FULL THU POD @SpenceChecketts on NBA Draft, Jazz Round 1, RSL vs SKC, NHL Draft + more

producing the program marathon eight hour radio shift. Last night, it started at two ended about nine to forty five as we took you through the first round of the NBA Draft, and we are going to do the same tonight for the second round, where we will break down players that you've never heard of, and several of whom will never play in the NBA. But maybe we'll get, you know, a Draymond Green, a Paul Millsap, something like that a second round or that actually makes a difference.

But we will talk draft today, We'll talk jazz today. We will talk the boldness of young Austin Ange and what it could mean for the Utah Jazz moving forward. A lot of people applauding what the Jazz did last night, a lot of A plus grades, a lot of celebration, and the fact of the matter is, we never know. We just have no idea how these young prospects are going

to turn out. But Ace Bailey Walter Clayton Junior, the newest members of the Utah Jazz and Jazz Brass, seem to be very, very excited about who Austin Ainge described the two players that they viewed as best case scenario if they were able to walk away. Now, let me be clear, every team says that it's kind of like if you're a college football fan, national Signing Day rolls around. Yet we got everybody we wanted, we got everybody we offered. No, you didn't whire you the forty fifth ranked class in

the country. But coaches are going to coach front offices are going to give you the front office spin. But I like it. I like what they did. We'll talk about it and we'll talk about what could be next for the Jazz. We'll talk some NBA off season, and we'll get to all the storylines surrounding Round one and get you ready for Round two tonight. There still are a ton of rumors flying about the Jazz during this offseason, what they could do, what they're looking to do. Minor

trade made about thirty minutes ago. Clinton Nets, who've made all five of their picks last night, are trading number thirty six in the draft tonight to the Phoenix Suns for two future second round picks. The Sons have thirty six, fifty two, and fifty nine tonight as they continue to try to fill out their roster after moving on from Kevin Durant the Utah Mammoth. I almost sad hockey club, but we moved on from the Utah Mammoth. Made a trade yesterday. We'll talk about that on the show today.

I like it. We're gonna say goodbye to a couple of young players. We're pretty exciting, but I think this is a good move by Bill Armstrong, who continues to impress me with his pedigree, his knowledge, and his ability to execute. So a lot to do on the show. Diego Luna was named an All Star yesterday, RSL's young midfielder. Second straight All Star appearance for Diego. The last time that happened for RSL was way back in twenty thirteen twenty fourteen, when the Wall of the wasats. Nick Ramondo

himself made consecutive All Star Games. Kyle Beckerman did two Javea Morales. But been a while, Been a while, so we'll deal with RSL on the program today. In addition to all the other stuff that we have going on, Justin Tucker gets a ten weeks suspension. Of course, he was let go by the Ravens. Not a good look for Justin Tucker. We'll see if he gets picked up by any team. Not a lot of offseason NFL or

college football news right now. Kind of a dead time for the sport that drives a lot of the content as fall is approaching. We're what sixty five days I believe away from kickoff for Utah football. But we got a lot to do on ZIP program today. Our first guest Richard Smith, who was alongside for Round one coverage of the NBA Draft last night, and we'll be back tonight to take us through Round two of the NBA Draft.

We will take you up until the Jazz Draft and maybe we'll get lucky in the Jazz will trade the pick. Before we launch into the coverage, Smidi, you'll stop by. Pablo Master, Ronnie Head, coach of Ursel, will join us. Neil Smith, former general manager of the New York Rangers. We'll break down the Utah Mammoth trade adding a new winger, and we'll talk some offseason NHL we'll do some sports court on a Thursday, as we do all the time

with our friends from Handy and Handy. We'll launch you into the five o'clock hour of the program, and then after we say good night, it's time for Round two of the NBA Draft with myself and Richard Smith right here AUDIESPN seven hundred, Richard Smith, Pablo mash Ruddy, Neil Smith's sports Court with our friends Handy and Handy. Me Spence check. It's all of you, the great listeners, and that guy Porter Larson, who is high. Not just high right now? You're high on Ace Bailey.

player available. And then if you are really high on a oh, I don't know, Walter Clayton Junior, you package a few things together, you move up a few picks, and you take that guy. And that is what the Jazz did. That is what they executed last night, and it feels like that was kind of what they planned on doing last night, and kudos to them for doing so. We'll see if it pays dividends. Obviously, one more pick this evening.

big picture conversation. We'll try to look at the Jazz rotation, figure out who's gonna start, figure out who's gonna play some minutes with Smitty? But before Smitty rolls in a stick studio on a beautiful Thursday afternoon, courtesy if our good friends and you're good friends too at Prize Picks, it's time now for your opening tip.

So let's dig into it. We've got some other big picture NBA storylines to talk about, as Joe Dumar is rapidly becoming the executive in the NBA that other executives just want to call and float weird trade idea is too, like they used to do with Isaiah Thomas when he was running the New York Knicks. We'll get the Pelicans just took an unbelievably calculated risk that could blow up right in their face. A lot of winners last night, in my opinion, a lot of losers last night, in

my opinion. The local storyline was Yegor Demon being drafted by the Brooklyn Nets at eight. That was a little high on the range and most people were expecting and apparently Yegor is going to compete with like four other international point guard slash wings that Brooklyn selected throughout the course to night. They had five first round picks. Nobody thought they were going to take all of them, and they did, and four of them are like the very same players. So we'll see what Demon's able to do

in Brooklyn. But from a Utah Jazz standpoint, I thought Austin Inge last night showed boldness that this organization clearly needs and quite frankly probably has not had for quite some time. I'm not knocking on anyone very much like and respect Justin Zanak and Danny Inge, but Austin Ainge stepped up addressed the media after the draft was completed. Round one answered questions, and I thought outlined his case

very well, so Ace Bailey. About five or six months ago, Ace Bailey was thought to be potentially the second best player in this draft, and honestly, if you go back prior to the way, Cooper Flag just really flew this year. I mean Cooper Flag coming up as a high school and then AAU player man Verde Academy after he transferred from his high school in Maine, was thought to be potentially generationally special, but nobody really knew because Ace Bailey was kind of in that range as well as he

