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Thanks for listening to The Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday from twelve to three eastern, nine to noon Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and FS one. Find your local station for The Herd at Fox Sports Radio dot com, or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Herd.

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

Welcome back to The Herd.

Welcome back to The Herd.

Jason McIntyre in for Colin Cowhard, our number two. As I've explained already, Cowhard ads a little bit of a travel issue.

Jason McIntyre in for Colin Cowhard, our number two. As I've explained already, Cowhard ads a little bit of a travel issue.

He will be back on Monday.

He will be back on Monday.

I believe he's watching this from an airport at an undisclosed in an undisclosed city.

I believe he's watching this from an airport at an undisclosed in an undisclosed city.

Good luck to you on the road there, mister Cowherd.

Good luck to you on the road there, mister Cowherd.

The big breaking news here that happened in the last fifteen minutes we'll talk about it with Rick Buker shortly, is that the Phoenix Suns have announced well I guess they didn't announce it, but Sham Sharania announced that the Sons are going to be hiring Frank Vogel. A buddy sent me a tweet that like twenty minutes before they got Frank Vogel, Doc Rivers pulled his name out of contention for the Phoenix Suns job smart timing Doc rivers unless he knew what was coming at any rate.

The big breaking news here that happened in the last fifteen minutes we'll talk about it with Rick Buker shortly, is that the Phoenix Suns have announced well I guess they didn't announce it, but Sham Sharania announced that the Sons are going to be hiring Frank Vogel. A buddy sent me a tweet that like twenty minutes before they got Frank Vogel, Doc Rivers pulled his name out of contention for the Phoenix Suns job smart timing Doc rivers unless he knew what was coming at any rate.

I just I like Frank Vogel a lot. I try. You guys know, I play a lot of basketball.

I just I like Frank Vogel a lot. I try. You guys know, I play a lot of basketball.

I talk about the Men's League, played a lot of pickup basketball during COVID and Frank Vogel lives in my neighborhood or lived in my neighborhood living out here in LA and one of my neighbors, a good buddy, is like I would see Frank Vogel out and I said, can you invite him to our pickup game? Because he apparently still plays basketball. He's like, dude, he is the nicest guy, the most down to earth, there's no arrogance. And he was coaching the Lakers. Okay, they ended up winning the title in the bubble. I'm a big Frank Vogel guy. Everybody says nice things about him. Defensive guy. He's going into a really toxic situation in Phoenix, And I know toxic is a strong word, but I'll be brief heer because I gotta get to an NFL list. Two things that jump out, Number one, Kevin Durant, my guy you know, I like KD. We got a little Instagram d bromance over the years. He likes to throw grenades at me. That's fine, but he responds. He's open to the discourse. I can't get over Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving saying, who needs a coach?

I talk about the Men's League, played a lot of pickup basketball during COVID and Frank Vogel lives in my neighborhood or lived in my neighborhood living out here in LA and one of my neighbors, a good buddy, is like I would see Frank Vogel out and I said, can you invite him to our pickup game? Because he apparently still plays basketball. He's like, dude, he is the nicest guy, the most down to earth, there's no arrogance. And he was coaching the Lakers. Okay, they ended up winning the title in the bubble. I'm a big Frank Vogel guy. Everybody says nice things about him. Defensive guy. He's going into a really toxic situation in Phoenix, And I know toxic is a strong word, but I'll be brief heer because I gotta get to an NFL list. Two things that jump out, Number one, Kevin Durant, my guy you know, I like KD. We got a little Instagram d bromance over the years. He likes to throw grenades at me. That's fine, but he responds. He's open to the discourse. I can't get over Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving saying, who needs a coach?

We don't need a coach.

We don't need a coach.

We could just roll the ball out and play. Kevin Durant, I respect the talent, top fifteen player all time, No doubt.

We could just roll the ball out and play. Kevin Durant, I respect the talent, top fifteen player all time, No doubt.

You need a coach, buddy, It's undeniable. Like go look at Philadelphia with Doc Rivers, go look at Milwaukee with Budenholzer.

You need a coach, buddy, It's undeniable. Like go look at Philadelphia with Doc Rivers, go look at Milwaukee with Budenholzer.

Coaches matter, and this idea that Frank Vogel is just gonna come in, like, you're not gonna teach Kevin Durant anything, You're not gonna teach Devin book Er anything.

Coaches matter, and this idea that Frank Vogel is just gonna come in, like, you're not gonna teach Kevin Durant anything, You're not gonna teach Devin book Er anything.

It's the supporting.

It's the supporting.

Cast and playing around them and maybe playing an ounce of defense because Denver Denver just shredded them.

Cast and playing around them and maybe playing an ounce of defense because Denver Denver just shredded them.

But this is a tough one for Frank Vogel. And I mentioned to Eddie House last hour.

But this is a tough one for Frank Vogel. And I mentioned to Eddie House last hour.

Vogels likes his room protectors that when he had that Laker team, they had JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, and Anthony Davis room protecting. Right now it's DeAndre Ayton, Jack Landale and Bismack Yambo.

Vogels likes his room protectors that when he had that Laker team, they had JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, and Anthony Davis room protecting. Right now it's DeAndre Ayton, Jack Landale and Bismack Yambo.

I think, I don't know that's gonna cut it.

I think, I don't know that's gonna cut it.

And I don't know that you can really move aighton now, so gonna get interesting. And I do wonder if this ends or just begins the Kyrie Irving journey, perhaps to Phoenix. We'll ask Rick Buker about that shortly. But first, I came up with the staff this morning. You know, we like a good list on this show sells well on the internet, gets people talking. So I came up with the ten most improved teams in the NFL.

And I don't know that you can really move aighton now, so gonna get interesting. And I do wonder if this ends or just begins the Kyrie Irving journey, perhaps to Phoenix. We'll ask Rick Buker about that shortly. But first, I came up with the staff this morning. You know, we like a good list on this show sells well on the internet, gets people talking. So I came up with the ten most improved teams in the NFL.

We will count them down number ten, We'll start with the Dallas Cowboys. How about them?

We will count them down number ten, We'll start with the Dallas Cowboys. How about them?

Cowboys pick up Brandon Cooks in the offseason and Stefan Gilmore. There's an argument this is a top defense, not only in the NFL, but number one in the NFC. The talent is there. I know they lost Zeke Elliott. It's not a huge loss. We'll see maybe for Jerry Jones, but not necessary for the Cowboys.

Cowboys pick up Brandon Cooks in the offseason and Stefan Gilmore. There's an argument this is a top defense, not only in the NFL, but number one in the NFC. The talent is there. I know they lost Zeke Elliott. It's not a huge loss. We'll see maybe for Jerry Jones, but not necessary for the Cowboys.

This is a really good team.

This is a really good team.

I'm not one hundred percent sold on them with the Kellen Moore loss, but They are certainly improved as a team, adding Cooks and Gilmour. Number nine the Detroit Lions, Now we've been hyping them for a while here. They had a spotty draft. Maybe reached a bit for the Kid Gibbs, the running back out Obama, and of course a linebacker in the first round that doesn't make any sense. But I love the secondary editions. Cameron Sutton comes over. He's been rocking Pittsburgh among other places.

I'm not one hundred percent sold on them with the Kellen Moore loss, but They are certainly improved as a team, adding Cooks and Gilmour. Number nine the Detroit Lions, Now we've been hyping them for a while here. They had a spotty draft. Maybe reached a bit for the Kid Gibbs, the running back out Obama, and of course a linebacker in the first round that doesn't make any sense. But I love the secondary editions. Cameron Sutton comes over. He's been rocking Pittsburgh among other places.

