Episode 0: ALL THE SMOKE PREMIERE: NBA SEASON PREVIEW! CHINA, CARMELO

made it happen. Man, I can't believe. And I'm excited. It's gonna be funn Yeah, you cleaned up. Yeah, Hey we're here. God damn it. Thinking about you might need to get a Chapstick endorsement on this show. Okay, yeah we can. Okay, I like here, Well I'll tell you how do we get it? How to start? Man? Smoking?

Of course, all the smoke. I think that place, my place in the bay right your pace, and we were just smoke when we were talking about you know how you brought it up, how Fox and ESPN had been going out, you know, how how how people have been loving what you were doing, loving what I was doing. And then it just made sense the fact that we were making everybody show hot. And he was like, you know, it'll be dope. We did a show together like that

would be dope. You know, I'm done with you, my brother. They can't sense to us. We can speak our mind. We were not get in trouble, and you made it happen. Everything else is you on showtime. We're here, man shout out showtime from making that happen. You know, we got a little, a little set. As it continues to grow, man shout out, this is home. Think one the most incredible murals I've ever seen. We'll get into that little later,

making it feel like home. You know, this is the perfect meal for us, Like as I look at it, like the soundtrack to my life. All the music pectus. They all talked to us. You know. I think the premise of the show is to keep it real and talk about you know, sports, but also life, culture, things that affect us, things that affect our children, our friends,

our family, the world. And I think that's no you know, better segment than to lead us into it's to the China situation right now, which is uh A poorly timed tweet where yet to see what the outcome is. But the outcomes as far as I've been good. What are your thoughts? What the you know with the China situation and Maury and what Lebron said, and then where we are presently. But anytime you're facing the a question like that, regardless what you say, somebody's going to take it wrong.

Regardless what side you stand on, somebody's gonna take it wrong. When you know that you're in front of a camera a lot and things are thrown at you, you gotta be prepared for things like this. It's hard for anybody on the outside looking in to have a the interpretation of what Maury and what Lebron meant. What they said right, we all heard it, But you know what I'm saying, What do they mean? Right? And like with Lebron, and I can say I know Lebron, I don't know Mari.

I know Lebron, and I know Lebron nine out of ten times what that ten out of ten times what he's saying is coming from a good place because I know he cares about everybody. Just go to school. It's a care for from every race in the school. So when you confronted with a situation like that, and you're not fully educated with everything that's going on, and and and and and the time frame of everything. The best response that I would give give to the answers, I

love everybody. That's it. I don't know, you know what I'm saying. It's no way that anybody could answer that question the right way, you know what I'm saying, but saying I love everybody and being and trying to be nutuous possible because all of us on the outside looking in, I think, you know, to the common fan, I don't think they understand me. You never want to sacrifice from morals and who you are, what you stand for, what

this country stands for. You know, for money. And I think obviously the financial aspect of this is the elephant in the room, so to speak. It's it's the most important um thing that people kind of have to understand is how much money China brings in as a whole to the NBA and how many fans are the biggest growing market. I want to say, if I'm not mistaken, I heard that there was more fans NBA fans in China than people in the in America. It's crazy, insane.

I think it's more people playing basketball, actually playing basketball. Believe it. Then it's more people playing basketball there. I believe there's people here, you know, and as players. I was fortunate enough to go there two or three times, I think, and we go out there to put on a show, you know what I mean. We we love the support we went uh huh when we was going to Yeah, we love the support and and and and what everyone is about and uh just how much they've

educated themselves and and they've grown our game. I mean, you've got to realize I think that, you know, the influx and in China being a part of the NBA as the reason why contracts are so today. I mean, that's my players are making what they're making, and they're they're taking some China trips to uh promote the about their brands and whatever they're doing. You know. So you know, when you touch on this, I press he think that no. Players shouldn't have talked. You don't hurt yourself by saying

no comments. Yeah, you know, there was nothing I didn't see a win, win or any kind of winning circumstances for for Lebron even speaking, you know, and for him who's been kind of the voice of players, you know, not only in the NBA but overall of just being so outspoken on everything he's been, um, you know, outspoken on and stuff. He believes in what he's about. Like he said, I don't know him as well as you do, but I just know he he means well, he's a

good dude. Um. You know, some people took it as he was protecting his money so to speak with what what he came out and said, and to be honest with you, I understand that side of it because like I said, again, people don't understand that the long term play and the business side, you know, and you and he could take heat for okay, well you know you're so outspoken in America about stuff, and then you're you're somewhat bashing Mori and what Maria is standing up for.

You know. Basically, I think row on agreeances is you know, for for for some of the points are arguing, like we understand where we're pro people. You know, you want to see the best for everybody and everyone have a fair chance. So I think that's kind of where Mori was coming from. It was just a bad timing to which I understand. And even if you felt that way. Maybe it's just something you hold onto And I mean, that's hard for us to say because we speak with

other facts on our mind. Yeah, you know what I mean. Like, but like you say, it's it's a it's a double ashwood, because how could Lebron come out and say, Okay, I'm gonna say something that's gonna affect how I take care of my family. That would be idiotic to him because nobody else is gonna give him the money he needs if he got broken his investments fall, so he has

the right to protect that investment. But then you can have people on the other side saying, so businesses, so businesses and money is more important to people, you know what I mean. So you you know the correct answer, I love everybody. You love everybody, you know, But that's the only answer that that you could go with it with with a question like that, I love everybody, right, you know. So it's really it's it's a black eye right now for sports. But I think it's bigger than

I think it's bigger than basketball now. I think this may have been overheightened because of you know, the political climate we're in, and you know the trade talks to the exchanges between China United States. So that's why I really feel this whole thing is above basketball now. You know, it's something that's going to have to be you know, handled by the leaders of these countries. But I think someone else, you know, that kind of can also be instrumental in, um kind of helping put this fire out

is the Tasai family. The family that just took over the nets first family from uh, you know, China to own a professional team in the NBA. And I got a chance to meet them, meet the family, um and and they invest in a business that I have just a great, great bunch of people. And you know, I

really you know, they sought me out. They I went out to San Diego last year to kind of help them strategize because they really I don't want to give them that's a facelift, so to speak, and really get their players, um intertwined with the China market, you know what I mean, because they understand coming from there, how huge that market is and what it basis. So they, you know, they wanted to put a game plan for their players to get out there and uh be more

visible out there. And UM, I think this is this is a family that could possibly help put the fire out because you know they understand both sides. They're here now as as an NBA owner and um, you know, hopefully they can help, you know, bring this resolution. I think obviously what time helps everything. I think it's really bigger than basketball at this point. And you know, the best thing would be for you know, it kind of

just players to leave it alone. You know, and at the end of the days, everything is just a conversation, you know, like one thing about how we're gonna separate ourselves from any other shows that we understand as men. We can have a million discussions, but the respect never changes if we disgree, you know what I mean. And that's a big problem with this world. We feel like

we have to agree on every fucking thing. Like everything is a conversation, and that the true meaning of respect is that when you can disagree with somebody on the topic and respect what they're saying, but disagree, you know what I'm saying, and to when we can come to that point, that will be able to fix a lot of things. It's gonna be interesting to see how it plays out, you know, like I said, with the season right around the corner, and um, the effect of of

of the market. Like I said, I think the thing that will be affecting most obviously is the financial aspect of the game, you know, with with with trying to really buying in and and I want to say, they just pay one point five billion with a ten cent ten cent uh to to stream NBA games out there. Uh, you know what I mean. So this puts a This puts a there's a lot of money at stake here. And I already said they're not streaming the Rockets, anything

from the Rockets. Yeah, one point five billion dollars streaming deal with the NBA. And um, you know, like I said, if it puts a lot of things in jeopardy. Um, like I said, normally you wouldn't want to sacrifice. Uh, you know what you stand for, principles, morals, all that kind of situation. But this is, like I said, I'm even even discussing it right now. You like you get

stuck between a rock and a hard place. But I know the business of basketball and the business of the NBA, and what makes our game great the platform we have to speak and freely and and and and stand behind the things we want to the things we don't want to. But like I said that, you know, the it's out there now, it's said, and really, as a you know, there's no there's nothing to be gained from anyone else