made his way through the high school ANDAAU ranks. At one point he was thought to be, you know, six ten, six ten and a half as a player that could really do a bunch of different things with measurables that are very intoxicating. The buzz around him started to go the wrong direction after the combine when he measured six' eight without, shoes WHICH i still think is the dumbest. Thing you play basketball wearing. Shoes why are we measuring

you without? Shoes makes no? Sense and then of course the noise Around ace started to hone in on the fact that he is refusing to work out for teams and he straight up canceled the workout for The Philadelphia seventy six years, Now i've been a part of individual workouts in pro. Basketball i've witnessed hundreds of them between tape that you have certainly these days with these young men when you start scouting them when they're at twelve

thirteen years. Old austin and And Danny, Ainge Justin, zanik all the talent evaluators for The Utah jazz have been watching As bailey play basketball for six years on a myriad of different, levels and they went to the. Combine austin actually Interviewed ace when he was with The, celtics and The jazz sat down with Ast bailey as. Well and at the, combine you get exactly what you. Need you have all the. MEDICALS i don't know that the

individual workouts are really all that. Paramount i'm sure people to run teams would probably disagree with, me but you have the data that you. NEED i never viewed the fact that he didn't work out for teams as a big red. FLAG i did view the fact that he straight up canceled and no showed is maybe a sign that the maturity situation maybe isn't, great and that's kind of the knock On, ace thought to be one of

the more immature players in this. DRAFT i do want to point out That Omar, cooper who Is Ace bailey's, agent is brand new at This ace is own is his only, client and the decision making around the pre draft stuff With ace clearly came from his. Representation So omar is With Lifestyle Sports, agency it is brand, new And ace is his only, client so he's never done this, before so that's why it's been a little bit. Clunky but here's the bottom. Line, okay The jazz simply took

the best possible player they could have taken it. Five, now that sounds reductive and, simple But i'm not sure that That charlotte. DID i think As bailey is tremendously, talented so much more so Than Kan, kinnipple WHO i think will be a SOLID nba. Player but if these two players their, potential And i'll even THROW vj in, THAT i LOVE VJ J edgecombeh who went To affiliate. Three If Ace, bailey Konk, nipple and Vg edgecombe all reached their, Ceilings ace is the best. Player ace has

the most talent of those. Three, now The jazz could have definitely Taken Trey, johnson Who Sam bessini this morning said he actually thought should be the pick at five instead of. Base but What Austin ainge, did and this is what you have to. Do you cannot make these decisions if you're a roster constructor in pro. Basketball you cannot act out of. Fear you can't act out of.

Emotion AND i think we fall into that around here a little bit too much because we have a LITTLE ptsd with a lot of the best players we've ever. Had simply just leaving The hayward thing will always be. Odd of, course With mitchell and D will those were, trades but those were trades that a lot of people believe were essentially forced behind the scenes by the player. Himself Go bear was, traded you. Know so we have a lot of players we could go back to booze

that entire. Group ever Since john And carr, retired we've had had very smart roster, constructors built some good, teams but they've been broken down far before the meat was off that. BONE i, MEAN i still believe The donovan And rudy And quinn group had plenty left Now obviously it didn't go, down BUT i do have to wonder based off of how Bold austin was last, night, like we don't Care ace if you don't want to be, here because the fact of the matter is if you

guys have been following the fallout and the. COVERAGE i listened to five post draft pods this morning in some ERRANDS i was doing around, town AND i read a bunch last night AFTER i got. Home the one narrative that everybody is leaned into is what are they? Doing ace doesn't want to be in Saul. Lake, well here's the, deal.

to be. Here we are drafting. You and now we have a seven year runway to show you that we have a, great dynamite head, coach we have a good program that will help you. Develop we have ownership that will pay, money in a front office that knows what they're. Doing now at the end of seven, years these players earn the, right as they, should to choose to live

wherever they want to. Live i've always found in odd dynamic and professional sports that these players are legitimately the best at what they do in the, world and we tell them where they. Live it is kind of odd if you think about. It so you should have the ability to choose where you do what you do when you're as good at it as these players. Are but for a roster construction, project for a team that's In Salt Lake, city you just have to be. Bold AND

i Thought austin was last. Night we'll get to The Walter Clayton junior thing in just a.

Bill murray, guy all. Right, So, smitty one of the THINGS i like about having you in studio is you have this front office perspective and you can help us understand whether or not it means anything that everybody seems to be applauding what The jazz did last. Night, Now Ace bailey is eighteen years, old and so he has a marathon between now and whatever it looks like when he is fully. Big but let's start With ace and then we'll get To Walter Clayton, junior and then we'll

do maybe what's next for The. Jazz we talked about it last, night but for our listeners who may have missed, it you, know at one point during this calendar year AND i looked this up prior to the, Draft ace was thought to be maybe the second best player on the. Board now his Teammate Dylan harper separated. Himself So cooper goes, One dylan goes, two THEN vj at three To, philly and Then conkinippilford To, charlotte And Ace bailey is there at five for The jazz to. Select and all of the,

Reports smitty are at literally all of. Them if you go and read anything from The athletic OR, espn if you go listen to any of these post draft, pods they're all saying the same, thing what are they? Doing he doesn't want to be. There But Austin ains, SAID i don't give a. Rip we think he's the best player at. Five we're taking him at.

know wanted and secure and all, that which you. Should you, know that's that's the kind of stuff you want to do when you have an eighteen or nineteen year old who is you, know reacclimating to a new part next part of their life and a new part of the country that they're not familiar. With he's a he's a young, kid he's a he's an exciting type. Player what's going to be interesting is uh is how he how he comes into the fold of what they're trying to do and what his his mindset.