And CJ.

And CJ.

Gardner Johnson remember from Philadelphia, very good nickelback. This is I gotta say, this is a Detroit team that's going to be improved. Jeff Acuda obviously gone.

Gardner Johnson remember from Philadelphia, very good nickelback. This is I gotta say, this is a Detroit team that's going to be improved. Jeff Acuda obviously gone.

But they're the favorites.

But they're the favorites.

Well they're not the favorites, but I think I would make them the favorites to win the division over Minnesota. Number eight, Oh yeah, Jacksonville Jaguars. Calvin Ridley is the sole reason they are the most improveless so in twenty twenty in Atlanta, thirteen hundred yards receiving nine touchdowns. Ridley is a beast. You add him to Trevor Lawrence etn. I mean, this is a team that they kind of pushed Kansas City there in the playoff game. I like this Jacksonville team. You know, we'll talk about Betts later in the show. It ain't the worst bet in the world to say they win the most games in the AFC.

Well they're not the favorites, but I think I would make them the favorites to win the division over Minnesota. Number eight, Oh yeah, Jacksonville Jaguars. Calvin Ridley is the sole reason they are the most improveless so in twenty twenty in Atlanta, thirteen hundred yards receiving nine touchdowns. Ridley is a beast. You add him to Trevor Lawrence etn. I mean, this is a team that they kind of pushed Kansas City there in the playoff game. I like this Jacksonville team. You know, we'll talk about Betts later in the show. It ain't the worst bet in the world to say they win the most games in the AFC.

That division is just.

That division is just.

Absolutely putric Number seven, Let's go with the Denver Broncos. What's not to love about Sean Payton. They also got their offensive line added Mike mclinchy, stole him from San fran and Ben Powers. But you know, you could make an argument most improved are the Broncos, Like top three. I had him down here at seven. I do love the Sean Payton addition. It's just the AFC is so tough. There's still a world where this team does miss the playoffs.

Absolutely putric Number seven, Let's go with the Denver Broncos. What's not to love about Sean Payton. They also got their offensive line added Mike mclinchy, stole him from San fran and Ben Powers. But you know, you could make an argument most improved are the Broncos, Like top three. I had him down here at seven. I do love the Sean Payton addition. It's just the AFC is so tough. There's still a world where this team does miss the playoffs.

Number six, Let's go with the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson. They keep him.

Number six, Let's go with the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson. They keep him.

That squabble that marriage was on the Rocks is back on. They add Odell Beckham. They arguably have, well not arguably, they got the best wide receiver room, receiving room if you throw in the tight ends that Lamar Jackson's ever had. Now the new offensive coordinator, We'll see how that works out, Todd Monkin.

That squabble that marriage was on the Rocks is back on. They add Odell Beckham. They arguably have, well not arguably, they got the best wide receiver room, receiving room if you throw in the tight ends that Lamar Jackson's ever had. Now the new offensive coordinator, We'll see how that works out, Todd Monkin.

But I do think from an.

But I do think from an.

Roof standpoint, this offense has all the pieces in place to be an eleven or twelve win team. Number five, let's go with the New Orleans Saints. They're here for one reason and one reason alone.

Roof standpoint, this offense has all the pieces in place to be an eleven or twelve win team. Number five, let's go with the New Orleans Saints. They're here for one reason and one reason alone.

Mister Derek Carr. What's not to love about Carr?

Mister Derek Carr. What's not to love about Carr?

I mean, besides the fact that he was you know, sixteen games fifteen games under five hundred with the Raiders. But Carr is a massive upgrade over the poo poo platter of quarterbacks they've had there since Drew Brees left.

I mean, besides the fact that he was you know, sixteen games fifteen games under five hundred with the Raiders. But Carr is a massive upgrade over the poo poo platter of quarterbacks they've had there since Drew Brees left.

Carr, you know, I think he could make a case to be one of the better quarterbacks in the NFC. Now.

Carr, you know, I think he could make a case to be one of the better quarterbacks in the NFC. Now.

The NFC's down on the quarterback front. It's like Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott, like, I don't know, it's pretty bleak. But Kirk Cousins and Derek Carr right there in contention for number two. And I do believe Carr and the Saints they could be a twelve thirteen win team. Vegas seems to be a little light on them, which is a bit of a surprise to be number four. Number four Miami Dolphins. You know, I do not like saying nice things about the Dolphins. As a Jets Fandi'm conditioned to dislike Miami dates back to that Dan Marino fakes. But we don't need to talk about that when you add Jalen Ramsey, one of the better cornerbacks in the league. And yes, I've called him a pilot inspector on the show and he did not like that. But Jalen Ramsey's a game changer in a secondary. They're gonna lose Byron Jones the other cornerback, and Xavier Howard very good.

The NFC's down on the quarterback front. It's like Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott, like, I don't know, it's pretty bleak. But Kirk Cousins and Derek Carr right there in contention for number two. And I do believe Carr and the Saints they could be a twelve thirteen win team. Vegas seems to be a little light on them, which is a bit of a surprise to be number four. Number four Miami Dolphins. You know, I do not like saying nice things about the Dolphins. As a Jets Fandi'm conditioned to dislike Miami dates back to that Dan Marino fakes. But we don't need to talk about that when you add Jalen Ramsey, one of the better cornerbacks in the league. And yes, I've called him a pilot inspector on the show and he did not like that. But Jalen Ramsey's a game changer in a secondary. They're gonna lose Byron Jones the other cornerback, and Xavier Howard very good.

They're gonna have a good secondary.

They're gonna have a good secondary.

They're gonna have a really good team. The only question is the offensive line. But from an improved standpoint, Jalen Ramsey's definitely a.

They're gonna have a really good team. The only question is the offensive line. But from an improved standpoint, Jalen Ramsey's definitely a.

Big ad for Miami.

Big ad for Miami.

Number three.

Number three.

Yes, here we go, Colin Special the LA Chargers. Adding Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator is immensely.

Yes, here we go, Colin Special the LA Chargers. Adding Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator is immensely.

Huge to Justin Herbert.

Huge to Justin Herbert.

I really do think this is a Chargers team that finally breaks through and wins a playoff game. Remember the hype has been there for Herbert now for two years. They lose in the final game of the season to the Raiders. Herbert was extraordinary, and they missed the playoffs. Then they get to the playoffs. I think they led with it like twenty seven nothing, twenty to nothing, whatever it was on the road in Jacksonville, and then blow the lead and lose the game.

I really do think this is a Chargers team that finally breaks through and wins a playoff game. Remember the hype has been there for Herbert now for two years. They lose in the final game of the season to the Raiders. Herbert was extraordinary, and they missed the playoffs. Then they get to the playoffs. I think they led with it like twenty seven nothing, twenty to nothing, whatever it was on the road in Jacksonville, and then blow the lead and lose the game.

Listen, it's I can't say that phrase.

Listen, it's I can't say that phrase.

I was going to say something that I can't say, but it's time to put up or shut up, basically for the Chargers, and I think the improvement of Kellen Moore is huge.

I was going to say something that I can't say, but it's time to put up or shut up, basically for the Chargers, and I think the improvement of Kellen Moore is huge.

I love the Chargers this year.

I love the Chargers this year.

Number two.

Number two.

You were waiting, huh you thought the Jets would be one.

You were waiting, huh you thought the Jets would be one.

They're not.

They're not.