really talking about it. You know, hopefully things can can can die down and we come to some sort of resolution because at the end of the day with you know, as players, we wanted to put on a show for our fans, and I think the fans appreciate that and love that for I love us for that and want to continue to support us. So don't fall for debate. I mean, act somebody who really know what's going on as as in the trenches, you know what I mean,

that's involved in it. Don't ask Mario. Nobody that's seen the media is good. Don't fall for debate. I'm not gonna ask somebody who winn't broke on how to save money, Like ask people who can give you an educated question, I mean educated answer on the question, and don't be and if you've been around the meeting long enough, you should be ready for ship like that, Like don't just blurt it out point blank. And now to save a lot of the bullshit we talking about now, time and place,

everything is timing. The NBA season is right around the corner. To me, this is uh. This season has the most parody I think we've seen in a long time. It's been a war party. Hold on, now, you know I don't care. We don't country out what this parrot explained. Give me a definition. I can't give you the complete definition, but I think it's a level playing field. You can't be using too many big words. It's me talking to I'm not just yeah, just bounce off your teeth in

your forehead. But I'm gonna give you something once in a while, and then I'll give you what I think the word means. That don't even mean the same. You can help me understand though, I got you. But like I said, I just think you know, the Warriors have their dynasty run. Uh, Katie gets hurt, Katie leaves play, gets hurt. Where does that leave them? Uh? Lebron and a d best to some of the league. Yeah, I mean, the sky's the limit for them. I don't see anybody

beating them. If they can stay healthy and the supporting Cats do what they're supposed to do. It's it's exciting, man. But then again, as I say that, the best defensive team in the league that I see. They're in the same building Clippers, and I can't I can't just count them out. So this is an exciting season. Does Russ Does Russ work with James? I think so? I think so to think so too. What does what does Mike Conley bring to to to the back court of Utah?

Donovan Mitchell can be h a stronger version of d Wade Can. That's a good card. Like that shooting guard. He can score down where about making plays? That's gonna be special. Pelicans, they're gonna be entertaining, But I don't know about winning too much. They're gonna be entertaining. I disagree with you because I think they have a good mix of young players, veterans and role players, you know

what I mean. And I think the fact that they play hard as than motherfucker Alvin Gentry has that up and down style and pace, and they have, like they have really talented players. So you know, obviously the West is the West is going to be the West. You know, Sacramento is also good. I think Dallas, Dallas with the you know, with with their Luca and uh what's his name man, the Unicorn, the Unicorn. I forgot his name, Zingis Porzingis. He's a stone cold killer. So, I mean

they I like them too together. I think they're on the outside looking and I think they're one piece from being in that Western Conference mix. I think they have that piece. I think it's gonna be a good year for Steph Curb, for Steph Curry. Steph Curry think he's gonna be a good year for him. I like that he's he stepped out I think he really stepped into his own during the playoffs. He got his money up, got married. Yeah, going down Steph Curry. It's a lot

of pressure. Excuse me, that's a lot of pressure out of a lot of pressure. The thing that I I love the Lakers because I've been critical of of Lakers management with the the bacole and the Magic Johnson stuff and who's in charge, who's calling the shots? But they put it. They put a hell of a roster together. Yeah they did. I mean they know, telling what rules they broke, all the ship they had to do to get to this point. I mean, look, you know Lebron turned his back on his team and all kind of

ship happened last year with the Lakers. You know, to get to this point. So they made a lot of sacrifice and they stirred up the pot a lot just to get a D. They kind of like forced it. But then't want what I'm saying with that saying you have them, You know you have them, top team in the West, don't you? Yes? Because after Davis is Tim Duncan on steroids. To me, if Tim Duncan was athletic, he would be Athony Davis, someone you play with his best power for however, my favorite, the best team, and

I played with you know what I mean? You was all right, but you wasn't Tim Duncan, right, But Tim was special. But a he can shoot threes. He he's way more athletic to him if he could stay healthy with Lebron being who he is. With Lebron been having opportunities to come off the bar and let Rondo facilitates the offense, and they both played pick a row with a D M Lebron, it can be special, man. I just want to know what the supporting cast is gonna do.

They got the coaches. J Kidd is a great coach to have over there to talk to those guys when they get to Oregon, and acting like little girls and ship like that. He also got They got Lionel Hollins, don't they They gotta. They got a good staff, experience coaches, and then they got experienced role players though too. You know, Danny Green is as a as a as a champion,

two time champion. They got JaVale McGee. I think the White Howard has this is his last chance, and I think he knows that, so I think he's gonna come out really focused. The person I'm really interested in seeing if he can bounce back is Avery Bradley, because he could be a huge part if you think about stop if you think about that Boston Avery Bradley, where he was a stopper, but he was also knocking down and

taking big shots, you know what I mean. And I think the last few years with the Clippers being injured and in and out of the rotation, you know, people forgot about him. But I think he could be a big piece. You know, it has to be that stopper though, because they playing defense kusm. I think cous you know, Cus is kind of like a little brother to me, and I told him that's kind of the next step in his game. I think the next step in his game is really taken on that defensive challenge being that

six nine uh is he six nine big? He's bigger than me. Wow long too, but you know, have that Paul George mentality where you go both ways because he's talented enough to do that. So I think that's gonna be a big step. But I like the Lakers, but to me deepens within championships. The Clippers. They Clippers. The Clippers have a team. That Clippers have a team that had bought in last year, completely bought, and they didn't really have a superstar, but they had a bunch of talent.

They had a lot of talent, and everybody knew their roles. And that's you know, I think that's a big shout out to Doc because that's one thing I took from Doc, uh from playing with Doc was he was, you know, big on know your role. You know, everyone has a role. Be a star in your role for your role. And I think that's definitely what that Clipper team did. The unique because the Clipper team is the only team that

can dominate them be a in that same team. You can take them to the Indie Parker United States and they won't back down. You know what I mean. It's one of those teams. They got it all. It just depends on how they jail. Health. Of course, I think health is more than how they jail. I think they will jail because to me, you add Paul George in in Kauai and they're too selfless superstars, too selfless, two way players, you know what I mean. Guys don't don't

say much. They just go out there and play hard. And that's with that team. That's that's kind of a blue collar, hard working contress, Patrick Belly, all the type of guys. A team they each other mo heartless. Like they got a real talented team, Zoo Box, you know who they they pretty much got for nothing. Um. But to me, I really liked the clip. Like I said, DOCA is they have Doc back being just the head

coach and that's what he's great at. You know, when I was with the Clippers and things got a little dicey, Doc had a lot of different hats he was wearing, so you know, the ship on the court, you know, we had a little bit of slippets there. But Doc is back being one of the elite coaches management, you know, with Jerry West, consulting and Lawrence Frank was a big the GM it's huge, and then and then and then

you know, and then then Bomber. Bomber, one of the best owners in sports, is all team and building him a new arena with his money and what is life? I gotta be life on something that's just his life. Man. He wakes up, he's he's his energy is incredible. But shout to him though I love his energy. Well, I think what's what's gonna be big about this year is there's been so much movement and you know, in free agency and big draft picks, they're gonna be able to

make an impact this year. The biggest thing that people don't understand this team is always the good on paper. You know, you can have a hell of a name, you know, roster on paper, but chemistry is what sets teams apart. And and me playing on some pretty special teams, that chemistry was incredible. I saw that. Um, so you know that's what, like I said, that's what kind of

can the Lakers get their chemistry? Right? I think the Clippers can because they're adding two different kinds of players, you know what I mean, But that of the same mindset, same go. You know, Mike Conley is someone that doesn't you know what I mean. He comes in and does his job. So, like I said, there's a lot of movement with guys that came into situations that I think chemistry is is going to be the key for their success. Chemistry is a big part. I remember one night when

I left going to State and went to Charlotte. They had I was the only person to come to this team. I was able to get to the playoffs the first year there and get swept by y'all is then we beat the breaks off you guys in the first round. Jamir had nineteen points in the first quarter the first three games, and Dwight was everything. God how good the

White was. Man, It's crazy because so when I was playing with dwighte in Orlando in two thousand nine, he was the leading vote getter in the in the NBA, with Lebron, with Kobe, with k D with you name him. Look, the White was the number one vote getter. And when I tell you like a healthy or the White, no question, But there wasn't a more active move your feet, block shots, rebound, hold down that paint guy I played with. You know,

I I played. I got Shock on the back end of his career, but Shock dominated the paint underdefensive end like that as well. But the White was fucking incredible. If he can show a sign of that this ship,

that'll be great. But to touch back on chemistry, I think that that's important because, like I said, I got to that team in the first year, and when you put yourself in a position where you're playing for your teammates, when you put yourself in the position where you put your personal gain second, you know, and everything is about buying it for the team. That's when the chemistry comes together. But I've seen teams with all the talent in the world,

guys have their personal games. One guy don't like this guy because I addressed they have no chemistry. But they have all the have all the talent in the world, but the chemistry is keeping them from being great. That means everything. I mean when we went to go when I came to go to State, you know, I was I was suspended the first seven games, but when I got to play, it just it just jailed. Because we all were journeymen, you know, we we all had a

lot to prove. We all had bounced around, but we all knew, Hey, Mothercker say we can play, but we know we can play, you know what I mean. And that chemistry playing for each other, knowing that we had, we was able to do something special. And knowing that I that I fussed with everybody on team. Everybody was my brothers. You know, that chemistry a long That's the reason why he was able to make history. There's no question.