Stuff to, ME i got a different vibe off that it kind of felt like he, was you, know feeling a little bit of his. Oats maybe he thought he was bigger than the, program you, know just his overall mindset and one of the QUESTIONS i would have going into. It of, Course i'm sure The jazz looked into all these things and you, know dotted the i's and crossed the t's on all this kind of. Stuff but you, KNOW i hope he's he's a team oriented guy and he wants to do what he can do to help

the group to. Succeed if he comes in and he's trying to, be you, know a major guy right off the bat and wants to be all rookie and wants to be you, know make The All star team and all these things or, whatever he's more worried about his own game and what he produces on the floor for, himself then that would be a concern THAT i would have in terms of having him as part of what

the group is trying to. Accomplish But i'm sure The jazz front office, group you, know looked at all those things and they researched, them and you, know feel comfortable that he was the guy that they they wanted to incorporate into into what they're trying to.

they looking at? Apartments do they take him to THE zbbc and, say, so what what's next in the.

to the. GROUP i remember one. YEAR i probably shouldn't.

him because he he we think he's the best. Player at the time he comes, in we do this this little meet and greet. Thing we have him on, stage we have a few questions and and you, know he's of.

There then this gentleman raises his hand and and, say, yes, sir you have a question for a. Coaster he, goes, yes how did you learn to speak such Good? English and he goes such Good? English he, goes, yes you, Know i'm very fascinated with Your greek heritage and that

you that you speak such Clear. English and he he was kind of, dumbfounded you, know, obviously and the, gentleman of course didn't know of his, background you, know grew up In, ohio you, know and, uh and So coaster kind of did as much as he could to smooth it over to, say, well you, KNOW i went to good schools and my mom is an educator and in the middle school In, ohio and, UH i went to a very good high school and and uh Eure Ohio state and so, uh you, KNOW i think IT'S i

think that's part of my overall, uh you, know he and he's trying to think of away how DO i.

something like. THAT i don't know what The jazz have planned in that, regard you, know with these new, guys or if they're doing anything uh in that, way but but they'll certainly get them quickly acclimated the next three four five days because they'll have him in here by the middle of next week and getting getting their their group ready for a summer, league because The jazz do their summer league here that this year is gonna be up in The Huntsman center because of the renovations at

The Delta. Center so The Jazz Summer league is gonna be at The Huntsman center the week of right After july.

try to over overwork it and overthink the. Process but but they'll those guys will be in here very quickly in the next several, days and they'll be getting act made it to the, group And Bart taylor and his group and the person outside will be finalizing the people that they want to bring in for The Summer league. Team they'll have some of the guys from the team

last year that will play in The Summer. League and then depending on how the draft goes, tonight if they do anything else, different they'll be on the phones as soon as the draft ends, tonight they'll they'll be on the phones with agents of guys who didn't get drafted to, say, hey we like your guy and we really thought about taking him at fifty, three which you gizz have. Tonight we didn't get take him at fifty, three but we really like him enough to want to bring him Into

Summer league and take a close up look at. Him can we get him in? Here and then that's a negotiation thing with the agents and so the agents as, WELL i got The lakers want them And phoenix wants, them and so let me see you know. Whatever and So Bart taylor and his group are on the phone with agents just going down their. Lists boom, boom, boom the players they want to try and get in for the summer league, program and sometimes they get a guy For, vegas but they don't get a guy For Salt lake

or vice. Versa they, say, hey why don't you give him give him to us for The Salt lake games and then have him go play for The lakers in The vegas, games, Okay and and the agent will, go, yeah,

okay we can do, that you. Know so there's a lot of you, know jockeying around and stuff and and and because it's really not obviously about the the games themselves in the two summer, leagues it's about getting a chance to see those players on the floor against like, competition to be able to see how they do and how they fare against, that and then you make those kind of judgments and then you go from there in terms of possibly inviting non drafted guys into your your

camp in the fall or even into uh other workouts later in the summer open gym type, things uh where we can get more more bites at the, apples so to, speak about trying to fill in some holes on your.

we're drafting you because we think you're the best. Player so they've got seven, years, RIGHT Seti they've got seven years where they can, say, okay, look we know that this wasn't your preferred, destination but we think you were the best player. Available we think you fit in. Here you're going to get to know our head, coach who we like a. Lot you're gonna get to know our developmental, program you're going to get to know the. Community you're

going to going to get to know the. Organization what is that mindset, where, okay we have seven years to sell you on. Us you, know if the reports are true that this kid does not want to be, here And austin just bucked that and said we're doing it. Anyway what's the?

your you, know you know. What you, know this is a. Job this is a. Profession so you, know you come in and let's. Go we're going to. WORK i don't. CARE i don't. Care you don't want to be you know you want to be. Here you don't want to be. Here it doesn't matter you want to play in THE. Nba it's it's it's the same as if you're in some other. Corporation, spence you go To HARVARD nba school and you come out and you you accept a job with,

uh you, know an abayning. Company you know your dad was with them a long time, ago you, know but that's a big. Firm he could be working In, boston or they could, say, hey we want you to work in The chicago office now for the next two, years or we want you to work in THE la. Office whatever it. Is so THE nba is a big. Corporation and when you come into this this, company and you want to work for this, company then you work where the company asks you to go to. Work, okay it's

it's a simple. Process you, know you don't want to do. That you can go play In, europe you can go play In. Australia we you, know we have no holds on, you you, know but if you want to play in THE, nba we're assigning you to The Salt lake. Office is the? Process, Yeah and so you, know it's it's as simple as, that you. Know again With Jerry, sloan With kevin, O'Connor

With Dennis. Lindsay you, know these are all guys, who you, know are straight up guys who would just, say, hey we're all here to get the job done the best we. Can you, know we don't have time for this kind of you know. Nonsense whether a guy the feelings are hurt today or you, know or you, know whatever it. Is so that's one thing THAT i would caution against

the you, know whatever is the sentiment at the. Moment and of course this is not even twenty four hours after the draft has taken, place and and some of this may be misread as.

in that, regard then my my. Impression and again don't know him very, well but you, Know Will hardy And Danny AINGE i know really well in that. Regard you, know the kind of guys that sit a guy down and, go, hey this is what the deal. Is, okay let's. Go you, know we don't have time for this that kind of. Thing it's a. Job and in THE, nba the way THE cba, is if you draft a guy and you like him and he's your, guy you really think he

can do something and you can develop him into. Something The jazz in this case would have control over the player for a minimum of seven years based on his four year rookie deal and then the restricted free agent process after. That if you're having problems with the player along the, way he's not working out the way you, want you, know he's too much. Work you, know it's you, know, yeah he's got, talent but his attitude is way over here and we can't seem to get it in, line

and you, know it's too much heavy. Lifting then there are things you can do in terms, obviously in terms of trades or even you, know letting guys go if if you just want to cut your losses and move, on you, KNOW i, mean so there's all those things at. Play i'm sure That austin ain't and making this, decision made the decision based on the player he thought had the best, talent could could add the most to The jazz.