The Jets are the second most improved team in the league besides Aaron Rodgers. They add Alan Lazard, Rodgers's best buddy, Randall Cobb loved me some me cole Hardman quickness, a lot of junk plays. I know they lost Barrios, which hurts. But Nathaniel Hackett's going to be the most interesting ad. How motivated is that dude going to be after getting run out of Denver in like five minutes in one of the pretty bleakest head coaching tenures in recent NFL memory. Honestly, this was up there with the Urban Meyer disaster. It was bad for Hackett. He's motivated. Him and Rogers have worked together previously. I think the Jets have to be the second most.

The Jets are the second most improved team in the league besides Aaron Rodgers. They add Alan Lazard, Rodgers's best buddy, Randall Cobb loved me some me cole Hardman quickness, a lot of junk plays. I know they lost Barrios, which hurts. But Nathaniel Hackett's going to be the most interesting ad. How motivated is that dude going to be after getting run out of Denver in like five minutes in one of the pretty bleakest head coaching tenures in recent NFL memory. Honestly, this was up there with the Urban Meyer disaster. It was bad for Hackett. He's motivated. Him and Rogers have worked together previously. I think the Jets have to be the second most.

Improved team in the NFL Number one.

Improved team in the NFL Number one.

Well, that leaves one team, folks, the Chicago Bears. Spend money, make money. That's like a business adage that goes back for many, many decades, and the Chicago Bears spent like drunken sailors in this offseason.

Well, that leaves one team, folks, the Chicago Bears. Spend money, make money. That's like a business adage that goes back for many, many decades, and the Chicago Bears spent like drunken sailors in this offseason.

But here's the good news.

But here's the good news.

The last two teams to spend the most in free agency have seen an uptick of nearly four wins. The Patriots two years ago they made the playoffs and lost last year Jacksonville.

The last two teams to spend the most in free agency have seen an uptick of nearly four wins. The Patriots two years ago they made the playoffs and lost last year Jacksonville.

This year, Chicago Bears. Here are some of the names they added.

This year, Chicago Bears. Here are some of the names they added.

DJ Moore via trade, Dante Foreman very good backup running back, Robert Tanyan they stole from the Packers in the division.

DJ Moore via trade, Dante Foreman very good backup running back, Robert Tanyan they stole from the Packers in the division.

TJ.

TJ.

Edwards good linebacker. I don't love paying linebackers, but I digress. Tremaine Edmunds another linebacker, young, talented. This is a team that got a lot better, folks. Justin fields has help. Remember they got Clay Pool last year at the deadline, so they got some depth on the outside. Chicago Bears most improved team in the league and one of my hottest takes for the upcoming NFL season. The Bears will win more games this year than the Green Bay Packers in Jordan Love, and that's gonna send Packers fans spirally because they got no hope going forward.

Edwards good linebacker. I don't love paying linebackers, but I digress. Tremaine Edmunds another linebacker, young, talented. This is a team that got a lot better, folks. Justin fields has help. Remember they got Clay Pool last year at the deadline, so they got some depth on the outside. Chicago Bears most improved team in the league and one of my hottest takes for the upcoming NFL season. The Bears will win more games this year than the Green Bay Packers in Jordan Love, and that's gonna send Packers fans spirally because they got no hope going forward.

All right.

All right.

Coming up next, Rick Buker will tell us if the NBA Finals are already over after the Nuggets blowout in Game one, and we'll talk about Frank Vogel and the move by the Phoenix Suns.

Coming up next, Rick Buker will tell us if the NBA Finals are already over after the Nuggets blowout in Game one, and we'll talk about Frank Vogel and the move by the Phoenix Suns.

One more Heard The Herd streams twenty four hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you like.

One more Heard The Herd streams twenty four hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you like.

Back here on the Herd.

Back here on the Herd.

Jason McIntyre in for Colin Cowherd Cowhard is back Monday. Our next guest is tremendous on the NBA and with breaking news. Thank you Phoenix Suns for giving Rick Bucker and I something to talk about. Rick Bucker Fox Sports NBA analyst Frank Vogel goes to the Suns, Rick.

Jason McIntyre in for Colin Cowherd Cowhard is back Monday. Our next guest is tremendous on the NBA and with breaking news. Thank you Phoenix Suns for giving Rick Bucker and I something to talk about. Rick Bucker Fox Sports NBA analyst Frank Vogel goes to the Suns, Rick.

Yeah, initial thoughts, I understand why they would do it. Obviously they need improvement on their defense. He's also he's very much a player's coach. I heard you in the previous segment talking about what a nice guy he is. He's a really nice guy. And this team is going to be run by the stars. It's going to be run by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker and potentially Kyrie Irving, as we discussed yesterday. And I do I do I like it? Do I think it's going to get them where they're going to go, where they want to go, win a championship?

Yeah, initial thoughts, I understand why they would do it. Obviously they need improvement on their defense. He's also he's very much a player's coach. I heard you in the previous segment talking about what a nice guy he is. He's a really nice guy. And this team is going to be run by the stars. It's going to be run by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker and potentially Kyrie Irving, as we discussed yesterday. And I do I do I like it? Do I think it's going to get them where they're going to go, where they want to go, win a championship?

No, I don't. I don't see that.

No, I don't. I don't see that.

But considering the composition, you have a brand new owner, you are cow towing to the stars. Uh, Frank Vogel is going to make that work. It's the classic I'm going to give you the exact opposite of what we had. Monty Williams is a demanding coach, you know, by today's standards, and Frank Vogel is not to say he's not demanding, but he's not the least bit confrontational. That was almost may have been what did Monty end because he was confrontational with Jay Crowder in terms of this is the way it's going to be saying with DeAndre Ayton. That's why those personalities didn't mesh. This does give me pause and make me wonder whether they would rethink and The reason that they hired Frank is because he could cultivate a relationship with DeAndrea aiden that they are more alike personality wise, and they may see this is the avenue to getting the best out of DeAndre.

But considering the composition, you have a brand new owner, you are cow towing to the stars. Uh, Frank Vogel is going to make that work. It's the classic I'm going to give you the exact opposite of what we had. Monty Williams is a demanding coach, you know, by today's standards, and Frank Vogel is not to say he's not demanding, but he's not the least bit confrontational. That was almost may have been what did Monty end because he was confrontational with Jay Crowder in terms of this is the way it's going to be saying with DeAndre Ayton. That's why those personalities didn't mesh. This does give me pause and make me wonder whether they would rethink and The reason that they hired Frank is because he could cultivate a relationship with DeAndrea aiden that they are more alike personality wise, and they may see this is the avenue to getting the best out of DeAndre.

Interesting.

Interesting.

I'm sure you saw the video from the Nugget series where Booker was standing DeAndre on the bench of Booker's like telling him, like, dude, you got to do that whatever it was, Yeah, and Ayton was basically just like not interested. Chris Paul had to take Booker out of there, yes, and it was just like, maybe the coach can salvage Ayton, but what about the player's relationship with him.

I'm sure you saw the video from the Nugget series where Booker was standing DeAndre on the bench of Booker's like telling him, like, dude, you got to do that whatever it was, Yeah, and Ayton was basically just like not interested. Chris Paul had to take Booker out of there, yes, and it was just like, maybe the coach can salvage Ayton, but what about the player's relationship with him.

I look, I've heard players and talked to players. They don't they don't begrudge who DeAndrea is.

I look, I've heard players and talked to players. They don't they don't begrudge who DeAndrea is.

They know who he is.

They know who he is.