I mean chemistry. I've I've been on you know, that Clipper team can arguably say probably, uh a huge disappointment. When I look back now now that I'm you know, finally done playing, I can look back on my career and I say, what a wasted um opportunity I had. Everything we had the starting five is crazy, and then we even had a in our bench was crazy, you know what I mean? And I think that's perfect world.

You know when you saw on the chemistry on the court, chemistry clicking, it was you know, we created you know, a live city, the best show on TV, and and we were the team that was beating the Warriors right up until they started their dynasty, you know what I mean. But I think the one thing that got in the way was it was off the court chemistry, I think we were you know, we were head butting each other. You know, there was little beefs and risks within the

team and you know, risk between players and coaches. And I only argument we haven't at the games is who house we smoking? In this house? Are we smoking that? That's the argument we have and what are we eating? Exactly? Because but but but Park was with us and shout

out Baron Davison. Um. But then you know, for me to go from that team where we should have definitely won a championship, and then my last year when I got a chance to play with Golden State, where you bring Kadie and and and you have Clay, and you have Steph and Draymond and Iquadala, Sean Liviston, David West, everyone just that the egos didn't matter. Everyone left their egos at the door and really was what what was best for the team was, and that was what was

best for each individual. You know, like I said, their ultimate goal was to win. You know, everyone had to take a step back, including k D. You know, Steph took a step back. Everyone had to kind of take a step back for the greater go to the team. And they did that and they had a dynasty run,

you know. So that's why this this chemistry said, there was so much move up, you know, action and movement in free agency that you know, putting these teams together on paper is great, but you gotta have that chemistry and uh, you know, that stuff that you build in the preseason and and just hanging around each other on and off the court, and and and see if the piece is fit buying then you know, like San Antonio, people on San Antonio never have just big stars on

the face of the league, but they're always in the thick of things. They're always hanging around because Pop forces players. If you're gonna be a part of this Birds organization, you're gonna buy in. You're gonna play a role, and you're gonna do what's best for the team. And that's why they always win. That's why they always in the stick of things. If you look at the last ten years, how many seasons, how many teams have more fifty win seasons?

Come on, there are plugs and lots about winning. There are plug in play systems, you know, similar to the Patriots, you know, but let's jump over to the East. That to me, the most intriguing team over there is the Sixers. You know, to lose a talented player which you know very well, Jimmy Butler to Miami to gain a veteran ultimate pro and al hair are Al Horford. You know they lost jj they got uh who else did they

pick up here from Miami? Richardson? Uh, they they gave I don't know if he got Max, but they give to b Harris a really good contract. You know Ben Simmons, he was someone I followed um just actually just talked to him recently too, someone I followed all summer via you know, Instagram, and he really looked impressive and he was out there shooting like he wasn't thinking about it.

And if he's someone that you know develops just a little bit of jumper this that this year and continue to build on it, you know, they're a scary team. And then not to mention the most talented big in the game, you know him and a D. I mean, he's a true center. A D is a powerful but I'd say it just straight big in the game I

would take. I would take him over no kitchen and and whoever to me and beat is the most talented big guy in the game with the part of with the Marcus is, uh, you know, bad luck and injuries. What you think about them, Who's gonna Who's gonna be the player they go to they can go to down the stretch during the clutch, that the position that Jimmy was in last year. I mean, that's gonna be. That's

that's the big question for them. But I think for them to be successful, they're gonna have to go to that spurs Tim Duck and David Robinson just banging inside the whole game, throwing inside, play through your big guys. Uh, and and try to find out who your shooter is gonna be. Because those two gonna Horford and be gonna get doubled a lot. You gotta find out who your shoot is gonna be. They're gonna be tricky. I mean we've seen we've seen him and shoot a lot of jumpers.

But me as you know, a lot of people can make Yeah, come on, a lot of people can make jumps in l a fitness and a lot of people can make jumpers in the first quarter of the NBA game, but can't make them in the fourth. Some of the best shooters can make him in the first quarter, can't make him in the fourth, So I want to I want to see him do it in games. I just I really want to see what Milwaukee is gonna do, you know, I really want to see what Millwake' is gonna.

They could be special. And I think losing Brockden was big. It was it was big, but they they added something, d added something too. Now they could be you know, obviously Milwaukee. I think uh Nakopo, you know, being the m v P. It's crazy to think that the MVP still has more to prove or still to more to

prove them. But I think he even knows that. You know, he was exposed Um on the offensive side of the ball once Kauai put them clamps because of Kauai wasn't allowing to get his easy his his buckets in the paint. So I know he's gonna come out with with the vengeance this year. Teams are gonna have to take a record to him. You know. Yeah, I like Milwaukee. I like Milwaukee a lot. Celtics losing Rhonda Arts, you know,

winn Leo losing Kyrie Um. You know, this is really on the young guys now, you know what I mean? You want how they wanted it though, right, Loki, this is how they wanted it, There's no quite They wanted to rely more on those two young guards, Tatum and Brown. They wanted to rely on them to you got you got the young poor Garlfers, Charlotte coming in. He's Kimball, Kimber is a problem. I want to know how he

can come into a more facilitating role. You know that that's gonna be new for him because he's coming from scoring all day long and Charlotte, which they gonna need to score a little bit, pick and choose the spots. But they really want to see you know what what what those other guys who along with Hey, Gordon Haywood, Right, Gordon Haywood. I think this is gonna be a good year for him. I think I bounced back here because

people forgot how good he was. And then he showed a lot of signs last year too, he showed flashes, but the level of injury. You know, it took Paul George a good year year and a half to get back to you know who he was, and I think this will be that year, uh for Gordon Haywood. I couldn't imagine that thing hurt And I'm crazy, right, Yeah, I'm don't even trying to touch my toes. I can imagine breaking my ankle and leg and trying to show. Man, let's shouts out to them boys. Man, they bounced back

and looking better than ever. What do you think about the nets? I don't think about him and took Katie get back like I love I love DJ I love Kyrie like it's gonna be entertaining to watch. But that's not what we're gonna That's not the full picture, you know what I'm saying. That's not what we that's not the that's not what we're expecting from them. We know Katie's coming back in the season, and um, that's what we're looking forward to see. Obviously, these guys can still

make some noise. We know they're gonna compete. We know Kyrie and and and and and Brooklyn ain't gonna lay down. But at the same time, I don't have high expectations. They got some talent over there where with the Vert and den Witty and um, what's the young kid's name that came from Baylor Torre and Prince he's a dog like they got they got some talent, man, And I think obviously they're in the mix too. You know, you could talk about, you know, I possibly win in the

West or Eastern Conference when Katie returns. But right now, it'll be interesting to see if you know, who's the leader on the team, Kyrie, But I don't. You know, Kyrie is saw in Boston that that him being the leader didn't really work. It didn't work there, It has to work here. I think he took notes obviously and saw, you know, he can improve on from a leadership standpoint. As soon as he signed with Brooklyn, everybody in the organization knew this is Kyrie and Katie c what no

question about it. Everybody has been there that has success last year, all that has the best the best player doesn't always have to be or it isn't always the leader of the team though, you know what I mean? Is it is it a then witty you know? Is he's someone that they looked to for that leadership. Know, Deandre's got years in the league. Now, I think he'll be the backbone. DJ be the backbone of the team.

