PMT DB
PMT DB
Mike Mayock on the NFL Draft, NBA Playoff Heels, and Derek Jeter's Fraud
The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and Big Cat and PFT Commenter are zeroed in on the absolute madness of the Pacers-Cavs series. Lance Stephenson has officially ascended to the throne of the world’s greatest troll, sporting a goatee that PFT describes as a literal target for a punch. LeBron James is trying to play it cool, but the heel antics are clearly getting to him. Meanwhile, the Cavs showed up in matching suits that LeBron bought for everyone, a move that likely secured the Game 4 win, even if they look like they're headed to a Men in Black audition.
Big Cat is already looking ahead to the drama of LeBron’s potential departure from Cleveland. Every home game from here on out is a chance to lean into the narrative that we're witnessing the end of an era.
Big CatThe game on Wednesday could be LeBron James' last home game in Cleveland
Is Wednesday night LeBron's last home game in Cleveland? I just love doing the last home game in Cleveland. Watch. We're going to hopefully do it all playoffs if they win this series. But it's always the best to be like, ooh, this could be the last home game for LeBron in Cleveland.
Speaking of veteran guards making an impact, Playoff Rondo is back in fourth gear for the Pelicans. Big Cat is still convinced that the Bulls’ history would look a lot different if Rondo hadn't gone down a year ago.
Big CatThe Bulls would have won the NBA title last year if Rajon Rondo hadn't gotten hurt
The Bulls probably would have won the title last year if [Rajon] Rondo didn't get hurt... because he was fourth gear Rondo. He was just getting ready.
Mike Mayock’s Draft Masterclass
NFL Network’s Mike Mayock joined the show to provide the ultimate draft preview. Mayock is in full "Super Bowl week" mode, carrying around massive binders of notes because he refuses to go digital like the younger generation. He was incredibly candid about his past misses, specifically admitting that he still wakes up at 3:00 a.m. screaming about talking himself into Blaine Gabbert and Johnny Manziel.
When it comes to the 2018 quarterback class, Mayock isn't quite as high on them as some others, but he still sees a clear path for the Browns at the top of the board.
Mike MayockSam Darnold is the best quarterback in the draft and will be picked #1 by the Browns
I think of the group, I would put Darnold first, and I think Cleveland, my gut tells me Cleveland's going to take him at one.
Mayock also broke down the "low floor" of Josh Allen and the potential for Lamar Jackson to completely change how an NFL team functions. He believes Jackson is a spectacular athlete who requires a team to throw out their old playbook and build a scheme specifically for him.
Mike MayockLamar Jackson will require a team to completely change their offensive scheme to build around him
I think somebody's going to commit to him in the first round and say, philosophically and schematically, we're buying into this kid, and we're going to change everything we do and build around him.
Beyond the quarterbacks, Mayock is enamored with the "pure" football players in this draft. He has a massive draft crush on Quenton Nelson, Saquon Barkley, and Bradley Chubb, calling them the three best players available regardless of position.
Mike MayockQuenton Nelson, Saquon Barkley, and Bradley Chubb are the three best players in the 2018 NFL Draft
I would take [Quenton Nelson] with the second pick. I would take him — him, [Saquon] Barkley, and [Bradley] Chubb were the three best players in this draft.
We couldn't let Mayock leave without assigning some of his legendary "Mayock-isms" to this year’s prospects. We learned that Isaiah Wynn has "oily hips," Naeem Hines is great in a "phone booth," and Josh Allen has a tendency to "burp the baby" with his delivery. He even dropped a sleeper pick for the first round that most fans haven't caught onto yet.
Mike MayockArkansas center Frank Ragnow will be a surprise first-round pick
I think a surprise first-round pick is going to be offensive center Frank Ragnow from Arkansas... Nobody's talking about him, and I think he's gone in the first round.
Fraud Alert and Stay Classy
Derek Jeter is officially on Fraud Alert. After an interview where he claimed his gutted Marlins roster is actually "contending," Big Cat and PFT have seen enough. The transition from legendary Yankee captain to a delusional owner who calls Brian Gumbel "mentally weak" for pointing out the obvious has been a tough watch.
Big CatDerek Jeter has completely ruined his legacy as Marlins owner
I think Derek Jeter, I think we can say it now, he has completely ruined his legacy. It is unbelievable how much of a douchebag Derek Jeter has been in the last year. The fact that he sits there and says, you have to be mentally strong and you've got to get out there and compete every day and you never tell a team that they're not set up to win. Derek Jeter, you played for the New York Yankees.
In Philadelphia, the Flyers were eliminated by the Penguins, and the fans responded with a classic display of throwing full beers and pizzas onto the ice. While PFT thinks throwing pizza is actually "soft" and more of a victory parade, Big Cat is just happy to see Philly fans returning to their roots after getting a little too cocky following the Super Bowl. On the hardwood, however, the city has a lot more to be excited about.
Big CatThe 76ers are going to the NBA Finals
The Sixers, though, I believe now in them going to the finals. Like, them winning with Joel Embiid playing terrible on offense, like, okay, they're a problem for people.
If the 76ers can win games while Joel Embiid is having an off night, the rest of the Eastern Conference is in serious trouble.
