PMT DB
PMT DB
Ryen Russillo on NBA Contenders, Wembanyama, and His Month in Germany
Big Cat and PFT Commenter are checking in from vacation via Zoom, but they couldn't ignore the annual tradition of everyone being miserable about NBA All-Star Weekend. The Dunk Contest has become a lightning rod for complaints once again, but the reality might just be that the human body has reached its limit for creativity in the air.
PFT CommenterThe Dunk Contest is unfixable because we have already seen every possible dunk
There's really no way to fix the Dunk Contest. I think they've jumped over the biggest human they can find... maybe it's just that we've seen every cool Dunk and there's only so many cool dunks that you can do.
Hank had a massive problem with the reigning champ, Mac McClung, taking home the hardware while technically being a G-Leaguer. For Hank, the 'NBA' part of the title should actually mean something, even if the dunks are technically better than what the stars are providing.
HankMac McClung should be ineligible for the NBA Dunk Contest because he isn't an active NBA player
Mac McClung should be ineligible because he is not in the [NBA]... That is the NBA dunk contest, not the G League dunk contest. If you're going to do that, just bring people off the street.
The conversation shifted to LeBron James, who is currently playing a 50/50 game regarding a potential retirement tour. While he claims to be uncomfortable with the praise, Big Cat isn't buying the humble act for a second.
Big CatIntrovert LeBron James would choose a year-long retirement tour over winning his fifth NBA title
He says he's uncomfortable with praise. So you know, introvert LeBron James, we need to protect him... If you had true serum with LeBron right now... I think he might take the Retirement Tour [over a fifth title]. The fact that he's pretending that he will be reluctant in any way on this is the most ridiculous comment I've ever heard.
Before getting to the guest of honor, the guys touched on the chaos of college basketball and the absolute force that is Caitlin Clark. Beyond the logo threes, Big Cat is fully leaning into the drama she causes among the old-school talking heads.
Big CatI am officially a Caitlin Clark superfan because she agitates people and creates constant debate
I think I'm gonna become a Caitlin Clark super fan because she makes people so, so angry. And I love it... I'm all for anyone who just agitates the world like she does... I'm in on Caitlin Clark all the way.
Ryen Russillo Joins the Program
Ryen Russillo joined the show in person to perform his annual duty of actually watching the NBA so we don't have to. The conversation immediately turned to the Clippers and James Harden. While the Clippers look like a legitimate problem for the rest of the West, Russillo isn't ready to tear up his old scouting reports just because Harden found a functional third-option role.
Ryen RussilloJames Harden winning a title as a third option doesn't invalidate a decade of criticism against him
Does it mean I was wrong about Harden for 10 years if he wins it this year? No... he's the third option now. So I'm still in the clear for a decade worth of takes... If somebody can play bad on purpose to get their way, like what are you gonna be like in a really tight spot in the playoffs?
Russillo broke down the tiers of the league, and while everyone is excited about the youth movements in Oklahoma City and Minnesota, history suggests those teams are still a few years away from holding a trophy.
Ryen RussilloThe Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, and OKC Thunder are not true title contenders due to their lack of a proven shot-clock scorer or youth
I don't think they're gonna be sitting there with a trophy at the end of this whole thing... I'm not gonna trust [Minnesota's] offense late in the playoff series... History tells you the youth part of [OKC] would be an absurd aberration historically for them to win an NBA title.
When it comes to the heavy hitters, Russillo is looking at the stars who can actually create a bucket when the play breaks down. He pointed to two specific guys who operate on a different level of basketball IQ than everyone else in the league.
Ryen RussilloNikola Jokic and Luka Doncic are the only two players in the NBA who can guarantee a good shot on every possession
Jokic gives you the best chance on every possession of anybody in the league. He is a genius... I think Luka's number two where it's like if I needed a bucket I might pick him over Jokic because he can put it and drive a little bit better.
As for the biggest story in the league, Victor Wembanyama has managed to exceed the most insane hype cycle in recent memory. Russillo noted that it isn't just the physical tools, but the mental makeup of a kid who seems destined to carry a franchise.
Ryen RussilloVictor Wembanyama is already a massive success and will meet every expectation
He's incredible. Everything about him this year individually for him is a massive success... His personality just seems so genuine in that he's been mentally built to take on the responsibility that he's gonna have to take on for a franchise at a young age.
Life Advice and Beyond
Outside of the court, Russillo shared an incredible story about his time in Germany as a high schooler in a select choir. It involved a host family of volleyball giants, a nine-year-old javelin prodigy, and a cool older brother named Mark who saved the trip on a motorcycle.
To wrap things up, the group debated the merits of expanded playoffs and the 'participation trophy' feel of the current NBA and NFL postseasons.
Ryen RussilloI hate expanded playoffs in any sport and prefer leaving teams out
I don't like that there's this many NFL teams in the playoffs. I think it's stupid. I'm big on—I know it's gonna shock you—I like leaving people out of things. I hate expanded anything.
We’ll see everyone back in the studio on Wednesday, hopefully with fewer Zoom lags and more lottery ball hits.
Enjoy the Ferraris and the boat life, Ryen.