Ce Dj was an interesting pickup to me with them because they had, you know, success with the young center that they had before. Katie is gonna be the vocal guy. You know, Katie's gonna be the vocal guy. Kyrie is going to be the guy to keep him you know, in tune on court, he is gonna be the backbone. But it's not gonna be what we expect and what we want to see until sometimes until snipe. Get back, man shout, man, get back, get back soon, man back, Well,

get back soon, my brother. Let's jump to Golden State for the for the first time. Golden State is a tricky team for the first time in a long time. You know, they're not the favorites, and you know, you hear some people even saying that they're not going to make the playoffs, struggling to make the playoffs. What do you think about that? I mean, it's just I love Steph. I think Stuff has changed the game. You know, you

put him in a category with Ai. You know, guys who really changed that I really changed the game, you know, trend setter. Stuff is in that category definitely. But that team is a different team without Clay Thompson. I'm sorry people underrate Clay Thompson. They don't speak about him enough. Don't give him his props. He's been one of the best two way players in the game. Team because we are two way players and that's why Clay has my respect.

Without Clay, it's gonna be difficult. It's tough to say without you know, if even losing KD with a healthy Clay, if they could have you know, won the game six and then going in Toronto and one game seven. You know, I definitely think, like you said, Clay is a huge piece of that team. There was winning games six and Clay was staying healthy, they was winning games. Yeah, I agree. So you know, the addition of D'Angelo Russell, you know, who was who was an emerging young star UM in

the Eastern Conference. UM, someone who can do it all on the offensive end. UM. The Warriors are a team to me, like I said, I think they're not worried about chasing down the top seed in the West. I think it's all about being in the thick of things, preservation and understanding this is a marathon. They in there. You know, they're not favorite, like I said, there that they're an underdog for the first time in a long time.

And I think, you know, I think Draymond is going to make sure they realize that the entire season and it's gonna be something where you know, Clay gets back in February March, and I think they're starting to hit all cylinders in the March April and gonna be a scary, scary first round opponent for whoever. They're younger too, and you know Steps the oldest on the team. Yeah at what two and where they went young they went with young, younger with with Chris from Phoenix. They got in now.

So the big guys that they need to run it to run up and down the court, protect the r they're young, they got energy. Marcus Chris is gonna Stein are two really good pickups, really good pickups. So I see I have them in the thick of things. I think they're gonna be interesting. Houston, Houston, Man. I see that working I mean, I see two guys that love playing with each other, that love playing basketball, that love

working out, both from California, and they're real friends. They're exactly like had that kind of friendship on Gold where people know, like when you really funk with the dude sitting next to you is a different You're really willing to sacrifice any and everything for the greater good of the situation. And I think they're coming out and saying the right thing is obviously the individual accolades, they want them all. That ship don't matter no more, you know.

To me, and what people forget about Houston is they just happened to run into a dynasty. They ran into the Warriors and they lost travel reason that was huge loss, huge laws someone that you know, someone that's not spoken, but some of the as players, we knew how important he was to that team, and the in the in the team knew how important. The players knew on that team how important he was. But they played with his

money and he had to bounce. But like I said, they just happened to run into a Golden State, you know what I mean? So to me, you you you move Chris Paul, You bring in Russell rest Brook. Can it work? And and I'm with you, I think he can add a triple double to James Harden. Yeah it's gonna work. But one thing about that, you know, the one thing about sacrifice that I realized and playing on you know with Golden State, and people wanted to sacrifice

when you win it? Yes, or what if they hit a you know, a tough a tough skined Uh you know, James was amazing last year because he brought them out of the toilet and and them back because him and Chris didn't have the relationship him and jameson when we went through when I first came back and go to State, we went through a tough little phase last in the season. One eight out of twenty one. We jailed. You know

what I mean, You're gonna have some rough patches. But that's when being a real fan, brand a brother you don't. You don't, you don't hold on to that ship. You know what I'm saying, you lose the game. Okay, let's figure it out. You know saying you depend on your brothers, you jail more on the court. You find a way to get through it without becoming the counselor or without demeaning your teammates and the media and ship like that, you find a way interna they're like, we did, you

know what I mean? But but when you real friends, is easier to do that. It's definitely, definitely, I completely agree. And that's what, like I said, that goes back to that chemistry, you know what I mean, Like that chemistry is is key to success, not only in basketball, in any sport, and we didn't work out in the summertimes together, We didn't meet up and work out. We just knew

when it came to the season. Time we spent time together the season, but I mean in all season, we didn't work out, meet up at the gym, let's do this. We didn't do that. But because but we knew when the season came, it's time to work. And I'm not I'm not out of plan for myself. I got seven eight guys that I really loved, that I really consider my brother that I might up planning for two because we're all eating from this ship. So I'm gonna give

my off of them. And if a lot of a lot of guys won't understand that today because they didn't grow up in the AU circuit like we did. Are you circules different now? You know what I'm saying. We had a lot to prove, you know, I remember, you know, definitely I wouldn have never played AU. But if it wasn't for Josh Pastner, he's actually the coach of Jarge of Tech. Right now. A little white kid pulled up in the neighborhood, put up to the projects and hopped out the car while and I had no idea who

he was. I was actually worried about him because we all thought he was the cops. You know, any white kid pull up in our neighborhood at that time, you're the police. It was the same age with me and he pulled pulled up and the white Land cruise are remembers like yesterday, and it's like, I want you to

play on my my AU team. I'm looking at him like, yeah, right, you gotta AU and we all laugh and I probably have to blend my hand like you don't have a YouTube, I can tell y'all pick I'll come down here and pick you up from Houston every day for practice. And it changed my life because instead of me hanging out on the park smoking weed playing basketball, I was actually playing basketball in a positive environment, learning how to play

the game. I was able to travel, so, you know, like and I had to earn that though, you know what I'm I had to earn everything. It's different now now these kids you can buy your way on the AU team. You can buy your way on on on on on a big team just to be on, just to be seen with other players. That's going somewhere. You're not going so it's it's totally different now, you know

what I mean? But you know, I love the way we had to come up and how we had to earn everything because if we didn't have the attitude, we wouldn't have beat that one season in the first round. There's no question. It's a different mentally different ground. But with that said, kids today are talented as fucking skilled this for you know what I mean, I didn't know my protein shakes in the middle school. I have been

drinking crew team and all that too. If I don't know, But let us is them and still wise, this newer, younger generation I think benefited from this YouTube generation is really benefited from seeing you know, day to day stuff at the palm of their hand and really working on their game. But we got off course back to the to the unlucky. That real lucky wasn't social media when we were playing it. Now, we wouldn't have made it four or five years if if the worldvised what a phone?

So what we know, No way we gotta get we gotta get out to a whole we believe segment. We gotta make a documentary like or some sh it out of that. That sho would be crazy anyway back now, let's let's listen. I really liked this team. This is a team that is similar to to to Utah O give me similar to San Antonio. Just a great system head coach Quinn Snyder uh program where people just plug in and do and play the right way. And I think adding Mike Conley is going to be huge for them,

a former teammate of mind in Memphis. One of the most talented point guards to to never make it all. He's never made All Star on thing. Has heinbly ever been All start he got he got All Star Game and All Star sick money he got that, you know, and then and Bob, Bob Donovich. I don't want to murder his last name, but I think he's going to be a huge pick up, a stretch for um Donovan

Mitchell is gonna get to be so scary dog. They're gonna be a really good It's probably be the scariest team, Like like we was talking about earlier, just having him to be able to just focus on scoring and being a shoot guard at that size, you have one of the best point guards with you right now. You don't have to even think about making a play. You don't have to think about getting a big fellow in this spot. All you have to do is think about being a shoeguarden.

