The Daily Zeitgeist - MJGMB #150: All Star Starters and EC Talk with Jacquis Neal

Episode Date: January 29, 2025

Jack and Producer Jabari were pleased to be joined by actor, comedian and podcaster Jacquis Neal for today's episode as the three of them discussed the All-Star starters, EC playoff race and potential player movement ahead of the deadline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast. Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with the Stars. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you

get your podcast. Lately on the NPR politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change? What will change look like for energy? Drill baby drill? Schools? Take the Department of Education close pull those in. Healthcare. Better and less expensive. Follow coverage of a changing country.

Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises. On the NPR Politics Podcast, listen on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, it's Alec Baldwin. This past season on my podcast, Here's the Thing, I spoke with more actors, musicians, policymakers and so many other fascinating people like writer and actor Dan Aykroyd. I love writing more than anything. You're left alone.

You know, you do three hours in the morning, you write three hours in the afternoon, go pick up a kid from school and write at night. And after nine hours, you come out with seven pages, and then you're moving on. Listen to Here's the Thing on the iHeart Radio app Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Calling all Yellowstone fans. Let's go to work.

Join Bobby Bones on the official Yellowstone podcast for exclusive cast interviews, behind the scenes insights, and a deep dive into the themes that have made Yellowstone a cultural phenomenon. Our family legacy is this ranch. I'm an architect of my life. Listen to the official Yellowstone podcast now on the iHeart radio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Well, well, well, the league announced the All-Star starters. Is that time already? The Bucks and Pacers are on the rise. We may have a flurry of deadline action and more to discuss with actor and comedian J'Kees Neal who you know from maybe the Daily Zeitgeist. You also might know him from Grand Cru, Comedian Clash, the live show that everybody should be attending on the regular in Los Angeles.

Also Dropout TV. And today's episode, I'm Jack O'Brien. And I'm producer Jabari, being from Miles. And this is... Miles. Miles and Jack on Mad Boosty. And sometimes Jabari being for miles and this is miles miles and Jack I'm at boos and sometimes your party be driving spinning

18 has been secured the Celtics are NBA champions. Over the double team. Oh! Night-night! Giannis with the take. Uh-oh, look out. No show time. What you got, Giannis?

What's up? Jikki Ne-o! Hello. For three! Oh, I'm doing that Yoke-ish three from the other, from the other side of the court. And I'm air balling. That was, that was annoying when he did that. Sometimes I'm just annoyed when he can like do stuff that seems impossible.

Yeah. And you know what, you know what was even more annoying about it too, is that like he had like a perfect flick of the wrist too. It wasn't just like, it wasn't just like a throw. It was truly like he shot the basketball. It was one of those things that's like, oh you would have been the best darts player in the world if you decided to do it. If you wanted to. Yeah. Crazy. Anyways, J'Kese, we're thrilled to have you. Jack, I'm thrilled to be here. So last week we chose as our Game of the Week, the Rockets versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. Have you heard of these two teams?

I've heard of Rockets. They go out into space. Right. I don't know what a Cavalier is. Rockets, Cavs, I do know the teams. I did know about the game. It is amazing, like how strange a name can be. And it's just like part of our lexicon. Like you just name a team. I feel like the only team that has resisted this is like the Wizards still doesn't feel right. No, for some reason. It's still don't feel right.

Everything else. It's just like, yeah, it's thunderous mad. You know, you could give it to call a team, the Cavaliers. And I'm sure at the time people are like, what? And now it's just like, yeah, the Cavs, man, the Cavs. Yeah, we're showing it up. I know. I know we, you know, not not speaking on gun violence or anything, but let them be bullets, bro. Let them be. I'm saying that's just like bring back the old school red jersey and all. The Rockets went into Cleveland, came away with a 135 131 victory

I think was there like the Cavs fourth loss in a row there for yeah Here I was scared what you'll happen. Yeah. Yeah It's amazing because like, you know before this little skid they were like We'll allow it Cleveland. It's amazing because like, you know, before this little skit, they were like 36 and 4 or something, something crazy like that. 35 and 4, an amazing record going into the All-Star break. And, you know, when you have records like that going into the All-Star break, you start to like think about, OK, where are you going to stack up against like the top teams in history? The Warriors 73 and 9, the Bulls 72 and 10s, or even the myriad of 69 and 13 teams. And like when teams are here, 90 plus percent of them have stretches like this.

So you realize how hard it is to do what those teams did. Yeah. In the season. Like it's so crazy. It's impossible. They were on pace to win 70 games and I was like, count it. That's just math. Yeah, that's money in the bank.