Group and Also i'm sure that he had he had looked into all the things in his background about what kind of guy he, is how he was At, rutgers how the coaches liked, him you, know what the what the trainers thought of behind the, scenes working with him every, day all those kinds of, things AND i don't think he, would you, know throw a lot of a lot of his or early, weight if you, will and get, it being new on the job to selecting a guy who he, thought,

really you, know was was going to be wishy washy in terms of is this going to work out in THAT i really think that he would have made the decision unless he's pretty confident, that you know, this we can make this.

Overall they lost To Kennesaw state with two of the top really three prospects at the time and ended up two of the top FIVE nba prospects on their roster at a. Time how do you explain that and is that anything that's concerning as you go through your.

winning record and their performances were. Uneven Both harper And bay you, know played well enough that you, know obviously the your teams still regarded them very highly in terms of potential pro. Prospects but they but they they weren't consistent all year. Long, uh they didn't they didn't play in some of the games that you, think, uh you, know they they should have a you, know not easy,

time but should win this game against an inferior. Opponent and they had sometimes lackluster, performances maybe because their head wasn't in it that, night or they they thought this is gonna be a neat you know. Whatever but that plays into you, know what kind of mentality they. Have what what do they bring to the court every?

goods unless you have a personal relationship with with. Them if it's just a professional one where they know who you, are but you don't really know each other on a personal, level they're gonna try and sell you on a kid because they're trying to improve their.

when the spotlight isn't on. Him you try and talk to opposing coaches who more than likely had recruited those kids who now playing against, them but also have a different perspective on who they, are not just as, players but also as people because they may have, been you, know spending a few years trying to recruit them as. Well so you try and get a hold of those people to, see, hey what's the real deal with this?

player would have interacted with on a regular. Basis was was it the resident advisor who lived on their dorm floor with, Them was it was it the the the residence hall manager or the director who ran the, place whether it was you, know people who were in the the advising. Department, uh someone who, was you, know one of their, teachers any anybody like that that they could give you a feel for who they were away from the.

Limelight and those things really, carry at least with the they used to carry a lot of weight because that told you what the person was really like when they were out of the limelight of playing.

World finals coming To Utah july fourth and the. Fifth listen TO espn seven hundred for your chance to win, tickets or visit ticketmaster dot com now before they're. Gone Morris Smitty live And studio coming up. Next stay tuned for coverage Of round two of THE Nba. Drafts wear myself And Richard smith will break down several players so you've never heard of, before and most of them will

never play in THE. Nba that comes your way in just a little, bit But smitty is in studio in the, meantime all, Right Top Day, bailey last, segment the newest member of The Utah, jazz number five pick overall out Of. Rutgers let's move over to what they elected to do to move up three. Spots they exchanged twenty one for, eighteen and in addition they sent forty three tonight and then two other second round picks to just move up three. Spots so that's not. Nothing that feels like a lot

to move up three. Spots, however as you said last, night if you think that's the, guy if you think you've got the, guy go get the, guy.

i'm going to make the. Assumption AND i don't know Because i'm not in the, room but they that they had Targeted Walter clayton as a guy they really liked

that they thought might get to them at twenty. One what you do when you're when you're waiting on your, pick when the picks are starting to unfold and you're getting to fourteen fifteen, sixteen you're making phone calls to the teams either in front of you or that or the guys you know around the league that are locked in on what's happening on the, spot to, See, hey wh who are the guys in front of us going to? Take who are they gonna you, know, now it may

be someone you're very good friends. With it may be a guy that you're really good friends with on another, team and you can call them, say, hey, dude who you guys taking and we're gonna take The jones, Kid, okay, okay, thanks and you, know and then you're you're you're jocking around behind the scenes trying to get all your duck lined.

Up they may have made those calls and in the process found out that one of the teams in front of them at nineteen or twenty had an interest In clayton or we're going to take, him and so they probably and again this is just this is just an assumption or a guess on my part that they got to that information and they, said we Like clayton, enough we got to jump over a couple teams to get to.

Him otherwise he's not going to get to. Us and so they made some a couple of quick phone, calls and they got To washington that it was At, Washington washington at eighteen and, said, hey you, know are you interested in trading back flop it flip flipping eighteen and twenty?

in the. Bank that's literally what five years from, now six years from, Now that's why you have, it because we don't even.

Apparently austin has liked him for a long long. Time, okay well let's. See there you, go and if you're in a situation and you look at that draft board and you look at all the, possibilities and you're trying to figure out if we can get to a certain guy that we like and where we're. Drafting and you, know, look we had the same thing with you, know almost a decade ago With Donovan mitchell And Dennis lindsay really liked him and, really you, know really was really you,

know hung up on trying to get. Him and we were picking twenty four and we had surmised and figured, out, well he's not going to get past, fifteen sixteen, seventeen so we have to get above Fifteen dean, Somehow and And dennis went to work and we were working the phones and finally got you, know got to be able to do the trade on the spot at the, moment you, know with With Tim conley and The Denver nuggets at that.