But even with that, I think with that pressure on him, that's where he's gonna be able to make more plays and more be more creative and is not his like he doesn't have to stress off. Damn, I gotta make a player, do I score? And Mike Conley someone that makes plays and scores, you know, I mean, so he really has a good running mate right there. Um. You know, O'Neil should have a big year, the two time defensive Player of the Year and Gobert Um, you is gonna

be a really scary team. Um this year in the West. Last, but not least, the Pelicans. Pelicans are gonna be gonna be super entertaining. You're gonna love to watch them, but you know they're not going to be there at the end of the season when we're talking about championships, not championships. But I think they take baby steps. Do you think that they're a team that can make the playoffs? They're not making the playoffs. Here goes our top eight playoff

choices in the East. I got the Bucks one, seventies six, Ers, two Pacers, three Celtics for Pistons. I like the addition to the Joe Johnson's Big Three homie. You know, I hope Joe gets a shot. He someone really help him. You know, I think Blake Griffin is back to playing Blake Griffin. I play with on the Clippers, love with him. You know, Drumming is a big fellow homes He's a great comedian. By the way, shots funny, Blake is funny. Bro Blake is funny. Is we talk about Blake later?

But anyway, six Orlando Magic. You know, they've consteadily been putting a solid team to get our hope. What's the young boy's name, the number one pick, markul uh Faults. You know, I hope he gets like Gordon a lot. You know, they got they got a lot of talent over there. Someone they gave you know, Toronto Scaring the first friend last year, Miami Heat with your boy, Jimmy Butler, I got them at seven. I think if they can

somehow get a Bradley Beale or or Chris Paul. I think that like I put some you know, writing the thicker things in the Eastern Conference, and I think last but not least the Nets, you know, minus k D. I still think they they got enough talent uh to make the playoffs. I'm gonna go with I got the Bucks number one. I think you know, they got the experience, they got the coach, and I think they know where

they slipped up last year. And without having Kauai, I don't see nobody really seeing them uh and took Qui leaving Toronto. I don't think anybody's seeing the Bucks. I got the seven sixes or two uh. If they can create that David Robinson tim Nugge style to played there with having those dominant big man and Ben Simonsons, they're shooting the jump like he was shooting the summer, They're gonna be real Garrea. They can easily slide to the number one in these Celtics. I want to see how

they're gon jail. Finally got the two young guys brown and take them. It's their teams to see what they can do. Add In kimba UM's gonna be on defense, Marcus Smart, Marcus Smart. I don't know how they're gonna be the defensively as a team, but there you know, you know with young teams you can you can buy in. You know, I think sometimes older players are are labeled

that they don't do this, they don't do that. But this team is still young enough to buy into understanding that, you know, defense, if we play defense, we're gonna have a chance to come out. You know, they definitely have time. They definitely have time. Uh, We're just gonna see if they can come together defense. Like and who's gonna be the star of that team, the vocal guy on that team for I got heat. I think I think Jimmy bore. I love Jimmy Butler there. I love what he did

in Philadelphia. I think he can do that for Miami this season. I think he can really be that leader, that big shot maker and and and and that that attitude can just travel over to everybody on that team. I think he embodies and he embodies. I mean, he's a blue color the star. You know, he embodies what you know that organization about. So you have him high, you have a hot big beliefs at that four rocket with Jimmy five, I got the paces Aladipo come back healthy,

no telling what they can do. Brockden thew I like Brogden. You know he signed a former Rookie of the Year. You know, I just I just I just know the way Aladipo plays. I know how hungry is. They play hard, you know what I mean. And I know how he was playing before he got hurt. You know, I'm excited to see that pistons. I got him at six dead Rose on the Resurgence's he bawled him back. I think he's Hungry's gonna have a big chip on his shoulder this year. Blake gonna be healthy, big cat, and they

brought my boy in. Joe Johnson won a big three shot to Joe Johnson. I hope he gets a chance, you know, because I think Joe still has a game. I think he got, you know, caught up in a situation Houston where he didn't play in the playoffs. And when you get older and you don't play in the playoffs, I think other teams figure you're done. But Joe still had game. Ain't done. I battled with him in the championship. Joe, Yes, he definitely hope he gets a chance over there. Shout

out to the Pitts was at six, I seven. I got to magine, man, I think those young guys, you know, they're hungry. They're always fighting around the last couple of years, it was fighting around for the playoffs. Spot. I think the experience. I think Garden is gonna come into his own again as year Bell All Star. I see them

at seven and eight Raptors. Even though you know they lost Kauai I left the Raptors off my experience, I think they still got experience that they got a lot to prove, and you know we're happening a lot to prove do. Yeah, you know, I say, sometimes you do the impossible, but you gotta prove it. You gotta prove it. Yeah, that's my topic. What you got on the West coming out West, it's gonna be fun. Man. The West is loaded, the West is the West is scary, and it's gonna

it's gonna make for a good year of basketball. But uh, let's start at the bottom. Last time we start at the top. Let's start at the bottom and work our way up. You can't have two teams, but it's my fucking list. You're right, Okay, Number eight? That was easy. Yeah, Sacramento. I like Sacramento. Good young team. Uh someone we spoken earlier, Trevor reads over there, Harrison Barnes uh, you know, they got the good young uh fox Europe up, the Aaron

fox Man crazy talent z. That's um. You know, Sacramento is a team that plays with a good pace, and I think they're ready to turn the corner. I think obviously adding veterans like Trevor Reads is going to help that team from a maturity standpoint and understanding standpoint. But they got a lot of talent over there. Um. And then I have also in the A spot I had the Pelicans. You know, I think they have a great mix of young players in Zion and and and a

few other rookies they got. They got the good veteran pickups like j. J. Reddick, uh Favors, Drew Holiday, uh Spurs completely. I left the Spurs off and it's tough with the mar on the markets, that's tough. But I've been seeing they very well could be the A seed you know. I mean, well we could talk about what I'm saying that there's someone I feel like they could find this it's going to be in that that seven eight range. So you got triplets for eight seeds, excuse me.

And it also Dallas. Yeah, the blessing to me and hopefully you know, people understand where I'm coming from this. My seven team is the Warriors. We love that's our home. But love the Warriors, you know what I mean. But I think it's gonna be a season where fans are gonna have to understand. I think Steph is gonna have a great year. I think it's step is gonna be

in the talking for m v P again. But I think, like I said, I think this team is just looking to, you know, continue to steadily improve, build chemistry with the new players we mentioned earlier, you know, Karlie Stein and christ and the rookie pool, finding out who those guys are, you know, checking out the development from the young players they got to play last year. I mean, obviously we know what Draymond can do. He got a nice contract and rewarded for Jane how talented and and he does

for that team for real? Right, let me hold it. Let me hold something, bro D. Don't say that, because you know Drake, Drake really would Let me say that. Jayson Mell watch just playing Jane Rowlett to something. Don't send it to him because the last time ext some jerseys use something, shoes and all kinds. So let's see how this work playing j Rolex. That's all I need.

But anyway, yes, I got the Warriors of seven. Like I said, I think when Clay comes back, they're a team that can be They're going to be a scary weather and then they're at five to eight range, even four range. They're just gonna be a tough out and a team that has vesteran experience and it's crazy to think. Some people think they won't make the playoffs, but they're definitely gonna be in the mix. I got them a little low just because I want them to conserve energy

and understand that it's it's a marathon this year. Shout out to the Wars. So they got picked that was in the new Arena? Do they shout out to the Wars? It's always loved for the Wars. You already know that six. I got the Rockets. Uh. You know, we both believed that Harden and Westbrook can work. They got a lot of great pieces. I think Dan Tony's on the hot seat. He's gonna make something happen. They've been on a hot seat, but he got a cold ask so he's been putting

the feature. He's the worst best coach to get a job. He keep a job, don't crazy because it styled the playoffs. That's what I call him. Dan Prony at five, I got the Nuggets. This is a young team, um exciting team. Team will was the top in the West. But I think they snuck up on teams last year. They're not gonna sneak up on team this year. Everyone knows how talented they are. A big fell in the middle. Uh, you know, their young wings coming up. Interesting to see

what Mike Reporter can do this year. Uh, someone if healthy, is very skilled. You know, someone that could be in rookie. He's on that Ben simmonship, So he's a rookie this year because you know he can get a chance to play last year. So someone that could really be integral. Uh. And their success for Portland's Portland has been a team that has been collateral to to to the Warrior success,

you know, kind of the words of Big Brother. Them a lot but very talented obviously, you know the homie Dame shout out Dame for the album Big Dollar c J. And you know coach Stotts white Side white Side is a big pick up, you know, and they can get h what's the other guy that broke his leg last year. No, Uh, yeah he was. He was having a hell of a season. So they're a team that I don't know like it's it's I think they're a piece away, you know. I

think they're one piece away from really contending. They got rid of turn in Portland and got bays Moore. No, that's not that's not that's not a good name. Base Market. Shoot, but he's cross him over in the phone booth, base More solid. He could be guarding you right there in the phone booth and you can cross the more. He's still gonna hit the window. Jerald Rider texts me, man, I've been trying to tell him, Man, when are we gonna do his story? Riding? Come on, man, easy Riding,