He's just not a firestarter and and so he's just got a way about him that you have to accept that's who he is and find a way how you can engage him to the best of your ability.

He's just not a firestarter and and so he's just got a way about him that you have to accept that's who he is and find a way how you can engage him to the best of your ability.

Because the talent is there.

Because the talent is there.

I mean, you always have different personalities, and let's face it, you know, Kevin Durant is not the most aggressive forward personality. So I can see it working Look, you're always gonna have different personalities on every team, and it's a matter of whether the coach can reach each one of them on their own terms.

I mean, you always have different personalities, and let's face it, you know, Kevin Durant is not the most aggressive forward personality. So I can see it working Look, you're always gonna have different personalities on every team, and it's a matter of whether the coach can reach each one of them on their own terms.

We'll get to the finals shortly, Rick, but I got to go to this Ja Moran stuff like Adam Silver. I know it was like an unintended bomb to drop, but to say, hey.

We'll get to the finals shortly, Rick, but I got to go to this Ja Moran stuff like Adam Silver. I know it was like an unintended bomb to drop, but to say, hey.

We uncovered some more stuff.

We uncovered some more stuff.

We're not gonna talk about it now, We'll just do it after the finals. I mean, the speculation is wild. You know, fifty games, I don't know what we're looking at.

We're not gonna talk about it now, We'll just do it after the finals. I mean, the speculation is wild. You know, fifty games, I don't know what we're looking at.

He embarrassed the league, yeah, Minimum, Well it's not just that he embarrassed the league. It's that he met with Adam and obviously gave him certain assurances that this won't happen again, and then it did. And Adam's not going to take that lightly. He's not the late great David Stern, but he's also he's going to draw the line. And my greater concern is whatever underlying issues that job may have, those are the ones that need to be addressed because I've seen this is the guy I saw go to Salt Lake City to sit next to the bench to support their summer League team in Salt Lake. Now, there are plenty of star players who go to Las Vegas to support their summer league team. I don't, I don't. I can count on one hand the number of them that go to Salt Lake City to do that. So there's so much about Job that is contrary to all of these incidents that we've heard that I think that there has to be more going on here then meets the eye. And I knew from the very start that going down to Florida for a couple of days of counseling and stress management wasn't going to be the answer to this problem. Whatever it is, fifty games, the entire season, whatever it is, I just hope that it is. Let's deal with the issue and not just have a punishment, and hope that Job gets it. Like he's too great a player, he has too much value to the league. He could set such a great example for young players and kids who might find themselves facing the same challenge. This goes back to I remember Rashid Wallace and any number of players who come from a certain background. And we can go back and forth whether that whether joh qualifies for that, but they come from a certain background and they're told don't forget who you are, which is interpreted as don't forget where you came from, don't turn your back on the people, or don't change your behavior. What just because you're in the NBA and got money and the reality, the harsh reality is, yeah, you're in a.

He embarrassed the league, yeah, Minimum, Well it's not just that he embarrassed the league. It's that he met with Adam and obviously gave him certain assurances that this won't happen again, and then it did. And Adam's not going to take that lightly. He's not the late great David Stern, but he's also he's going to draw the line. And my greater concern is whatever underlying issues that job may have, those are the ones that need to be addressed because I've seen this is the guy I saw go to Salt Lake City to sit next to the bench to support their summer League team in Salt Lake. Now, there are plenty of star players who go to Las Vegas to support their summer league team. I don't, I don't. I can count on one hand the number of them that go to Salt Lake City to do that. So there's so much about Job that is contrary to all of these incidents that we've heard that I think that there has to be more going on here then meets the eye. And I knew from the very start that going down to Florida for a couple of days of counseling and stress management wasn't going to be the answer to this problem. Whatever it is, fifty games, the entire season, whatever it is, I just hope that it is. Let's deal with the issue and not just have a punishment, and hope that Job gets it. Like he's too great a player, he has too much value to the league. He could set such a great example for young players and kids who might find themselves facing the same challenge. This goes back to I remember Rashid Wallace and any number of players who come from a certain background. And we can go back and forth whether that whether joh qualifies for that, but they come from a certain background and they're told don't forget who you are, which is interpreted as don't forget where you came from, don't turn your back on the people, or don't change your behavior. What just because you're in the NBA and got money and the reality, the harsh reality is, yeah, you're in a.

Different circle now.

Different circle now.

You have to behave differently, you have to hang out with different people, you have to conduct yourself in a different way because you're in the NBA. But that for guys who want to be true to themselves, that's a really difficult juxtaposition to be in.

You have to behave differently, you have to hang out with different people, you have to conduct yourself in a different way because you're in the NBA. But that for guys who want to be true to themselves, that's a really difficult juxtaposition to be in.

I think that's the dumbest thing ever, This idea that, hey, don't forget where you came from.

I think that's the dumbest thing ever, This idea that, hey, don't forget where you came from.

Man, that's stupid. Well, you would agree right at the flip side.

Man, that's stupid. Well, you would agree right at the flip side.

The flip side of it is you're being introduced to all these brand new people from a culture that you are not familiar with, and you're being trust these people. And how many guys, how many players have ever seen who have been screwed over? Yes, by people just want to take advantage of them.

The flip side of it is you're being introduced to all these brand new people from a culture that you are not familiar with, and you're being trust these people. And how many guys, how many players have ever seen who have been screwed over? Yes, by people just want to take advantage of them.

What do you think that John's getting screwed over my his friends?

What do you think that John's getting screwed over my his friends?

Hey, I'm gonna get on social media and then its friend goes live where John's hanging on the gun, Like, yeah, you're supposed to grow.

Hey, I'm gonna get on social media and then its friend goes live where John's hanging on the gun, Like, yeah, you're supposed to grow.

Up in mature, right, are you?

Up in mature, right, are you?

Not?

Not?

For sure? Yeah?

For sure? Yeah?

But when you hand you hand somebody in their early twenties, I mean I was a mess and me too, Like you had to be two hundred million dollars and all of the fame that the NBA brings at age twenty two. And I didn't grow up like you know, uh middle class, lower middle class, But like I had good role models growing up. I still chances are I would have made the papers or the the headlines.

But when you hand you hand somebody in their early twenties, I mean I was a mess and me too, Like you had to be two hundred million dollars and all of the fame that the NBA brings at age twenty two. And I didn't grow up like you know, uh middle class, lower middle class, But like I had good role models growing up. I still chances are I would have made the papers or the the headlines.

Good think there was no social media.

Good think there was no social media.

Well, thank goodness, I'm sure everybody, Thanks goodness. I didn't make my two hundred million.

Well, thank goodness, I'm sure everybody, Thanks goodness. I didn't make my two hundred million.

Then let's go to the finals. I don't know. Can I say it was a bloodbath last night? I mean it was never close, Rick, like that game was. I never got a sense Mimi had a chance. I don't know. I would love to make a.

Then let's go to the finals. I don't know. Can I say it was a bloodbath last night? I mean it was never close, Rick, like that game was. I never got a sense Mimi had a chance. I don't know. I would love to make a.

Case that the extra day off before you know, they got a next Friday and Saturday off for before Game two, can Jimmy Butler conjure up a forty two point game to salvage the series? Because Denver just looks so confident, man, yeah, but look I said it going in and I was I was kind and said I thought that Denver would win in five.

Case that the extra day off before you know, they got a next Friday and Saturday off for before Game two, can Jimmy Butler conjure up a forty two point game to salvage the series? Because Denver just looks so confident, man, yeah, but look I said it going in and I was I was kind and said I thought that Denver would win in five.