Time you, know, again all those, things you, know might happen to a whole bunch, Differently, spence if just somebody makes a move in front of you that's different than what you. Expect for, Example Tim connley was hoping For denver to get a certain player at. Thirteen that player went went at, ten so he wasn't able to get the player he. Wanted so now he was willing to try and do go to play and b because the guy he was interested in was no longer. Available, okay

he Liked Donovan, mitchell he didn't think he was quite worth. That, okay that's how everybody does their own a. Value dennis gets him on the. Phone hey what do you? Think he, Goes, well we're waiting to see if our guy is still. There, okay CAN i put you on?

denver liked him, some and we liked him. Some we still thought he could develop into a decent rotational.

history is. Rewritten but that's that's sometimes how those things come together and how quickly they. Can they can work in your, favor or they can fall apart and not occur because you, know you don't get a trade done With washington because they change their mind or you're not offering them. Enough so they, say now we're just, gonna you, know roll with what we. Got and then they get to number twenty and and what you're, Saying miami Takes Walter. Clayton we missed by one, guy, yeah son Of now

now The jazz have to go with another. Guy so however that would. Roll we we had that a lot of years. Ago you know who was you know who. Involved it was a second round pick and it was. Forty it was a forty two forty three forty four something like, that and we want we had zeroed in On Pat, conon And Pat conton went to pick before us To portland and so and we did the old you, know you, know, uh fist on the, table slam right.

don't love the comparison. Game but just for our listener's frame of, Reference, smitt he is you've kind of dug in on the tape and you've got to know He's. Bailey let's assume full development and he reaches his. Potential what does that look like in THE.

Upside that's what would be the best case scenario for, him is if he if he brings those things and brings that at. Ititude the guys you, mentioned by the, way all those Guys porter And lewis And tracey. McGray first of, all they're all bigger than this. Kid so, Okay so everybody had this kid At rutgers at six' ten and they found OUT the nba pre draft camp they. Measured him oh he's six seven and.

measured and you could even. Promote it, You Know ace bailey is sixth state and a Half the Nike air zoom two's you know or, what, yeah, yeah, Yeah YEAH but i don't know why they. Do it it's it's the dumbest thing is it's it's it's close to this thing we mentioned yesterday about why they don't make the.

Trades official at the moment teams agree to him and, they, say oh, you know, You know utah's taking, this guy but then he's gonna trade him later, or whatever and, you wizards, you're, actually, Yeah exactly so so what THAT is i, don't know, but uh, But yeah bailey is is shorter than than. People thought so he's gonna play. And shoes he's gonna play basically at. Six,' nine, okay you know he's got a good. A good wingspan he's going to uh if. It's uh if he can play

very well defensively because he's. A switchable guy he's got very good agility and, very good athleticism so. He can move so he's gonna be One of those jaden. McDaniel type guys he can play very well on both ends. Of the floor the, downside of him if he doesn't, reach that area is gonna be that his shooting doesn't. Get consistent enough everybody says he's a. Very good, shooter you know what He was at rutgers really was more of. A streak shooter so he had games where he either

didn't shoot it well or. Didn't shoot enough he's not. A consistent shooter but when he had when he's in a rhythm and he's in a flow and, stuff like that he can get his shot off because he has good mechanics, and he's long so he can. Shoot over people his efficiency was. Not that great his decision making.

Sometimes was questionable He's had sometimes he also was very very suspect in his ball handling in, tight you know and so that that presented, problems at times and, so you, know but hey we take.

Most outstanding player There's a little jamal murrayish there with. HIS shot, MAKING i mean i was watching some stuff last night. IN this morning i like. Watching him. Play he's smooth he's like a fun. Player to watch he's. Got great handles six to two twenty. Two years old the data indicates players that are drafted in that range

that are that age. DON'T necessarily, stick i mean it's a really wild exercise when you just go look at number eighteen, picks in history or how many top ten picks are even on the team that drafted them from. Five years ago like we do This Thing where austin ainge cracks a, mic and says this is. Our dream

scenario we got the two. Names we wanted. Two weeks ago we identified these two names we, walked away with and it's, kind, of like dude it's like the college Football coach On national signing day that says we got, everyone we wanted, and it's like you're the sixty. Seventh ranked class, no you didn't but you're just saying it to appease the fans or. What, have you so as, you've dug in you've watched him, Over the years i'll ask you. The same question fully developed, as a pro

what does it Look Like for. Walter, CLAYTON junior.

the tank in. Terms, of improvement okay what he brings to the table right now is, probably you know enough to get him by, uh you know but again at, at six, two you know, he's, another short, shorter should say backcourt guy to add to the Group that. The jazz Have Whether it's chante george at Six Three or colin sexton at six two Sixty Three or jordan clarkson, at six' four they have a lot of smallish type

guards uh that. Are IN their group and i just think that there they need to somehow and some regard get bigger guys in the backcourt that can help in terms of, stopping the ball early because that's been one

of their issues. As a defensive team they have a very poor defensive team the last couple of, years by all metrics uh and and in two of the things they they could never do is guard the three point shot because of their their lack of length the perimeter and also their, transition defense was horrible and so they couldn't stop anybody when people would be throwing the ball up over over. The mid court line they just they couldn't stop him from getting on. Top of the rim

so you have, to have athletic guys but you. Have to have length, that's something you know, the kind, of thing for example brings into Mind A. Guy like ace bailey if he's on the floor and he's, one of those guys he's the guy who, can use, his length, his athleticism his agility is quickness to be able to get in front and. Stop balls and transition that's what.

You want to Like they must like clayton in terms of his overall ability, to be a winner to bring a solid, playmaker on the floor someone, who plays within

himself someone who makes the right plays. Most of, the time because again they use the first round pick on a six to two, guard who's you know not overly athletic, or a dynamic shooter or has some skill that's, just off, The charts you know so they, must really, like something you know that they think can help their group in, terms of being successful because that's that just adds another short backcourt. Guy to the group they already have.

think rotationally this. IS going, TO look i mean i do Feel, like THERE and gordy when i asked, in this last night, pushed, BACK and said no i feel like There's A World where walter clayton junior could take the starting point Guard job just because I'm not Sold, on KEYANTE or isaiah and i wonder What They do with colin Sexton or reports the dallases Maybe inquiring to have colin kind of. Keep, The ship. Aflow well kyrie's

hurt will have. To see what, happens and you know When It comes to ace bailey at the age, of eighteen years old? Does he start Over If they, bring john collins back who played well, for them last year Does? HE start, over john i, mean coaches like vets. They don't like rookies so last thing, for this hit rotationally what do you expect to see next year from both. These, TWO young rookies.

THOSE are unilateral decisions a lot of people weigh in on, those kinds of things but he's, the ultimate, decision maker you know he's a look at that and he's been looking at it from afar through the, eyes of his dad who's been here, a few years now and then he comes in and now. He's part of it so he has kind of a unique perspective in a couple of.

