I would say they're about the same height actually. Like in person, they definitely are about the same height.

[00:58:57]You just don't doesn't seem like it, but they they definitely are probably about 6'1 6'2. That's what I would say.

[00:59:05]>> You need to be You need to be Jaylen Brunson's height PR publicist. No. TR.

[00:59:10]Hey, I know a thing or two about height.

[00:59:12]Because that's why we had the whole conversation about Russell Wilson because when I be seeing people in person, that's the first thing because I'm a lot taller than people expect me to be. That's the first thing that I'd be peeping. Especially when I have my heels on with my heels on probably about six foot and I'm like >> just just just peeping. But as far as Jaylen Brunson, >> were you looking at the top of his head?

[00:59:32]Pause.

[00:59:32]>> It'd be leveled. You talking about Russell Wilson was shorter than me.

[00:59:36]>> Oh, you was looking down. I'm rolling with that till till the end of time. He was shorter than me and I got a picture to prove it.

[00:59:42]>> So if you get upset, you you swing on him. Was he >> Was he that much shorter than you?

[00:59:48]>> No, never that. I'm just I ain't just going to swing on people. That's crazy.

[00:59:53]But he's definitely shorter now. Steph is Steph is taller and Jaylen Brunson is taller. So I'll give him I'll give him that 6'2. Just in comparison, they don't look like it. But as far as greatest of all time, the rings do matter. I think I have to go with that as well. It just sounds crazy because we're actively seeing like when you actively see greatness. That's what I'll say. It's really hard to kind of put people in rankings of something that you're saying all time. Like that's just a big commitment to say this person is a d of all time and I'm actively watching them play. That's always been a little difficult for me. But in this conversation, yes.

[01:00:29]>> Yeah. I I could see that it's not difficult for me because I've seen all of them. I seen I've seen the people my my my dad said to watch. I've seen the people my coach said to watch.

[01:00:42]>> And and then I saw the people that I was watching at my time. Then as I got older, the people that were my peers that went on to play basketball and now I'm watching their sons do it. Right. So I have this history of of knowledge.

[01:00:59]Sometime I try to play around but my my thinking about basketball goes way way back. So as I'm watching people play generation to generation I'm thinking about 40 to 50 years of basketball that I've watched. So when I'm looking at somebody today I'm not gauging them by just today. I I have that history. I saw every type of guard that was 6 feet to 511. Right. So I would that's why I can say if he gets this done, he have to be up there. He have to be up there. The last guard that got a championship that was 5'11 was Avery Johnson, right? So he got he's better than Avery Johnson. He got to be up there.

[01:01:48]>> Well, that is going to do it for us today. Awesome conversation. Let us know in the comments. Will Jaylen Brunson be the best New York Knick ever if he can get a ring this year? And does that buy the New York Knicks time to keep this core and this roster together? Um, as always, I've had a blast. Shout out to Mace. Shout out to Treasure as our guest analyst.

[01:02:11]And as always, it is what it is.

[01:02:22]All right, [ __ ]