And now I truly would not be surprised if they lost 15 to 20 games this year. I think they'll still be like number one seed, but like, yeah, they're going to lose. They don't lose a few more. Yeah, I just want them to stay away ahead of Boston. That's all I ask of you, Cleveland. There's still six games up in the lost column. So that's good. And Boston's been on a bit of a slide of their own.

They lost to the Lakers. You know, Jalen Brown is kind of having a down year right now. Up to this point, he's not he's not playing quite as well as he did last season. So it's a championship low Yeah, we won't we won't dig into it too much although I do have an overall theory about That I want to get you guys's thoughts on about who is over performing and under performing this season But first I do want to talk about this game. The Rockets won by six, were it not for a last second layup. So I mean, from Garland, it was, you know, he made a layup to cut it from six to four,

which made it seem closer than it was. But my revelation from watching this game is that Amen Thompson. Am I getting that? It's I think that's just say it both ways and you covered your bases. I'm in. I mean, yeah, man. And let the church say, I'm in. I'm in Thompson. Put up a triple double and is just like

he had just some blocks and like put back dunks that the speed with which he gets off the ground like he obviously has boosties That is what this podcast is for is to tell people when somebody has boosties but also just like The speed he jumps at just like he looks like he's just standing there And then he his head is at the rim a split second later. It's wild. He is incredible and such a great defender and so good around the rim. He's the truth.

He's going to be I don't know what he's going to be, but he's going to be somebody who is fun to watch for a long, long time. It feels like we hear again. Is this is he's not a rookie, right? No, he's a second year. Yeah. Second year player yeah man like look man I am it's so weird because you know we are old so we've had we are now to the place where we've been through many generations you know I grew

up in the Jordan era some of us may probably grew up in like the Magic and Bird era first in the Jordan era but we are around that timeframe. And then we had like the Kobe, the Tim Duncan, you know, that era, which kind of coincide coincided with the LeBron era, although he's been playing for 78 years. So he's kind of been in so many eras. Yeah. But not and then like the era throughout most of our adulthood, which is, or which are the people that we kind of share ages with which is like Steph Curry's the KDs You know the LeBrons and all these players like they are They are on their way out like they you know in five years most of them will not be playing except for LeBron James, but like will not be playing except for LeBron James, but like, but like now he's going to outplay him all.

He's going to outplay one of his competitors sons. Yeah. And then, but still, but the crazy thing is you still have a generation or era onto that. You got the Yonases, you got the ADs, you got the, I mean the cats, the Anthony Edwards, you know, wherever he stands. But, but like these past like two, three years, this new like rookie, sophomore, junior class, uh, is like showing like the NBA is going to be in such crazy athletic lanky hands.

Yeah. Over the next like 10, 15 years. It's like really crazy, man I can't even imagine what we're gonna be talking about and seeing from some of these players like five years from now It's like gonna be nuts. It's so fun. There's so many good young players It's yeah the so we always talk about the shot making we think is important in basketball and it's uh, We think it's good in the NBA. These guys are good at making the shots.

I think I think the side to side movement is the most important. OK, just fundamental. Just the fundamental, just the fundamental three point stands back for side to side. All right. So here's my big theory, by the way, like you've already said, Cleveland still has a six game lead in the loss column. That's all we need from you Cleveland. Just keep it right there. Keep it right there.

So while watching this game, they were talking about how Houston is not shooting that many threes this season. Probably the team that is most outperforming their expected win total heading into the season. Is there a team that is outperforming like what people expected from them more than Houston? Than Houston? Oh, OK.

I mean, Cleveland. Cleveland, I guess, would be the other. Yeah, Cleveland. Yeah, for sure. I mean, we knew they would be good, but like, yeah, not this good. Not really, man. I mean, like we thought OKC would be here. We thought OKC would be good. We didn't know they'd be this good. Not really, man. I mean, like we thought OKC would be here. We thought OKC would be good. We didn't know they'd be this good.

And they're on my list of outperforming also. Yeah. I guess I thought they would be like top three in the West. I mean, top three in the West, but they're on a, they're still on a like historic pace, like they, they have the best record in the league right now. Because I think they would be, I think they would be falling off. I think they would be like close to 70 wins if they kept up this pace, which I don't expect them to, but it's just wild that they're there at all.