Ways in that regard and so he's gonna he's gonna reshape the roster and there's nothing that's Off, limits because again spence, as we've said before they had the worst. Record in the league they, were by most metrics the worst defensive. Team in the, league, they can, score okay you know but they have to there's a lot of holes.

They have to fill and so how these two rookies WILL fit into that i think will be determined by who else they bring, in on the roster, who they shuffle out who who, else they bring in either through trades or through free agent, signings in the summer whatever they decide to do. To remake the Roster and then in october we'll have a better feel for what, the roster looks like and then what these two guys what.

Their ROLES would be But i would assume bailey would have as an as a number five pick and a guy the type of player they need badly and, there on their roster that he would have every opportunity to come in and get, major minutes, right away you know. At that three spot And, then this, kid clayton you know may be a rotational guy. Coming off the bench

but also depends who. Else is still there it depends on any kinds Of Strides that the isaiah collier kid takes during the summertime as a, as A Point guard what keante george has done during the. Summer to improve him if either one of those guys is still On.

trade down we'll do. A little Sports court. Don't FORGET Round two the, nba draft is tonight and we must be glutton for punishment because we will cover it like, we did round one starting at six o'clock when. We SAY good night but rsl back at action against an old rival coming up and some fun storylines surrounding. This little soccer, Club The head Coach, Pablo, Masteroni On, thursday, pops happy thursday man?

A really High level i think diego, is a great EXAMPLE and and so i think it's it's a great step For the club and diego to, continue to you know mature into, a well rounded player a player that's playing at a really high level with the national team and someone that hopefully will be around for. Many years to come.

have the national team to his resume. And all these things, it's it's PRETTY impactful and it's i think an indicator that you're moving, in the right direction and a, great experience, as well you know because you get to you get to, meet All these guys obviously messi and all the other guys, that will be there and it's almost like a fraternity of sorts for four, days or, three days you know and you get to mingle and share experiences and get

to know the guys that are across. The field from you some of the guys that you compete against, weekend and week out but some of the guys that you, grew up you know idolizing and really shaping your. Game around these players so it's going to be it's really a wonderful uh few days to be recognized and to spend.

what the question is what do you think it's? Going To BE like for and i know, This has already happened but when you when, you take the field when, you take the pitch and you look over and literally the greatest ever do. It is standing there what what sort of osmosis or whatever the hell it is can be ascertained from just that experience of playing with training and playing in a game along with the greatest. That's, ever, done.

i think it's an. Out of. BODY experience you know i had the Opportunity To play alongside David Beckham in, an all star game and, even in that MOMENT it was like i was in A different planet and i was just soaking it all up and asking him questions about his career, and and you know it's like one of your, one of your heroes is right, there next to you and and it's one of these moments that it's like you never, thought it was possible because You

can imagine when, DIEGO was growing up messi, was in, his heyday you know and so then and they have a lot of similarities in, their game you Know And so i'm i'm i'm sure that he modeled a lot of what he does from What he saw with. Messi on the screen and then to share a locker room and a field and the opportunity to compete. IN the, game together i mean, it's it's it's unworldly it's it's it's.

It's a magnificent opportunity it's it's it's hard to kind, of PUT into words BUT i think you're, I found myself Thinking i can't believe i'm in the same. Room with these guys like it's. Just, IT'S it's surreal yeah i.

celebrity ultimately like he was. A very good player i'm not trying to. Say that he wasn't he was a very good player for club And. Country AND in england But i feel like messi, is that. Times ten, YOU know like again i JUST don't know that i really have any an accurate frame of reference for what that dude is for the sport that.

reminiscent of WHEN pele came to. Nasl, in the seventies yeah in, the late early eighties Like that was the cosmo, sold out, Every STADIUM you know and i can't it's got to be the same field because when you're so accomplished, at the international level like it's one thing, for the you know the the average, sports, FAN to, Say, oh i know messi but this is someone that you grew up idolizing and watching him Win all, kinds of, european titles you know and, Being the you know blundo or

winner player on the planet six or seven times, or whatever it is and now you're sharing. The, field with them yeah it would Be Like. Playing with michael jordan it's the, same type of, feel and you know very few people on the plant get the opportunity to spend even a moment with. SOME of these greats i.

and coaching staffs and how that manifests and pertains. To decision making processes and every front, office does it, different and quite frankly even front offices that are essentially, set up the same they, do a different too because, people are just different and, personalities are just different and, priorities are just different and experiences. Are not the same how is, The?

Process coming along pablo you've had, a lot of changeover and the weird thing is a lot of changeover in the mid some Really good success like elliott did build a, team that was successful and you COACHED a team that i thought was the most, exciting we've. Had here maybe ever but now there's, a new ownership group there's a. New primary decision maker you were let's see here strongly

encouraged to embrace. Your new Insistent coaches is. How i'll put that how is this process coming along, with the different ownership, the different front, office the different coaches and all the personnalities you have in the, rooms, Where it, happens sorry hamilton fans to try to kind of figure out how you guys are going to make.

we're all in the same room were we. All have, open dialogue you know we, we the you know the best idea wins and how are the best idea as far as how we're going to go through the process wins and so it's super collaborative And and and, and i'll, say that you know the, the change of, ownership whilst you know it just seems like it's a trans there's there's now there's there's a new ownership group and, and THEIR vision is, like i said earlier is to Build

A team that salt lake fans can really wrap their arms around for for. Many years to come and so that that's obviously trying To Keep Players like diego diego luna and and some, Of our you know mechanelli and some of these players that are going to be the core. Players of THE team and so i think we're all. Aligned ON those things and i think that that comes from having deeper relationships. Than this, Business titles you KNOW oftentimes it's a gm and a coach and those, two

Have different PERSPECTIVES and kurt and i also have. Different PERSPECTIVES at times but i think it's the it's the communication within the constant communication within that relationship that helps

us both find a good middle ground to move. Forward as, a group you Know and That involves jason and tony and the coaching staff and, then, Ownership as WELL right and so i think whilst it's been a, LOT of moving parts i think the consistency and the same people in the room at least from the front office, and the coaching staff has allowed for this transition to be as seamless as possible whilst working to improve. The group moving forward.

in the attacking side. And the defensive side, and so you know things obviously haven't gone the way they have the way. We Wanted them to but i'm, always THE eternal optimist and i think that through the struggles that we had in the first, PART of The season i, mean I'VE seen it and i felt that the maturity

of the group going through. Some very difficult times and now if we can stabilize a group and get a couple more good results and then bring, IN some difference makers i think we'll set ourselves up for a good run in the second, half of the season but more importantly.