I'm still sticking with that. But after watching last night, all the things that I thought were gonna come true. They just have all the things that Boston did not. You saw that, like the zone, they just sliced and diced that. Ye, Miami didn't try it until Yokic was off the floor and Christian Brown and Jeff Green got into the middle of the zone. They got the ball there, they kicked it back out the threes. They did enough, and then they even tried it against Jokic and he showed you exactly how he can slice and dice it. So I would say that what I would expect, and this is now, you're going to extremes. Either either play Kyle Lowry on Jokic and single cover him and say Jokic, go ahead, and we're gonna let you try to beat. We're gonna stay home on everybody else. We're gonna put Aaron uh or we're gonna put Bam out of Bio on Aaron Gordon because that was I mean, Gabe Vincent on Aaron Gordon. That just set the that set the tone. But they're gonna have to do something extraordinary or you start Cody zeller on on Jokic and you move and you move bam over. But I I just it's going to take some something very creative, and even that I'm not.

I'm still sticking with that. But after watching last night, all the things that I thought were gonna come true. They just have all the things that Boston did not. You saw that, like the zone, they just sliced and diced that. Ye, Miami didn't try it until Yokic was off the floor and Christian Brown and Jeff Green got into the middle of the zone. They got the ball there, they kicked it back out the threes. They did enough, and then they even tried it against Jokic and he showed you exactly how he can slice and dice it. So I would say that what I would expect, and this is now, you're going to extremes. Either either play Kyle Lowry on Jokic and single cover him and say Jokic, go ahead, and we're gonna let you try to beat. We're gonna stay home on everybody else. We're gonna put Aaron uh or we're gonna put Bam out of Bio on Aaron Gordon because that was I mean, Gabe Vincent on Aaron Gordon. That just set the that set the tone. But they're gonna have to do something extraordinary or you start Cody zeller on on Jokic and you move and you move bam over. But I I just it's going to take some something very creative, and even that I'm not.

Sure is going to take like an act of God for Miman No.

Sure is going to take like an act of God for Miman No.

No, in all seriousness, heat fans are trying to sell me on social media. Hey, high Smith was really good. They unlocked something with high Smith. Maybe he's kind of like a fire hid.

No, in all seriousness, heat fans are trying to sell me on social media. Hey, high Smith was really good. They unlocked something with high Smith. Maybe he's kind of like a fire hid.

I think that was a joke. I really think that was a joke. I would hope it was. I think it was. I think that was a playoff of the Ruy Hatchamura. Remember at the end.

I think that was a joke. I really think that was a joke. I would hope it was. I think it was. I think that was a playoff of the Ruy Hatchamura. Remember at the end.

At the end of at the you know what, the Lakers found something. I mean, Lakers fans legitimately thought they had. In fact, not even Lakers fans. I mean I think I heard people on other networks, not this one, they were talking about how the Rui thing was. You know, Rui was the answer to Nikola Yo Kitz. I can't even say it without laughing.

At the end of at the you know what, the Lakers found something. I mean, Lakers fans legitimately thought they had. In fact, not even Lakers fans. I mean I think I heard people on other networks, not this one, they were talking about how the Rui thing was. You know, Rui was the answer to Nikola Yo Kitz. I can't even say it without laughing.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So the other thing, Miami fans are hanging their hat on Caleb Martin Duncan Robinson, max Strus, the undrafted stars.

So the other thing, Miami fans are hanging their hat on Caleb Martin Duncan Robinson, max Strus, the undrafted stars.

Yeah, two for twenty three shooting.

Yeah, two for twenty three shooting.

That's not gonna happen again, Rick, All they have to do is at like forty and this is a game, you h But.

That's not gonna happen again, Rick, All they have to do is at like forty and this is a game, you h But.

Here's the problem you're facing. A first of all, just because of the composition of the Nuggets and the length and the size that they have, their defensive players can press up on the perimeter in a way that Boston couldn't or didn't, and so they weren't missing just because they weren't not they weren't all wide open. They were far more contested than the shots that they were getting against Boston because for any number of reasons, part of it being that the zone wasn't working and they weren't getting the same transition looks on on missshots. But this is also the danger when we were ready to anoint Caleb Martin as being on the level of Jimmy.

Here's the problem you're facing. A first of all, just because of the composition of the Nuggets and the length and the size that they have, their defensive players can press up on the perimeter in a way that Boston couldn't or didn't, and so they weren't missing just because they weren't not they weren't all wide open. They were far more contested than the shots that they were getting against Boston because for any number of reasons, part of it being that the zone wasn't working and they weren't getting the same transition looks on on missshots. But this is also the danger when we were ready to anoint Caleb Martin as being on the level of Jimmy.

Butler right, next steph Curry right or yeah, I mean, just like slow down.

Butler right, next steph Curry right or yeah, I mean, just like slow down.

When a guy has a great series against a particular opponent, or even a couple of series, I mean, he's been he's been good, and he certainly made himself a lot of money. But there is the test of facing different opponents, different challenges that a player must pass before you can anoint them being at a certain level. And then you know, and then there's just Jimmy like or the fact that they didn't get to the free throw line, and that Jimmy didn't get to the.

When a guy has a great series against a particular opponent, or even a couple of series, I mean, he's been he's been good, and he certainly made himself a lot of money. But there is the test of facing different opponents, different challenges that a player must pass before you can anoint them being at a certain level. And then you know, and then there's just Jimmy like or the fact that they didn't get to the free throw line, and that Jimmy didn't get to the.

Free throw fALS called on Denver.

Free throw fALS called on Denver.

Somebody speculating again, just NBA guy speculating time for the.

Somebody speculating again, just NBA guy speculating time for the.

NBA to call in Scott Foster. Get the cooler and they get some get some free throws for the Heat.

NBA to call in Scott Foster. Get the cooler and they get some get some free throws for the Heat.

Yeah, but if you watch the game, and I watched the game with my daughter. She's a huge Jimmy Butler and Jimmy Butler before he blew up just now always a Jimmy Butler fan, uh and a Miami Heat fan.

Yeah, but if you watch the game, and I watched the game with my daughter. She's a huge Jimmy Butler and Jimmy Butler before he blew up just now always a Jimmy Butler fan, uh and a Miami Heat fan.

And I and she was just two free throws.

And I and she was just two free throws.

I said, do you remember any calls where you said, oh, that was a foul? The Miami Heat weren't attacking the rim. Gabe Vincent said it at the end of the first quarter, like, we need to put pressure on the rim. But when you're playing against guys that are equally athletic and bigger and longer, good luck getting to the rim and getting the shopper.

I said, do you remember any calls where you said, oh, that was a foul? The Miami Heat weren't attacking the rim. Gabe Vincent said it at the end of the first quarter, like, we need to put pressure on the rim. But when you're playing against guys that are equally athletic and bigger and longer, good luck getting to the rim and getting the shopper.

Had a couple of nice blocks.

Had a couple of nice blocks.

That was I mean, I think Caleb Martin beat him to the hoop and that was a layup against Boston and Porter just smacked it against the back. Wow.

That was I mean, I think Caleb Martin beat him to the hoop and that was a layup against Boston and Porter just smacked it against the back. Wow.

It is I Again, It's why I felt that the Denver Nuggets not only were massively underrated going into these playoffs and and and certainly going into the last series and into this one, but I we're looking at potentially the next dynasty, if you will, because they're young, they're athletic, they get the right coach, the chemistry is good, and Nikolai Jokich ain't going anywhere.