I sent him. I've seeing a little highlight of him. Uh smoke something, bro boy. He crossed someone over, made him falling step back. So now, yeah, shout out, easy Rider. Let me look for to see who uh has real quick? Portland Baysmore is not the answer. I love him. He's a cool guy. He can shoot it left hand, but he he can't guard nobody. And then some nights he can't hear the house. If he was in the kitchen, White Side a little bit. I don't know. Bas Moore

is not the answer. I don't think batesmos ans white Side he can he can help them. Yeah, white Shide could definitely help them, right, so I can have anyway moving a good Joe Johnson would have been good. Has been a nice fit there in Portland. Man that would give him the big guard that could score. They can. Oh my goodness, Mellow Mellow is good anywhere, Church League, Lifetime Fitness Um, wherever you want to, NBA Canon, wherever you want to bring him. He's gonna be great. Kenny

asked it death and pull up. Yeah, he's gonna be great. What'll touch your mellow little bit later, Let's get back to the list of Lakers. Lakers are an interesting team to me, and I think you know the expectations are through the roof. I think everyone even knows it's a new team, expectations of championship. Chemistry is gonna be key to them. Chemistry and health is going to be key

for that team. I think you know that coaching staff bringing really that young team and having the respect you know, because last year I think they lost they lost respect for Luke. I mean you could tell and it was a train wreck after that. So you know that coach staff coming there, getting that respect, their chemistry, getting together and finding everybody's role, and they're gonna be a scary team.

I got you taught to you know, for everything we mentioned earlier when we talked about them, very talented team. Mike Conley is going to be, you know, someone that they could possibly take them to the next level. And to me, the best team in the West is the Clippers. You know, like I said, the team that's completely bought in on that chemistry concept um. And then you add two players like Kauaii and Paul George and you got

Doc there. You got everything you need to to not make it your town, but to get you a championship. I'm gonna start to bottom too. I don't have the Jazz making the playoffs for two reasons. You just told me it was good for me to have them at two Did you just say this jo list? This is my list right? Two reasons I hated playing there, Okay, hated it. They're great fans though. Second reason, do you

remember this, I'm shooting a free throw second round. This guy has a life size cardboard cut out of me in the jail uniform. Has that just been in trouble year before? Under the goal with the cop I hit a free throw and I'm in prison under the goal like I'm shooting you through, but I'm arrested. Us to go. I can't make that ship and I will never forget that. I talked to the guy recently. He tried to like he actually invited us. He invited us to the game.

He still has the sign. That's what we're gonna do. One day, We're gonna go to the game and sit with that guy because he still has to sign and all that too. That would be pretty cool, But they're not on my list. Sorry. I got the Kings at eight. I'm just a Fox fan. I think this little kids taking his team places. Trevor's that glue got to a lot of teams. We know the experience and and the positive attitude and the and the veteran leadership Trevor brings to a team. I like the Kings of eight seven.

I got the Warriors. I don't know what they're gonna do. I'm a Clay Thompson fan. I know what Clay means to the Wars. I know how big he is. For this team, not having him as a big hole. That's gonna be hard to feel. I got the I got the Wards at seven. Six, I got the Spurs. Greg Papovich, he's still a mastermind. Got Tim Duncan over there. Hopefully it will help LaMarcus all. Just figure out how to be a dominant big man on defense and not just a defense. Learn how to go left and not go

left left shoulder all the time. Expand this game. I got the Spurs and six. I think, uh they'll they'll Dey'll shock some people, especially with great poppish. I never underestimate him. Five Nuggets. We talked about a great young team, got a lot of pieces, had a lot of success last year. Don't ain't really so, But I know that they're one of the best teams in the Western Conference. That's why I got them at five. Four Rockets. Of course,

those two guys can jail from four to one. That can go anyway on my list, because if the Rockets can come out and if we can actually see a triple double rust with a thirty point James, how could you beat that? You know what I'm saying, They could easily be the best team. So I have the Rockets at four. Now for three Trailblazers, I think white Side is gonna be big for them. A lot of people

don't don't know how good Whiteside could be. But when you have two dominant guards like c J and Dame that can create plays and score at will, having a big man dive into the pain and cleaning up everything on offensive defense at the that's gonna be something. And then when when when cous come back, them two guys playing together along with Damon mccullor, that could be special. I got the Portland at three, of course to Clippers Kauai, Paul George, Patrick, Beverley Montres. I got them the best

defensive team in the league. If they don't, it's gonna be it's gonna be a letdown. They got they got guys that they got two might be the two best two way players at the guard spot in the league. With Paul Kauai, they can score any time. We know the team going jail. We talked about that this guy's a limit for this team. They can stay healthy. Uh, they could easily be at the top of this list.

But I got the Lakers for the simple fact that at one Lakers at one for the simple fact that a D. A D could have been the m v P the last three years if he wanted to. I think a D is Tim Nunan on steroids. Man. He can do it all, you know, And if he can stay healthy. The key he's never had a Lebron James key, you know, if he can stay healthy. Areably the best player Lebron's ever played with by far, you know what I mean, the way you know they had, the way way was good at We know we're staying as far

as big man, you know what I mean. The best shoot guard he played with d Wade. The best point guard he played with was Kyrie No. But I'm just saying overall player, overall players, it might be a D. It might be a D if you can stay healthy this whole season. With with having the burden taking off him a lot, with having Lebron having a solid point guard of Floord's general like Rondo, we're having a guy that we all respect, who we all love on that

sideline of Jay Kid. It could be special Man playing on and on in the big city, on the big time team like the Lakers that he always wanted. You keep just taking when you we talk about coach, you don't ever say that. You just mentioned the assistant. Well, the reason why I say that is because I'm a realist. And if me and you was on that team and we had a serious game in game basketball question, I'm not going to vocal. I'm going to ja kid facts. So this is all the smoke, and I'm gonna give

y'all all the smoke. They're not coming out the game going to vote as some coach. Should I do this fun that we're going to j k even we've been we've been really I'm gonna tell you that we've been real political this first kind of half hour five minutes of the show. They Jakid is really the coach. They got Vogal the face right now, but they all gonna be getting coached by j kidds ship. Okay, let me ask you a question, Frank Vogan, J Kid walking to Jim,

Who the funk are you gonna hide your coach? What's your Instagram underscoring stack five s tak five underscoring, send all questions and comments and and how you feel about what he just said, because that's his feelings. Yeah, that's how I feel to him, shout out J Kid, I vocals cool, But I know and always I like Vogal.

It's because he does whole players accountable. But I know from experience, when you're coming out that game, you got a basketball question, are you see someone on the court, You're gonna go to JA kid before they go to vocal. Trust me, you're absolutely right. I just like the way you say. You say it better I did. That was the first time I said something what I stuttering too? All right, So we got so in the East, we both got the Bucks. In the West, I got the Clips,

you got the Lakers. Sorry, who do you see in the Eastern Conference Finals? He's the conference finals. I'll go Bucks. I go Buck seventy sixers. I mean, I can't see it getting better than that. That's what I want to see. That's must CTV. That's what I don't want to see. What you think. I can't even argue with you on that. I think Bucks seventy six will be the Eastern Conference Finals. But I got seventy sixers coming going to the finals. I got the seventy six is going to the finals.