Next year and beyond so whilst the current situation is, IT has, been difficult, i think you know given that we have, MONEY and to spend i think it allows us to now really be precise and the type of, player that we want type of, character that we want and the position that we need in order to. Really make a.

That's just my, MINDSET but but yeah i think you, need to, represent uh you know level of consistency, and and you know elite performers to be perennial playoff to be, a PERENNIAL playoff team and i think, we're working towards that probably not as fast as, some people would like but just know that the work is getting. Done behind the, SCENES and uh again i believe in the direction we're moving in and really proud of the uh, the way you know the. Guy played last game the guys have

trained the last couple of weeks. Leading INTO this game so i think we're we've got some. Positive momentum moving forward.

make PLAYS and. YOU know i can i can show you probably twenty five other times in the season where we had the Same similar situation that johnny was in and he. Just CAPITALIZED on, it and, i think you know as he, WAS dribbling the ball i knew exactly what he was thinking as he was, cutting across the field is that he's going to go near post on the goalkeeper and use the other players a screen so the. Goalkeeper couldn't see it and, those, are, things that like,

again we train them but it's one thing to. Train it without pressure it's another thing to have the game feel, like, A TRAINING session right and i think you have to be so calm and poised in those moments that are, really HECTIC and Fast and i think johnny's experience and his quality really a. Lot of to do, so so you know he's been he's been struggling with a little.

Bit OF an adductor but i believe that he'll be in a good, way for you know this, game at the weekend and and hopefully you know, he's going back HOME uh to k c and you know, he's got you know he's he's really pumped. Up for this game so both him and an extra motivational aspect to their performance THIS. Weekend, heading into skc.

and and and. REALLY you're absolutely right i think it's a moment to really mentioned how hard you know he's worked in these last couple of weeks to put himself in position to play as well as he did and contribute on a. Really really, important goal you know he put that ball In. The play for, johnny and YOU know and so i can't say enough, things because, you know in sports everyone, thinks it's it's uh, everyone's, Got it easy right these, guys are well, paid everything's you

know what what. Could possibly we're on but we're all human beings and and, and we all suffer and we all go through good. Times and BAD times and and i think when professional athletes are going, through a tough time it's times one hundred because of the, scrutiny from

the public and it's. And it's NOT easy and So i see What i've seen in diego is really this evolution of a man in a way, that has you know he's going through probably one of the most difficult, parts of his life but then steps on the field and is one, of our best players if not our best. Player on the weekend so really proud of him and really excited to see what he can continue building. As we, move.

game or controlling the game with the ball will. Be another, critical aspect you know They had a, game wednesday or yesterday and so how can we really dictate the? Game WITH the ball and i think that. Will be the key so, We've got to execute we've we've, got to you know take our. Chances when they come but more importantly is how can we control the flow of the? Game WITH the ball and i think we have the.

Between picks. Tonight, for round two however WE Do have the nhl draft coming Up Tomorrow and the utah mammoth will draft fourth overall after receiving. A little Lottery Luck and the utah mammoth, Also made a trade so we'll talk about that AND a bunch more nhl offseason stuff, with our Next Guest, the great neil Smith back on The. Drive, On A, thursday, neil happy thursday? Sir how are.

Brings some real size but when you get a chance to Get, a guy like paca you've got to part with. A Couple Of guys and josh done, is only twenty three but that's The. Same age as patka so That's Great for the utah mammoth because they're. Getting a young guy and as we've talked, about so many times this is. Like their free agent that he's. Not a free agent, it was a, trade but, it's like you know free agency coming.

the playoffs and didn't. Have a GREAT season and if i, WANT to be sarcastic I could say that utah might Be Headed for the stanley Cup because they have buffalo has traded away so many guys that have Ended Up, winning The Stanley Cup, like sam ryan hart and just to mention one and, a number of others that maybe luck Will have it with utah this time and peterca will End up in a Utah Jersey. Winning The, Stanley Cup.

going to have to live. Up to those numbers that's a lot of money for a kid that. Scored TWENTY seven goals but i would imagine that, they see, in him you know him getting better and better, as time goes on and that's why they were willing.

already got centers. Don't worry about it and, if it's a defenseman, you've already got Defenseman DON'T worry about so i think they'll get a real good. Player at number four Probably Won't, play in, salt lake you, know this coming season but they'll definitely. Get a good.

And they're well prepared they're probably talking a lot. ABOUT their second pick i don't have it in front of me where their second pick, is IN the draft but i would think they're spending more of their time trying to figure out who the, fourth guy would be because they know who they've got as, the top four guys and whoever's the best of those top four would be the guy that they'll. Take at number four.

the best player. And Buy everybody's accounts matthew shaffer, is the best player and, he's A big defenseman and i would Imagine that's where.

and schaeffer. Are the top, Two and you know misa. Could go number one he. Had a remarkable season he got thirty more points than ANYBODY else in the. Ohl and that's remarkable he got sixty two goals. In sixty five games but they're hard, to get Franchise Defenseman and if matthew schaffer's a lot of, as a franchise defenseman they're probably. GOING To Go There.

do have, Erie In you know erie. Pennsylvania's in that league and Then You Have The Quebec major junior Hockey League and the memorial cup is the tournament at the end of the season between the three leagues to see who's going to win the big trophy for. All of junior hockey IT'S, it's a mini nhl to be honest with Your junior hockey in canada is the Closest Representation To the national hockey league and what you've, got to do there the travel and all, the rest of it

and the game itself is is IT. Like a mini nhl so that's why a lot of scouts and teams prefer to take guys out of. The MAJOR junior hockey but i think That it is now college hockey is every bit as good at BREEDING ground for the nhl. As the, junior leagues.

