PMT DB
PMT DB
JJ Redick on NBA Superteams, the Lakers Post-Mortem, and Maxey's Legacy
The vibes in the studio were at an all-time high after Tyrese Maxey snatched the souls of everyone inside Madison Square Garden. Big Cat and PFT break down one of the craziest endings in playoff history, where Maxey somehow erased a six-point deficit in the final 28 seconds to keep Philly's season alive. While Joel Embiid was hobbling around with a headache and one good leg, Maxey put the entire franchise on his back.
Big CatTyrese Maxey saved his legacy and had a double legacy game in Game 5 against the Knicks.
Tyrese Maxey basically saved. Did Tyrese Maxey save his legacy while also a legacy game for [Embiid]? It was a double legacy game.
Max tried to keep his composure, but even he couldn't ignore the fact that Nicolas Batum turned into a defensive wizard when the Sixers needed it most.
Big CatThe Knicks/76ers Game 5 defense by Nicolas Batum on Jalen Brunson was game-defining.
Shout out to your guy [Batum] with incredible, incredible defense. Both at the end of regulation and the end of OT being able to stay with Jalen Brunson as he drive to the, to the hoop. And he had two huge, I think the first one was a block... those were, those were game defining plays.
Lakers Post-Mortem and Playoff Realities
The Lakers finally got put out of their misery by the Nuggets, leading to the inevitable shams-bombing of Darvin Ham. Big Cat isn't buying the narrative from Lakers fans that they were "right there" just because they led for most of the minutes in the series. The reality is that Denver is just a better basketball team, and the Lakers lacked the depth to compete over 48 minutes.
Big CatThe Lakers were never winning a title because their roster was the problem, not coaching.
I still think that the roster is the problem that they just don't have enough guys. And the Nuggets were a better basketball team no matter how many minutes the Lakers led. Execution and being able to win games late is what makes the team better... They were a good team. They were never a great team.
Speaking of toughness, the guys discussed the injury bug hitting the Bucks and whether they can survive the Pacers. Big Cat admitted he would play through almost anything in a Game 5, with one very specific caveat.
Big CatI would play in an NBA playoff Game 5 unless I got less than six hours of sleep.
I tweaked my knee. I'd play no pro. I I would, I would play, I'm just gonna say it right now. I you can't keep me outta game five with the season on the line... Unless I got less than six, six hours of sleep. Then I would probably be like, you know what Gametime decision, I'm out.
Hot Seat/Cool Throne
Hot Seat/Cool Throne covered everything from Ryan Whitney's AI bear controversy to the latest NFL scouting tropes. The guys looked at Bo Nicks' backpack contents as the new "Stetson Bennett is old" meme. PFT also had some thoughts on the veteran presence of certain draft picks.
PFT CommenterMichael Penix Jr. probably had an AARP card in his backpack during his scouting meetings.
An a a RP card. That's what Michael Penix had without a [doubt].
Then the conversation turned to the world's most famous couple. With Travis Kelce signing a massive new deal to stay the highest-paid tight end, Big Cat questioned why he isn't taking the "Tom Brady discount" considering his girlfriend is a literal billionaire.
Big CatTaylor Swift hates the Chiefs because she won't give Travis Kelce money to take a league-minimum contract.
If Taylor Swift was a real fan of the, the Chiefs... She would realize for the good of the franchise that she should not do a prenup with Travis Kelce, therefore letting Travis Kelce sign value contracts with the Chiefs and extending their championship window. She she would give... Money's no problem for us. Sounds like she hates the Chiefs. Yeah.
PFT CommenterTaylor Swift should give up half her money to men to prove she believes in equality.
Basically what we're saying is that Taylor Swift should give up half of her money to men. Is that too much to ask? No, I thought we were about equality. Equality matters 50%.
JJ Redick on the Evolution of the NBA
JJ Redick joined the show to provide a much-needed tactical breakdown of the playoffs. He didn't hold back on the Suns' failure or the Lakers' situation, but he was most excited about the rising talent in the West. JJ is particularly high on the Timberwolves and their ability to actually give the Nuggets a run for their money.
JJ RedickThe Minnesota Timberwolves match up better against the Denver Nuggets than anyone else in the NBA.
I think this Minnesota team probably matches up as well as anyone in the NBA versus the Denver Nuggets. I'm really fascinated by this series.
As the conversation shifted toward the construction of modern rosters, JJ explained why the era of simply trading for three stars and filling the rest with minimum contracts might be over due to the new CBA rules.
JJ RedickThe current NBA landscape marks the beginning of the death of the 'Super Team'.
I said at the beginning of the year... this year could be the beginning of the death of the super team. Part of that is the new second apron in the CBA... you have to build through the draft. And then be positioned... to then make an impactful trade.
JJ also defended his stance on Nikola Jokic’s place in history, even as Big Cat tried to protect the top 15 list from modern intruders.
JJ RedickNikola Jokic is already a top 15 player of all time.
Nikola Jokic to me is already a top 15 player of all time. And I know that that's maybe a hot take. I don't really care.
Finally, Big Cat and JJ found common ground on the most important topic in New York: Jalen Brunson is officially him.
Big CatJalen Brunson is a 'true 1A' superstar.
They've got a true leader. And I'll say it a true one A. I agree. Jalen Brunson a true one A.
The show wrapped up with listener FAQs and a negotiation for the return of "Cocky Hank" if the Celtics manage to actually finish off the Heat.
Let's hope the bees stay away from the ballpark so we can get through the rest of the week.