So yeah, if Simmons is the Simmons of this summer, they might win this motherfucker. You might running, you know what I mean? They might win the summer. What you got in the West Western Conference Western Conference Finals. I think it would just be really dope to have a Battle of l A for the Western Conference finals, you know. And I think that's something later that we'll touch on in the show. But I think I'm gonna have a

Battle of l A for the Western Conference finals. I got the Battle of l A, of course, because that's what everybody in this room, in this world wants to see. The finals in l A. I mean, the best two teams on paper. I mean, it would be great to see fucking the Rockets and the Lakers and somebody, because it's still be entertained because they were like how the fund did Russ and James figure it out? And Chris Paul and James, you know what I mean? So all

that would be great. But the Championship of l A, to see who owned Stepid Center to go to the finals will be great. Who you got winning? I got Clippers coming out that I got Clippers coming out of the West. You got coming out of the West defense win championships, Clippers. So we have a I have Philly versus the Clippers in the NBA Championship, and you have the Clippers versus who Bucks Bucks? So who's your champion? Clippers? I got the Clippers to Clippers got too much for

the Bucks last year. Ka single handedly slow grief freak down by himself. Just imagine having Paul, George and Montres to help you beat him up. Beat him up. So two thousand and twenty predictions NBA Champs. We have the l A Clippers clips y'all hold it down, man, make us look good. And low Wood just dropped the new album check it out. What's your thoughts man on Mellow you know, and it's kind of died down a little bit, but has two guys that played against him and know him.

What is your outtake on this? Has he been blackballed from the NBA? Has it's the It's the same situation they did to a lot of players. They put him in a situation they know he's not gonna succeed, Make it look like he can't play no more, make it look like he's a cancer, and just push him out. And once they get you to that point, whether they you're a cancer or like you can't play no more,

it's a text that's sung out to every team. It's a it's a it's a mass test that's out to every team, every every team since don't fun with him. It happened to AI, it happened to me, it happened to a lot of guys, and it's definitely happened to Melo. Melow wanted and the company guy. He's never been a company guy. You know what I'm saying. He gonna speak his mind, He's gonna martch to the beat of his own drum, and they don't like that at times, you know.

And it ain't no question if anybody today say that Mellow is not better than sixty of the players an NBA right now, they are damn lives and his personal Mellow definitely belongs in the NBA. And he's definitely definitely got black ball. It ain't a secret man is as good as this guy is, definitely for sure. Hall of Famer, one of the most talent to scores the game has ever seen, one of the hardest players I ever had

the card, hands down, someone that could do everything. The one thing that I will chime in from a standpoint of he could have played a role in his own demise was not accepting too much pride, too much pride, not swallowing that pride. And I can't speak on what it's like for someone to be as talent to a Hall of Famer and then kind of slowly throughout your carewd.

You know, we were able to play fourteen years a piece, but coming down your career and kind of having adjust from being who you were at one time to fitting a role of a team. And I think that's what Mellow had a hard time with. But you know this too, The NBA will make you think that your game and your body is done before you're actually done. Can't nobody tell you how your body feels and where your game is.

But you right, it's situations, So you're right, right right, So like like today, like somebody came to me and say that Jack, you had a great champion, that a great year in the Big Three. You belong in the league. You're a damn lie. I couldn't run up and down that court one quarter half courters where I belong. Melo belongs in the league. And and and it's no way that anybody can sit here and say he doesn't. Bro So it's obvious that it's bigger than basketball with Melo,

and people might not want to say. We know, people in the game not gonna say it because they're trying to protect certain ships, try to protect their teams in their organizations. But it's easy that it's been a mass tech sun around the NBA and to everybody, do not funk with Carmelo Carmelo Anthon And it's wrong because he's gave a lot to this game. He's a future Hall of Famer and most guys at that caliber deserve to

go out the way they want to. Yeah. I mean, to me, he's probably been the most disrespected Hall of Fame player we've seen on the way out from an NBA standpoint. But then just the way fans talk the

same way, the same way crazy. I was thinking, you know, if he could have went in, like I said, to get back to my point, the only only only thing that I didn't like when when the things were happening was you know, if you just accept that six man role, whether you you think you you know you should be starting or not, but if you go on and just

buy in for what the team is about. You know, you think if you're if you're six man, you're playing against the second or third best player in that position when you're when when you know, when you get in the game, dominate, you're gonna the offense is gonna go through you, and then you'll be playing at the end of the game. And that's what matters, you know, starting whoever starts, that's whatever, however you feel about that, but it's about who who finishes the game. And that's the

gene he doesn't have, you know what I mean. We had the gene that just have an understanding, you know what I mean, like I said, but we weren't the level of superstar he was, Like I said, we can't speak to how hard it was to swallow, how hard that pill was to swallow, or just to have an understand it. Okay, Ship, they don't need my you know, they don't need my what I used to do. They need me to you know, fit into this role and

to help this team win. And I think that's the only like I said, that's the only not granted, I could grow pent I think he's been black balled. I think he should still be in the NBA. I think he's still one of the most talented play I just think him not really buying into what teams wanted. Yeah, real shout out to Mellow, shout out to Melow Man, do you think he's done? You think Jerr Smith has done? You think these guys that you know I see working out still in and putting in the hours in the

time because they do have the talent. But like I said, you can though you know j R in that category. It just brought to me that you guys can work out, but you can't give me on your team. Like you know what I mean, He's got a lot of friends in the NBA, and like, like, I think that might say something though you mean, but damn that Okay, I'm gonna put myself in Brown position. I'm gonna put you in Melow position. I'm I'm straight. I know I have

a pulled on the team. I know they're blackballing you. I don't give a funk. Hi, Look, you're my brother. I know they're sucking over you. I'm gonna give you a job just because just because you know what I mean, Because I know they're screwing you. I know you're not getting a fast shake, and it's some guys that have the poor to do that. I don't care how I look. DK River signed this son. How that look? Gave him thirty million? How that look? So speak on damn that?

You know what I mean? Him that No, no, no. If it's your brother and you care about them and you see how they're doing him, why not helping regardless of people, black, white, green or whatever. If her brother and you care about him and you see him getting the delta uh that hand and you can help him, why not help him? I can't rebut on that, bro. So I think we're both in agreeing then that he's he probably won't get a Blacks done. I hate to say it, but it's it seems like they're trying to

do my boy, um Gerald Smith the same way. You know what I mean. I hate to say that because he belonged on the league to man j R. Got so much game left and to see him, to see him going through that, just because he's not being who they want him to be. He's being himself. Yet we all make mistakes, Yet we all funk up. Everybody has. I love Gerard because he owns it. Anytime you make a mistake, he owns it. And the fact that he's not he's not what they want him to be. They

want to push him out. You know what I mean. I hate he got to go through that. You have a situation similar, you know, I was luckily I was able to walk away on my terms, and not too many people could really say that. But you know I signed you on your way down and still had plenty of game, and and and you found yourself without a job. Well what was that about? Well it was hard because, like you said, you know you still can play, you know you belong in the game, and excided when the

Clippers picked you up. You know, I was just like Jack, that someone that could definitely help us after that situation. I knew I wasn't because you know, the whole Dona Sterling situation. I made the song about Dona Sterling with his car face America the Beautiful. I knew after that. But the way it ended, like I was, I just started playing. Well, Chris Paul break his hand and it's a business. I understand that. And they came to me and told me we need to get another point guard.