It is I Again, It's why I felt that the Denver Nuggets not only were massively underrated going into these playoffs and and and certainly going into the last series and into this one, but I we're looking at potentially the next dynasty, if you will, because they're young, they're athletic, they get the right coach, the chemistry is good, and Nikolai Jokich ain't going anywhere.

Yeah, you look at the contracts and it's like Murray's locked in, Gordon's locked in. The only guy that could lose is Bruce Brown, who I like a lot.

Yeah, you look at the contracts and it's like Murray's locked in, Gordon's locked in. The only guy that could lose is Bruce Brown, who I like a lot.

I think he's a very good player, knows's role, but Christian Brown's evolving.

I think he's a very good player, knows's role, but Christian Brown's evolving.

Jeff Green is a veteran, Like they don't have a weakness. Thirteen and three in the playoffs and when they get up by double digits, they're eleven to zero, so they know how to just choke you out.

Jeff Green is a veteran, Like they don't have a weakness. Thirteen and three in the playoffs and when they get up by double digits, they're eleven to zero, so they know how to just choke you out.

You come back against this team.

You come back against this team.

You know what this is gonna do is I think it's going to bring back seven foot, two d and fifty pounds centers on every roster. There's going to be a spot for them now, because what are we seeing with Jokic, Like, how do you match up with the Miami Heat don't have anybody, The Golden State Warriors don't have anybody. You can make the case that even with Anthony Davis, like the Lakers, who are they turning to, teams just haven't equipped their rosters with the plenty of seven footers that are two d and twenty two hundred and thirty pounds and can.

You know what this is gonna do is I think it's going to bring back seven foot, two d and fifty pounds centers on every roster. There's going to be a spot for them now, because what are we seeing with Jokic, Like, how do you match up with the Miami Heat don't have anybody, The Golden State Warriors don't have anybody. You can make the case that even with Anthony Davis, like the Lakers, who are they turning to, teams just haven't equipped their rosters with the plenty of seven footers that are two d and twenty two hundred and thirty pounds and can.

Chew gum at the same time and run.

Chew gum at the same time and run.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah, but that's you know, that's Anthony Davis. If you're gonna defend Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid, you're gonna need somebody.

Yeah, but that's you know, that's Anthony Davis. If you're gonna defend Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid, you're gonna need somebody.

Who's got is athletic, but he's.

Who's got is athletic, but he's.

Gonna need a little more or has a little more heft. So I think I think what we could see with Jokic to a great extent and mb to a lesser extent is once more, this is like the Draymond Green effect.

Gonna need a little more or has a little more heft. So I think I think what we could see with Jokic to a great extent and mb to a lesser extent is once more, this is like the Draymond Green effect.

Right, you had a.

Right, you had a.

Power forward who was skilled and could defend bigger players and then get out on the break. Now you're gonna need I think you're gonna see rosters trying to find that that seven foot guy that can defend the Jokic's and embiids for the teams that are interested in playing for a time.

Power forward who was skilled and could defend bigger players and then get out on the break. Now you're gonna need I think you're gonna see rosters trying to find that that seven foot guy that can defend the Jokic's and embiids for the teams that are interested in playing for a time.

Are there any more plumbly brothers out there that we don't know about?

Are there any more plumbly brothers out there that we don't know about?

I guess we'll we'll, We'll find out Zellers, Deller's big Jokic's brothers make they get a job.

I guess we'll we'll, We'll find out Zellers, Deller's big Jokic's brothers make they get a job.

Hey, so last one, I gotta ask about Nick nurse situation. So yes, Nick Nurse disciplinarian, holds players accountable, stresses defense.

Hey, so last one, I gotta ask about Nick nurse situation. So yes, Nick Nurse disciplinarian, holds players accountable, stresses defense.

Yes, it's like James.

Yes, it's like James.

Those are things that James Harden does not click with and vibe with. As the young kids would say out there. I'm sure you saw the press conference. It was a little contentious. It didn't sound like Harden's like, we need James Harden back here. He's like, I want James Harden back sher.

Those are things that James Harden does not click with and vibe with. As the young kids would say out there. I'm sure you saw the press conference. It was a little contentious. It didn't sound like Harden's like, we need James Harden back here. He's like, I want James Harden back sher.

I like him, Yeah, because it's I mean, one, it's not up to him. Two, he's walking into a situation where you.

I like him, Yeah, because it's I mean, one, it's not up to him. Two, he's walking into a situation where you.

Don't think he could just say, hey, James, I'm here now, I want you. You're my guy, please stay And then Darryl Mory Pony's up.

Don't think he could just say, hey, James, I'm here now, I want you. You're my guy, please stay And then Darryl Mory Pony's up.

Like, no, this was not at the relationship between James Harden and Daryl Morey has been going on for years and that will be stronger than anything that Nick Nurse has ever able to accomplish. I will say, if there's anybody, And again I understand the hiring here. I don't think he's as harsh. He's not Scott Skiles, he's not Tom Thibot, right, He's this is the guy who made it work with Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard and like, yeah, I'm a number of different guys and I and I love the way he handled the the.

Like, no, this was not at the relationship between James Harden and Daryl Morey has been going on for years and that will be stronger than anything that Nick Nurse has ever able to accomplish. I will say, if there's anybody, And again I understand the hiring here. I don't think he's as harsh. He's not Scott Skiles, he's not Tom Thibot, right, He's this is the guy who made it work with Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard and like, yeah, I'm a number of different guys and I and I love the way he handled the the.

Raptors this past year.

Raptors this past year.

Like I looked at them and I thought I thought they would have a better record than that he did. But he got everything that he could out of them. They didn't have a closer. That's what they needed. And the fact that James is or can be, I think that Nick will appreciate that. My bottom line is, I think Nick has the ability to reach different guys in different ways. Do you think and if Darryl decides that James and James decides that he wants to stay, there's a part of me that thinks that this is all a smoke screen to get money, right, not only to get money, but to keep the NBA off of the Philadelphia's back because if you remember, James sign a team friendly deal for this year. He could have he could have demanded more. So yes, so he well, that's cap if if James was promised we're gonna take care of you down the line, that's cap circumvention.

Like I looked at them and I thought I thought they would have a better record than that he did. But he got everything that he could out of them. They didn't have a closer. That's what they needed. And the fact that James is or can be, I think that Nick will appreciate that. My bottom line is, I think Nick has the ability to reach different guys in different ways. Do you think and if Darryl decides that James and James decides that he wants to stay, there's a part of me that thinks that this is all a smoke screen to get money, right, not only to get money, but to keep the NBA off of the Philadelphia's back because if you remember, James sign a team friendly deal for this year. He could have he could have demanded more. So yes, so he well, that's cap if if James was promised we're gonna take care of you down the line, that's cap circumvention.

And the league was aware of it.

And the league was aware of it.

So this all all this innuendo of he's going to go someplace else and he doesn't know, and I want my freedom, and you know what, I'm not sold that it's not just to cover so that when he resigns with Philadelphia, the NBA doesn't come down.

So this all all this innuendo of he's going to go someplace else and he doesn't know, and I want my freedom, and you know what, I'm not sold that it's not just to cover so that when he resigns with Philadelphia, the NBA doesn't come down.

It's good.

It's good.

I like that now.

I like that now.

I will say Harden notoriously likes to stay out at night and party. Fred van Vliet, who was his guy, Nick Nurse's guy in Toronto, also eligible to be moving. Like, do you think Nick Nurse would rather have James Harden or Fred VanVleet.