International Whatever it is because i've got this mock draft in Front of me and i'm seeing like even throughout the FIRST, ten there's THE, whl there's the ohl there's the Q m j h. Hl whatever that is then There's College.

A preferred meth place there used to be a very prejudicial to junior players because, they would they. Understood and they weren't they weren't, out getting an education they were. Out to play hockey but that's. Not the case anymore it's it's really not that now you're. GETTING them from everywhere i just found out today and Realized that Today that michael kessel Ring, Was Born. IN florence south carolina.

I didn't realize that i don't. THINK he lived there i think he was just born there and his DAD. PLAYED in the echl i didn't. Know all That stuff but what, i'm Saying to you why, i'm bringing that up is the players are coming from all over the place now and there's really not one hockey hotbed like.

This Mock has. The Utah mammoth taking but i've seen Another mock that has porter martone, the Selection at four and porter is a big forward, that prior to yesterday this hockey, club did not have but now they. Have one, of those any thoughts Then There's the aforementioned james HAGEN'S. Kid out of bc Any thoughts on who bill and His staff land on tomorrow night when the. Fourth pick, is called.

know what intel bill and his staff have on. All these particular players there's also psychological inventory testing done that way to see, what kind of character what kind of, Personality you're dealing with so then that comes. Into play on it so we'll just have. To WAIT and see and i think your guest at this point. Is, everybody's goroo's, mind.

good or. Bad this team was it was just excitement that We Had, hockey In salt lake and liam O'Brien took the mic and really fired Up The Audience At. Delta center spicy, tuna people Started chanting and when bill had the opportunity, to address the, crowd, he basically said

look everyone, knows We're. Still rebuilding right like he's very, careful about setting expectations and the messaging during his zoom call was the continued patients and the continued long game and the continued we're making good decisions one by one and we'll see. How it stacks up so reasonable expectations probably for either the fourth pick or the, rest Of The moves uh Pert turkas twenty, three, TO your point like i don't know that this is a front office

that's in ANY hurried ex but. I have this process i think they're very committed to what they've already done and aren't going to continue to see it through, until it's you know the finished product. On, the other side.

years and thoughtful construction. To GET them there and I would imagine that, bill's in, his mind, he's going you know this. Is the same THING now you and i have talked about their chances to Make the, Playoffs last next year i'm still going TO stick. To what i said they're going to be fighting to get into. The wild, card spot, you know last Year At this time Steve Eiserman And the detroit red wings thought that they'd be a playoff team or could be a playoff team, coming

up this. Season it didn't happen things went wrong and. It just Didn't Happen and had steve eiserman, come, out and said oh we're going to make, The playoffs this year well now every but he's ticked, off because you know you said you'd make the. Playoffs and you didn't it's always better to over deliver and under promise and make.

Everybody Happy THAT way but i'm I don't have a i don't have, A Job to lose so i'm going TO tell you that i think that there's A good chance for utah this, season to you know bang on the door of the wild CARD spots.

WHAT happens with that i can't, imagine him being, like Let, you know letting Florida Letting, him leave brad marshan the elder, statesman of the team, thirty seven years old but prove that he's. An awesome playoff player he's out there and, he's been a leader he's Been Captain. Of the boston

ruins we talked. About all those Guys we talked about florida and could they keep their team together And The job that bill, zito had done so and then We also talked about connor McDavid in his contract because he's got one year to go AND then He's a ufa if edmonton, lets IT get there which i will never

imagine that they'll. Let It get there but connor McDavid came out last week and said he's in no hurry to, get a contract done that he wants to know that the team is going to be trying to win every year and doing everything they Can to Win a stanley cupany edmonton before he's. Going to resign there so that's a lot of the stuff that, we've been talking about

and we'll have to wait and See. What happens on monday we're talking about tampering to a little bit because that's so obvious that that Goes on, Before The, july first because spence if If anybody announces on july first that they signed somebody, anytime before two o'clock they didn't make a deal in two. Hours on those things so DO you know what i mean the last year they were announcing deals. AT twelve, oh five i mean if you can do a seven year, deal in five. Minutes. That's, pretty good.

find out if this. Guy wants to play is There Any chance that sam bennett, Will, Sign with you tody you talk if somebody, talks to his agents somebody, talks to his parents somebody, talks to his brother somebody talks, to somebody and says Tell me it was sam going to? Consider any place else, and, if, they said, oh yeah he is he definitely wants to see what well you, think, he'd, considers all like yeah for sure. If the money's there you know that. Those kinds of, Conversations you go BACK

you tell the gm now he's. Waiting to see it like, They don't negotiate anything i'm sure or that that, would be really dumb but they do get their feelers out there and. Find, Out what's possible.

big trade this Past Week and Trading. Trevor ziegrish to philadelphia that's going to be real interesting To see if if siegris turns out to be A Good player with rick, talkett as his coach and that's gonna that's gonna be. A very, interesting one but anyway there's always news going on at. This, Time of year.

of flap or. Vibrate against each other what that means is your, Oxygen is too low you're, not getting enough air and it's a big RED flag for sleep atna that it, can lead to many many harmful health.

to benefit you. In so, many ways and frankly you'll just age better. As you get older.

blanket purple pillow And a fifty. Dollars amazon gift Card.

were a thing that's. Where rodeo was born now it's become more, Of A sport obviously but i guess that's my my justification for.

in charge. Of the program tomorrow i'm taking a quickly weekend to see a BUDDY of mine that i haven't seen for. A number of years so what comes Our way.

download our mobile app and take. Us on the go best way to listen to THE station is our espn seven hundred app that's available For Free in The App Store. The google play store then for what we do in our space every, afternoon for four hours check out Our Podcast pages Called. The drive. With spence check hits it's available wherever. You, get your Show subscribe rate review sandi's, things in the comments give. Us all the. Stars It Actually helps reporter i'm spence saying tonight coming up, on

the other side More Of. Me And richard smith it's ROUND Two of the nba draft coming UP right here on espn seven HUNDRED. Ninety too and ffm we are proud To BE Part of. Utah's espn radio network