PMT DB
PMT DB
Dwight Howard on Snakes and Space Jam 2, NBA Free Agency, and the Mount Rushmore of Pickup Basketball
NBA Free Agency exploded right as the show started, and the Brooklyn Nets have officially become the center of the universe. Big Cat and PFT are grappling with a world where Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are teaming up in the Big Apple, albeit the junior varsity version of the Big Apple. While the Nets reloaded by simply signing superstars, the Knicks are left holding the bag and claiming they didn't want KD anyway because of his Achilles.
Big CatEvery team in the NBA would have offered Kevin Durant a max contract except for the Knicks
If every team in the NBA had the ability to offer a max contract to Kevin Durant, every single team would give him a max contract. And the Knicks. They're the last team.
Beyond the New York drama, the guys broke down the rest of the movement. Hank is officially all-in on the Celtics' new era, convinced that moving on from Kyrie to Kemba Walker is actually an upgrade for Boston's chemistry.
HankKemba Walker is a better player than Kyrie Irving
Hank, the Celtics definitely won by getting Kemba... [Hank:] Yes. [Big Cat:] OK. [PFT:] No, I agree with Hank on this take. I think that he's a better fit up there.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler heading to Miami felt like the most predictable "J-Butt" move possible. He gets the max money, the South Beach lifestyle, and the ability to be the alpha on a team that might win 40 games if everything breaks right.
Big CatJimmy Butler's move to Miami is perfect because he just wants to be himself and doesn't care about competing for titles
J-Butt in Miami, which I think it's kind of solid. It's almost the perfect J-Butt move... He just wants to be J-Butt and... be with Mark Wahlberg... But now he's on a team that's not really going to compete, but he's going to have a good time.
Dwight Howard in the Van
Dwight Howard joined Big Cat and PFT in the van for a wide-ranging conversation that touched on everything from his Hall of Fame trajectory to his collection of over 20 snakes. Dwight opened up about the "soft" label that has followed him since his first stint with the Lakers, admitting that Kobe Bryant might have had a point regarding his mental approach at the time.
Dwight HowardKobe Bryant was right that I was 'soft' in terms of my mental stability and letting things get into my head
He said something, and I finally understood what he was saying... I don't think he was ever talking about something physical. I think he was talking about more like mental stability, where I allowed things to get in my head that I shouldn't have.
He also didn't shy away from the GOAT debate, though his criteria for greatness involve a lot of big-man bias and a deep appreciation for offensive variety. He made a spirited case for why Kobe actually surpassed MJ in terms of pure skill set.
Dwight HowardKobe Bryant was a more skilled offensive player than Michael Jordan
When I say Kobe is better than Michael Jordan, I'm talking about as far as skilled in the overall game... Kobe can do everything Michael Jordan can do, but he learned how to do it better offensively.
Dwight is clearly looking for a fresh start and a return to health. He's confident that his body still has plenty of mileage left, even eyeing a very long horizon for his retirement from the league.
Dwight HowardDwight Howard believes he can play in the NBA until he is 40 years old
The way my body's been feeling, I could probably play until I'm 40... I do want to play until I'm 40.
Before letting him go, the guys secured a massive scoop regarding the most anticipated cinematic sequel in sports history. Dwight is ready to follow in the footsteps of the Monstars of old.
Dwight HowardI will be appearing in Space Jam 2 as a Monstar
I will be [in Space Jam 2]. I can see myself being a Monstar... LeBron, I'm in. 100% in on Space Jam 2.
Who's Back and Mount Rushmore
Who's Back featured a terrifying realization for Big Cat and PFT: Christian Yelich is officially in the Home Run Derby. This is bad news because of a previous bet involving some very specific, very gross physical consequences if the Brewers' slugger takes home the crown.
Big CatI will eat PFT Commenter's ass if Christian Yelich wins the Home Run Derby
We're screwed because Christian Yelich is in the Home Run Derby. We said we'd eat each other's asses if he wins the Home Run Derby.
To wrap things up, the crew drafted the Mount Rushmore of Pickup Basketball Guys. We’ve all played with them: the "Accessories Guy" who wears a shooting sleeve and a mouthguard despite having a vertical of two inches, the "Wily Veteran" who only scores on bank shots and off-ball screens, and the "Floor Talker" who yells "One stop!" while being gassed. PFT even threw out a Drunk Idea that might be the future of apparel.
PFT CommenterClothing companies should manufacture pants with built-in iPhone chargers in the pockets
I have a really good drunk idea... It's shorts that have an iPhone charger built into the pocket... You plug your pants into the wall... It's a Mophie that you can wear.
Between the NBA shifting on its axis and Dwight Howard explaining why he doesn't name all 40 of his snakes, it was a classic start to the summer.
Just remember to check ball and keep your elbows down.