So we got because I was on the tender at the time, so I understood that. But I knew at that point basketball was over for me in the NBA. Wise, I had no idea the Big Three was gonna coming out of that, so I thought basketball was done. But I was fine with it. Fourteen years it wasn't expected. I was fine with it, you know what I'm saying. But at the same time, it doesn't feel good to be pushed out of anything where you know you belong, where you know you paid your dudes, where you know

you earned it. It It wasn't given to you, you know what I mean. And to be pushed out when you know you had still that game, it hurts because that's just like I can tell you what it felt like when I got suspended for the Madison Pattisos thirty games. That's exactly what it felt like like the it is the game is taken from you, what you've been doing your whole like, what you love, what you know how to do best. Did just take just take the air

out of you. And when I knew that, you know what I'm saying, I accepted it, but I knew I had to go move on from it. But it hurt. It hurt, yeah, no, for no, no lies about it. You know, I was fortunate to be able to to play as long as I wanted and step away, you know, when I felt I was done, you know, after fourteen years, so I could, but I was completely at peace, you

know what I mean. It was a situation where I just felt like I was missing too much time with my kids and going through the bullshit with my ex. At the time, I just was ready for what was next. You know, business started doing well that the stuff I invested in and started prior years ended. So you know, I was someone that retired and was cool. I didn't care about playing basketball no more, but still could watch it, you know, talk about it, to teach it, coach my

kids in it, take my kids to games. I didn't miss it. I I you know, I didn't I feel the need to want to be back on the court. That's why I knew I made the right decision. Like like you said, we was never supposed to be there to get fourteen years to to to make you know, the money we were fortunate enough to make both to

win the ring. It was a blessing. But you know, for those guys that that aren't feeling you know, that haven't come that that that still feel like they should and they should be in the NBA, you know, for them not to get a chance to be in the NBA. I couldn't imagine how that feels, and I'm sure it eats up at him, man, So I hope, you know, he comes to peace with that, or or he gets a chance to Big Three. Baby. You know, it's for

guys who really love playing basketball. But it's a great sign though, because he comes out there and kills I mean, Joe Johnson, good look, you know what I mean. I'm pretty sure Mellow killing that too, but don't kill if. That's for guys who just loved playing basketball, though I wish I wanted to just done. Shout out to que for real, man, Jeff. The fact that you know, I mean that should is a feeder system to the NBA. Now that's a great, huge right here right here on

the state. Shoutout and we shout up to Queue for what you did. Let's talk about who who? Who are some people that we want to have on the show. Who are some guests that we want to you know, my time make a call out to right now. I got three guests who I want for who I definitely want to show my top three guests, Snoop to Change and Wayne Little One. That's the guys who we both know. That's guys who I've got years of relationships with. Wayne actually got a song coming out on a new album

called Balling like stack Jack. I haven't even heard yet, but he called and told me. So I'm excited to hear that. We gotta get the song on. We got to get the song on. Wayne is making an intro for this show, right him and two Chains want to make it. So we gotta talk to the high up. We gotta we gotta make we gotta make that happen. You know. Snoop is the homie. You know, we do my foundation a year together every year. When I went home, he just blessed me with a care package out of

this world, as he should have. My stank Soncer Snoop the same things. So Snoop can't call him old Gez because we're about the same. Mate, No, Snoop, as if we put you, are you pushing fifty? Were close to it? He like he ten years older than I see, like four years older is right? Oh he might be ten years old to mean you a little older? You got around fifty. He's I think he's pushing fifty. I'm not mistaken.

Ain't nothing wrong, but it don't matter, right, Come on now, the d O double still out there on the football field doing this thing. Um getting double doubles in basketball games. When the m v P showing up late coming in there playing him. He really out there playing like Will Chamber and played the shoot that Will played in snoop think the game like us. Though he got a high basketball question, he got a high basketball He's an athlete. So those are your three mine. I just want to

get into good conversation, you know what I mean. So I definitely think you know, I was over at ESPN the other day and and think I locked in Stephen. Ain't everyone saw my story. That's gonna be the show. It's gonna be a good one, man, That's gonna be the show. It's gonna be a good one. Another person I think who's misunderstood and I've been and I've been and I've been on top job with st Yeah, we're gonna try to lock that in. Another person that I've

been critical of. But see his see where he's going, and kind of just think he needs some O G guy in sas a b Antonio Brown. Yeah, man, I think we can get him in here. That would be big. Yeah, because I mean, I think we see him because Free Games self destructing right in front of us, but got so many He's still young enough to you know about a huge fan. I'm a fan, huge fan, you know what I mean. And I wasn't a fan of the Blond Bush Dash. That was weird, that that ship was

super weird. I wasn't a fan of that. But that's I love Abe. I'm a big time Jersey sign that so a b is someone we definitely want to get on. I want to get like Shaun King in here to aw. I want to get Sean King, but I want to talk and get on the social justice that else you don't have to do three done Nelson. No, we gotta go see if we get Nelly. We gotta go. We gotta go to Maui and go get on the Nellie Cush showtime. We need to head out to Maui. Yes, in film this it'll be a legendary sit down me

and Jack. We could tell all our we believe stories and they're wildest fun. And this is not Nellie from when he was coaching. This is Ponytail Nellie. Now long Ponytail Nellie. Know you're gonna like this Nellie. Yeah, nell it would be dope. He's more an hour old now I think he's been in our world. He was more juice, beers and cigars and Crown member. That's ten am cup to Crown and coffee. His dog, yeah to his dog had a cigar. What was his dog's name? Lucky Lucky.

He's lucky to come to practice ship on the court in the middle of practice Lucky Lucky Lucky. Yeah. So yeah, who else? That's my whole thing? Is I just shot not only that he's gonna educate the shift out of us. Yeah, there's no question. I followed him on. You know, I'm a big supporter of his movements about ladies. Though we said no, like, I agree. You know what, I want to talk on some ship. I want to talk to these Instagram models that bounce from an athlete to athlete

and had like a real conversation with them. Well, let's be careful which ones we invite, because I might have been one of them names. Okay, to be careful with that. You have not mad at it because I'm not. They might be on Instagram, Yeah, they might have some bodies. They still look good. Yeah, I just want to have a conversation like I want to. I want to. I want to be educated. I want them to you know, gave me. Yeah, I just want to know what that's

our process. I'm not knocking to hustle at all, Like I want to cut this a real hustle now right. I would like to have a conversation with them. I think I would like to have we know, we need we need to have Derek Fisher in here. Absolutely not. It's not gonna it's you planned it not because I don't have a fake bone in my body. You don't have to have a fake bone with me and him? Are cool? Now? Word? Yeah, I ain't trippling off, bro. I thought it was be forever. No, it's not. No,

it's not you know it's be forever with me. We got to get you like that wants you to do that ship again. Just who's the next victim? Motherfucker? Who's the next victim? Now? I don't trust your don't bring that motherfuck on my set. It's good, it's good vibes. Only we don't want to know him, Tony Parker, don't bring none of them motherfucker's around there. Talk to your girls. Soon as you close your eyes and go to the bathroom. Na, bro, we don't want them on this set. Sorry, somebody else

no dfish sick. I'm what's what's the female that I would like to talk to on the show? I would have to say who. I think Laura Lendon would be double to talk to. You know, she's been you know, we've been doing. I met Lauren. I met Lauren when I was about to go in the NBA, and um, you know, became friends and became friends over this long haul and then you know her journey through her career and then her situation would nip, and you know, she's a dope check and she's been really strong through all

this ship. I think it would be good to you know who. I think we should bring Kate Hudson. Let me tell you why. She celebrated with us when we won. She was at our house. She's just turned Jessica out. But they can tell stories about that night that we probably don't remember. Man, we had one of the biggest games about my life. I had thirty points that game to game six like that was closed out. That was a great memory. I remember. The rest of the night was crazy too. We went out and then we went

and smoking Snoop that night. I think I wanted to tap out that night. I didn't because I think I wanted because that the first time I see somebody do that, Yeah, roll it, hit it, pass it, roll it, hit it, like roll another one ever hit the same blunt twice in hours, and like why? And there wasn't enough of us in there to really go in that kind of rotation. It wasn't. I think he tried to put us through initiation real quick. You know what I remember too. You

might had the party where he performed Snoop. You took my PlayStation. So when you're riding and said you have to have a PlayStation and your locker room with a whole bunch of snacks and stuff. We put all the snacks back there, and we put the Xbox. You wasn't supposed to take it, bro. He took all my games, my controllers, everything that wasn't It was supposed to be in ap for you to play. Bro. I need my Xbox back today. Let's thought about that. We gotta get

him on talk about it. I need my Xbox from anyway. Man. That was a good run for the day, bro Man. Day one signing Out, Episode zero sir, we did run. Hope you guys catch this. Hope you enjoy it. We're here. We're gonna keep getting better. We're gonna keep bringing some real ship to you. Keep talking about sports life, Showtime shoutout Showtime Sports. Love to everybody. I wish I could do all the emoji fishing different colors, but I'm dark as fun, so I can't do it. But love to everybody.

You are black and fun. I'm glad you know it. Anyway, We'll see you all next time. Peace. M hm mm hmmm mm hmmm mm hmmm mm hmm