I will say Harden notoriously likes to stay out at night and party. Fred van Vliet, who was his guy, Nick Nurse's guy in Toronto, also eligible to be moving. Like, do you think Nick Nurse would rather have James Harden or Fred VanVleet.

Oh, that's a great question.

Oh, that's a great question.

I don't know, because Nurse not not Maury, because we know who Mariy would rather guy.

I don't know, because Nurse not not Maury, because we know who Mariy would rather guy.

That's a great question.

That's a great question.

I would think Fan Vliet just because he's got an established relationship with him.

I would think Fan Vliet just because he's got an established relationship with him.

You've been to Philly a lot. I lived outside of Philly. Fred Van Vliet is more Philadelphia than James Harden will ever be.

You've been to Philly a lot. I lived outside of Philly. Fred Van Vliet is more Philadelphia than James Harden will ever be.

I would agree with that.

I would agree with that.

Yeah, and like, I'm a big Fred Van Vliet fan. Yeah, bullushite. I want the Lakers to go after him.

Yeah, and like, I'm a big Fred Van Vliet fan. Yeah, bullushite. I want the Lakers to go after him.

But he is I mean his size and his ability to get his shot. He's an overachiever in what he's been.

But he is I mean his size and his ability to get his shot. He's an overachiever in what he's been.

Give me an overachiever all day over and underachiever and I'm with you.

Give me an overachiever all day over and underachiever and I'm with you.

But if you ask me, if you ask me who can score more easily with the game on the line, I'm gonna give you James Harden ten out of ten times. I love what Van Vliet has made himself into. But if you're giving me one of the other to close a game, it's not a hard choice.

But if you ask me, if you ask me who can score more easily with the game on the line, I'm gonna give you James Harden ten out of ten times. I love what Van Vliet has made himself into. But if you're giving me one of the other to close a game, it's not a hard choice.

I'm gonna ask where was Harden in Game six and seven?

I'm gonna ask where was Harden in Game six and seven?

And that I like, I'm not responsible for what he does. I'm just telling what he could.

And that I like, I'm not responsible for what he does. I'm just telling what he could.

I know, I know he listened. He won two games for them in the series, literally in the final Yeah what thirty seconds?

I know, I know he listened. He won two games for them in the series, literally in the final Yeah what thirty seconds?

Yeah, he showed you in one what he's capable of. When you've experienced that, boy, it's awfully hard to give up to that. You're constantly gonna go, can I just get one more?

Yeah, he showed you in one what he's capable of. When you've experienced that, boy, it's awfully hard to give up to that. You're constantly gonna go, can I just get one more?

Can he can give you two? And then Embiid can win you a game. I don't know, didn't Bid win any games with them in that series. Yeah, oh he was heard again. Yeah, the conditioning rick. One of my favorite videos that went around during the postseason against the Nets was Joel Embiid falling down and he just kept hitting the deck like every other possession, He's just falling down, barely getting touched.

Can he can give you two? And then Embiid can win you a game. I don't know, didn't Bid win any games with them in that series. Yeah, oh he was heard again. Yeah, the conditioning rick. One of my favorite videos that went around during the postseason against the Nets was Joel Embiid falling down and he just kept hitting the deck like every other possession, He's just falling down, barely getting touched.

Do you think that kind of stuff is gonna work with Nick Nurse? Come on, man, I'm just telling.

Do you think that kind of stuff is gonna work with Nick Nurse? Come on, man, I'm just telling.

You, well, I we see that across the league. It's one of my great issues is that guys fall down and if they don't get the call, they it's five on four going the other way like that part of the game. You know, Jeffan Gunnys is suggesting all these changes. That's what I want to change. I didn't even stop. Every time we shoot the ball, every time we go anywhere, we're just gonna we're gonna fall down hoping to get a call.

You, well, I we see that across the league. It's one of my great issues is that guys fall down and if they don't get the call, they it's five on four going the other way like that part of the game. You know, Jeffan Gunnys is suggesting all these changes. That's what I want to change. I didn't even stop. Every time we shoot the ball, every time we go anywhere, we're just gonna we're gonna fall down hoping to get a call.

That's what I want to eliminate. It that's what I wish.

That's what I want to eliminate. It that's what I wish.

What was Van Gunny out on halftime or something like that? I saw something about or recent.

What was Van Gunny out on halftime or something like that? I saw something about or recent.

Yes, five minutes for halftime max and don't shoot and don't shoot free throws until the last four minutes.

Yes, five minutes for halftime max and don't shoot and don't shoot free throws until the last four minutes.

Just give the points when there's a fact.

Just give the points when there's a fact.

What is the halftime thing about? I don't know.

What is the halftime thing about? I don't know.

I think it's just to keep it moving.

I think it's just to keep it moving.

Oh yeah, guys who load manage want to take off games back to back. Now you get it, shrinking halftime.

Oh yeah, guys who load manage want to take off games back to back. Now you get it, shrinking halftime.

Yeah, I don't know.

Yeah, I don't know.

Man, Maybe he's trying to run Lebron out of the league because between getting rid of halftime and no free throws like that was part of the Lakers secret.

Man, Maybe he's trying to run Lebron out of the league because between getting rid of halftime and no free throws like that was part of the Lakers secret.

Like we gotta get to the free throw line. Everybody can rest. Let's score from there. We don't want to go up and down. That's part of what Denver did to run them out of the series.

Like we gotta get to the free throw line. Everybody can rest. Let's score from there. We don't want to go up and down. That's part of what Denver did to run them out of the series.

All right, Rick Buker, Fox Sports NBA analysts will be on speak for yourself later.

All right, Rick Buker, Fox Sports NBA analysts will be on speak for yourself later.

Yes, let's just speak.

Yes, let's just speak.

Speak speak speak.

Speak speak speak.

I don't know why I said yes, abbreviation speak later on all right, coming up next, It's never too early to ahead to Week one of the NFL season. I already have my five Best Bets for NFL Week one.

I don't know why I said yes, abbreviation speak later on all right, coming up next, It's never too early to ahead to Week one of the NFL season. I already have my five Best Bets for NFL Week one.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd Weekdays and Noone Easter n a em Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS one and the iHeartRadio app.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd Weekdays and Noone Easter n a em Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS one and the iHeartRadio app.

Hey gang, this is Jay Laser, host of Unbreakable, a mental health podcast, and each week we try to help turn our mental health issues into mental wealth, and we dive in with everyone from a world of sports and entertainment like Sean McVay, Lindsey Vaughn, Michael Phelp, David Spade, Guy Fiemmy, and also those who can help us in between the ears, anyone from a therapist to someone like Ed Milett for John Gordon. So each week, listen to Unbreakable with Jay Glazer, a mental health podcast, on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get podcasts.

Hey gang, this is Jay Laser, host of Unbreakable, a mental health podcast, and each week we try to help turn our mental health issues into mental wealth, and we dive in with everyone from a world of sports and entertainment like Sean McVay, Lindsey Vaughn, Michael Phelp, David Spade, Guy Fiemmy, and also those who can help us in between the ears, anyone from a therapist to someone like Ed Milett for John Gordon. So each week, listen to Unbreakable with Jay Glazer, a mental health podcast, on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get podcasts.

Baseball fans, you still have a chance at ten thousand dollars this weekend playing Fox beds Super six. Download the free Super six app on your phone and enter your six weekend baseball predictions for a chance.