Yeah. Like I thought they, you know, everybody was picking them in the West and I was like, that's like, that's right. But it also felt like it was the sexy pick because like they picked up Caruso and Hartenstein and like those were like both people that like, you know It was like a smart thing to like those guys, you know, it was like all those guys are Defensively they do things that like it people don't respect. So I thought maybe though Okay, see love was like maybe a little bit overblown. So I yeah,, I didn't, I didn't expect it to go up this many spots, but so my thesis

that I think Jabari is going to tell me I'm wrong about is that the money ball smart, like advantage for a number of years has been threes are worth more than twos. They're worth so much more than twos that the team that shoots the most threes are worth more than twos. They're worth so much more than twos that the team that shoots the most threes has like a mathematical advantage. And, you know, you can see it by the fact that the number of threes the teams are taking still like keeps going up year over year. However, when you look at the teams

that are overperforming expectations this year, other than Cleveland, who is still like kind of towards, I think their fifth and overall three point attempts, Boston's number one, but I'd say Boston is actually underperforming their expected win total. Lakers are overperforming their expected win total. I think heading in, I don't think, you know, at least the smart basketball people that I read and look at, I think had them either in the play-in category or below. Like I think a lot of people... They're still time check.

They're still time. They will end between seven and ten. So they're currently last in the league in three point attempts. Clippers overperforming expectations. They're 27th in the league. OKC overperforming. They're 12th in the league, but they're doing it with an MVP performance whose main weapon is a mid-range game. Like, you know, Shay is a mid-range assassin. Like, that is when they need a bucket, he's getting to the rim or getting into, you know, the paint or just mid-range and scoring. Like, so yeah, Nick's probably about where, like, I think a lot of people had them being good,

but they're maybe a little bit over expectations. They're 25th in three point attempts, Detroit overperforming their 19th. So I'm just wondering, is the three dead? Not that it's not like I'm not going to go full ESPN talking head and be like, the three is dead because obviously it's not Boston still towards the top of the league. They're shooting the most threes any team has ever shot. But is there some strategic, you know, move, whether it be just like how people are defending the three, like, you know, what people are overly selling out to, you know, close out on threes or something that the smart teams are taking advantage

of, the smart coaches are taking advantage of? That's that's my question. I think, uh, I think we're in an interesting part of the NBA, right? Uh, NBA, like, you know, culture right now. And I think with the emergence of the dominance of players like Jokic, the expected dominance that we're going to see from players like Wimby and like a lot of these players who can shoot the three who can stretch the floor but they are playing you know from the paint on a lot more than like you know the 2014 through 2022 teams were you know. Right. So I think like because

of that you are seeing that like, you are seeing that like, nope, you are seeing that like not many teams can do what the Warriors did because not many shooters are Steph Curry. Right. And like, and even though the three is King and this, that or the other, like the only team that is truly one,

I know Boston last year won and they were heavy three point shooting team, but like they did not win that series because they were shooting a lot of threes. They won that series because they just overpowered the team that they were playing and just like had better players. Yeah, it works better when it's a weapon and not an identity. And not an identity. So not many teams have the identity that led to championships like the Warriors had. And so I think a lot of teams are seeing that, okay, yes, the three is not an identity anymore, it's a weapon.

I don't think it's going away. I think it's a weapon that can work, but I think with all these players who are coming in, who are dominating from inside the three- inside the three point line a lot more. You're starting to get to a point where it's like, you know, people are like, oh man, Shaq couldn't play in today's league. And I was like, yo, yes, he could. If you put him on the court, y'all ain't shooting threes no more. Because you have to go guard. You have to go, you have to feed. And you're starting to see like, Oh man, like the

weapons that we have probably are better suited, not just keeping them posted out to the three point line. And also, you know, I wouldn't be surprised if, you know, if talk around the NBA is like, ain't nobody watching as much as they used to. And maybe like having 130 to 126 scores isn't as fun on a consistent basis and so because of that you're also just seeing more defense more you know in the paint play and things like that so I think it's only good for the league yeah I think you guys both you make make excellent points and not Jack I'm not gonna

disagree in fact I agree wholeheartedly the reality is this we you know it has been a copycat league for a long time. So to most of the pieces point from 2014 to 2022, you saw a lot of teams that were really trying to, you know, uh, recreate that, you know, Steph and clay wheel, which like good luck with that. But the reality is you have more and more teams these days that are just acknowledging what their realities are. Like if you've got a Steph, Hey, great. Let that guy go out there and shoot, you know, a thousand threes a game,

but you can, you know, what I'm intrigued or what I'm, um, hope with, with this, uh, in, in, instilled within me is the hope that we are going to have varied and, you know, uh, varied offenses again, it's not all going to look exactly the same. And hopefully enough of these teams can ignite and you can find out that there are more than one way to win. So, you know, as long as you can be competitive doing it your way, please more of it. All right. Let's take a quick break. We'll come back. We'll talk about some things from around the league. We'll talk about all stars. We'll be right back. 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times best sellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with the Stars. So where else are you gonna find a show

with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit everything, because we got lots to say. I texted you and you texted me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but like all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff,

like it's all colored. They changed it. And the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm gonna be honest, it was a little pink. There was something sentimental when you sent it. You're like, do I send the heart now? I don't like the color edition.