Baseball fans, you still have a chance at ten thousand dollars this weekend playing Fox beds Super six. Download the free Super six app on your phone and enter your six weekend baseball predictions for a chance.

At the jackpot.

At the jackpot.

I'm sure Dodgers Yankees will be in that Super six mix. I did not get tickets for Dodgers Yankees. I think It's a resting weekend for me. Back to back days on the herd, coming off a trip to Paris. Gonna be a little rest for the weary. Oh except I'm playing in a soccer tournament Sunday.

I'm sure Dodgers Yankees will be in that Super six mix. I did not get tickets for Dodgers Yankees. I think It's a resting weekend for me. Back to back days on the herd, coming off a trip to Paris. Gonna be a little rest for the weary. Oh except I'm playing in a soccer tournament Sunday.

You know.

You know.

Good luck to be on that, all right.

Good luck to be on that, all right.

So you guys know people will follow my podcast, follow me on the radio show. So I've been doing this NFL gambling contest. I would you go to Vegas? You have to sign up in Vegas. That's the only way to do it, where every week you have to pick five games and the winner at the end of the season gets like three million bucks or whatever, and they placed like the top fifty guys. So I've been doing this for like seven years. I've had two really good runs, just missed out on the money. And it's the most challenging gambling thing ever. So to get myself ready this year for the contest, I've already looked at week one and I was breaking down the lines last night for Week one during the heat Nugget Snoozer. So I have my five early picks to Obviously this is subject to change, injuries, blah blah blah, but five games right now that jump out at me in Week one.

So you guys know people will follow my podcast, follow me on the radio show. So I've been doing this NFL gambling contest. I would you go to Vegas? You have to sign up in Vegas. That's the only way to do it, where every week you have to pick five games and the winner at the end of the season gets like three million bucks or whatever, and they placed like the top fifty guys. So I've been doing this for like seven years. I've had two really good runs, just missed out on the money. And it's the most challenging gambling thing ever. So to get myself ready this year for the contest, I've already looked at week one and I was breaking down the lines last night for Week one during the heat Nugget Snoozer. So I have my five early picks to Obviously this is subject to change, injuries, blah blah blah, but five games right now that jump out at me in Week one.

Here we go.

Here we go.

First game is the forty nine Ers at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Steelers getting three points. Okay, there's a couple obvious gambling adages. Number One, you gotta love in Week one teams that did not make the playoffs the prior year versus teams that did. Why Because the gambling public just saw that one team make the playoffs.

First game is the forty nine Ers at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Steelers getting three points. Okay, there's a couple obvious gambling adages. Number One, you gotta love in Week one teams that did not make the playoffs the prior year versus teams that did. Why Because the gambling public just saw that one team make the playoffs.

They're good. The other team, they didn't make the playoffs.

They're good. The other team, they didn't make the playoffs.

They're not good, and the casual gambler will gravitate. The public will gravitate toward that team. Give me the Pittsburgh Steelers getting points. Mike Tomlin, who is an awesome coach as an underdog, awesome at home. I don't know who's starting at quarterback for the forty nine Ers, Pittsburgh fans. I just went on social media during the break and I saw you're upset. I didn't have Pittsburgh as one of the most improved teams. The good news is I've been hyping them in the show for the longest time. They are a playoff team. I think they win outright Week one against the Niners. I don't care if it's Lance Sam Donald, brock Purdy Steve Young, Joe Montana, it doesn't matter. Give me the Steelers getting three at home against San Frano.

They're not good, and the casual gambler will gravitate. The public will gravitate toward that team. Give me the Pittsburgh Steelers getting points. Mike Tomlin, who is an awesome coach as an underdog, awesome at home. I don't know who's starting at quarterback for the forty nine Ers, Pittsburgh fans. I just went on social media during the break and I saw you're upset. I didn't have Pittsburgh as one of the most improved teams. The good news is I've been hyping them in the show for the longest time. They are a playoff team. I think they win outright Week one against the Niners. I don't care if it's Lance Sam Donald, brock Purdy Steve Young, Joe Montana, it doesn't matter. Give me the Steelers getting three at home against San Frano.

Week one, Next up, Bears Packers.

Week one, Next up, Bears Packers.

Okay, I gave the Bears a lot of love in this show, Chicago, don't think I will love you. So Bears are favored by two and a half against the Packers, and I think that line's gonna catch a lot of people by surprise, like whoa, whoa whoa Packers are dogs against the Bears. Doesn't Aaron Rodgers own the Bears? Remember you would celebrate with I own you and the belt. Well, Aaron Rodgers is not there anymore. And as I said earlier, most improved team in the league, Chicago Bears. The Bears spent a ton of money justin Field's continuity with his offensive coordinator. There's a lot of newness on that Green Bay offense. I just don't know what I'm getting from Jordan Love. I think the Bears win at home, and I think I love them not having to pay the premium of three under a field goal Bears.

Okay, I gave the Bears a lot of love in this show, Chicago, don't think I will love you. So Bears are favored by two and a half against the Packers, and I think that line's gonna catch a lot of people by surprise, like whoa, whoa whoa Packers are dogs against the Bears. Doesn't Aaron Rodgers own the Bears? Remember you would celebrate with I own you and the belt. Well, Aaron Rodgers is not there anymore. And as I said earlier, most improved team in the league, Chicago Bears. The Bears spent a ton of money justin Field's continuity with his offensive coordinator. There's a lot of newness on that Green Bay offense. I just don't know what I'm getting from Jordan Love. I think the Bears win at home, and I think I love them not having to pay the premium of three under a field goal Bears.

Two and a half.

Two and a half.

That's my second bet that I like in Week one. Next up, I'm gonna go back to a tried and true measure in Week one?

That's my second bet that I like in Week one. Next up, I'm gonna go back to a tried and true measure in Week one?

Are you ready for this? Week one?

Are you ready for this? Week one?

Home underdogs in the division going back about seventeen years are hitting over seventy percent in Week one, So it's home divisional underdogs Cleveland Browns at home. I know they're facing the Bengals. This also applies to, Hey, the Bengals. Yeah, they made the AFC Championship.

Home underdogs in the division going back about seventeen years are hitting over seventy percent in Week one, So it's home divisional underdogs Cleveland Browns at home. I know they're facing the Bengals. This also applies to, Hey, the Bengals. Yeah, they made the AFC Championship.

Game last year.

Game last year.

The Browns, Oh, they stink. Go ask anybody the brown stink. Deshaun Watson, he's washed. Stefanski hot seat, Give me the Browns, baby, listen. I don't know why the Browns win total this year is nine and a half, So Vegas knows something. And I think Kevin Stefanski catches the Bengals napping here.

The Browns, Oh, they stink. Go ask anybody the brown stink. Deshaun Watson, he's washed. Stefanski hot seat, Give me the Browns, baby, listen. I don't know why the Browns win total this year is nine and a half, So Vegas knows something. And I think Kevin Stefanski catches the Bengals napping here.

Joe Borough. By the way, the staff came up with a stat one in four in his career against the Browns.

Joe Borough. By the way, the staff came up with a stat one in four in his career against the Browns.

Gimme Cleveland plus two and a half in the opener. Next up, and this is another one divisional home underdog, New York Giants getting three against the Mighty Dallas Cowboys. Now, the Giants didn't make the playoffs, but everybody thought it was kind of a just a luck box season, and it was kind of sort of lucky. If Daniel Jones looked competent under Brian Dable, the Cowboys were the better team, obviously. I like the Giants getting three a full field goal here. I'm not a believer in Mike McCarthy.