It's extremely pink. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Everyone's forgotten who runs this valley. Time to remind them. Yellowstone fans, step into the Yellowstone universe. Our family legacy is this rich.

And I'll protect it with my life. Hosted by Bobby Bones, the official Yellowstone podcast takes you deeper into the franchise that's captivated millions worldwide. Action! Explore untold behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive cast interviews, and in-depth discussions about the themes and legacy of Yellowstone. You know, the first stunt is to settle this valley fight and it was all they knew. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the ranch... You know, the first studs to settle this valley fight was all they knew.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the ranch, Welcome to the Yellowstone. Bobby Bones has everything you need to stay connected to the Yellowstone phenomenon. I look forward to it. Listen to the official Yellowstone podcast now on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Let's go to work. I'm so sick of hearing men talk about women's basketball. If only there were a professional WNBA player

with her own podcast I could listen to. Hey, this is Lexi Brown, WNBA player and professional yapper. And this is Mariah Rose. You may know me from spilling the tea on Hoops for Hotties on TikTok. And we've got a new podcast, Full Circle. Every Wednesday, we're catching you up

on what's going on in women's basketball. And not just in the WNBA, but with Athletes Unlimited, Unrivaled, and college basketball. We've got you with analysis, inside stories, and a little bit of tea. I know you guys have seen a lot of former and current basketball players telling their stories from their bit of tea. I know you guys have seen a lot of former and current basketball players telling their stories from their point of view,

and I just think it's time for the girlies to tap in. We want to share all of the women's basketball stories that you won't see anywhere else. Tune in to Full Circle, an iHeart Women's Sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports. Welcome to My Legacy. I'm Martin Luther King III, and together with my wife, Andrea Waters King, and our dear friends Mark and Craig Kilburger, we explore the personal journeys that shape extraordinary lives. Each week, we'll sit down with inspiring figures like David Oyelowo, Mel Robbins, Martin Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Porter. And their plus one, their ride or die, as they share stories never heard before about their remarkable journey.

Listen to My Legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts. This is My Legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts. This is My Legacy. And we're back and we have the All-Star starters. They're in. They just came hot off the press. No people have known about it for a couple of days. So we got Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Big Cat, Carl Anthony Towns.

Has he been a starter before? Yes. I think he has. Let me go. OK. You know what? If it was, it was I said it far too confidently. And I was like, no, let me go. If he has, it's been one time. Yeah. But I mean, he's he's surprisingly high on the MVP voting like, or I mean, yeah, he's been incredible. Jason Tatum and Janis Antetokounmpo, the Greek freak

ever heard of him. He I think was the top vote getter. So it's going to be he and LeBron are the captains. Yes, that LeBron James was the top vote getter, will be a starter on the Western Conference. So we have like the, you know, this is Giannis' ninth time as an all-star, Tatum's sixth, Kat fifth time as an all-star, but he's not been a starter before Jabari is confirming. Donovan Mitchell, six times. Jalen Brunson is making it for the second time. LeBron James is making it for the 21st time is 21st All-Star game. He was drafted the same year as Kirk Heinrich.

She crazy. He was a draft. I agree. Has a play for 15 years. Kirk Heinrich, same with the next guy. He's about to be Kendrick hasn't played for 15 years. Kirk Heinrich. Same with the next guy. He's about to be Kendrick Perkins. He was drafted.

It's not not he played with Kendrick Perkins. He was drafted the same year as Kendrick Perkins. Kendrick Perkins has been a commentator for a decade. It feels like. Yeah. OK, I bet you he can't even dribble the basketball anymore I mean he could I was gonna say he could barely dribble then but like to an NBA level He could cross me up in a heartbeat But like like and I'm not only saying that like just so how great cuz he hasn't played basketball in ten years Dude, it's crazy. You're Perkins

like if you that that's a good point because if you look at what Kendrick Perkins, like if you that's a good point, because if you look at what Kendrick Perkins game looked like when he was a rookie or like a second or third year player, like you'd be like, oh, wow, Kendrick Perkins. Like I now now I see like he was a threat. He was like, you know, really athletic out there. And like, and if you compare that to like what he looks like playing basketball now

you would be like these aren't the same people something that you know 100 years have passed between these two same with luke walton also drafted the same year as lebron james lebron james luke coach against lebron in one of those finals? Or did he coach LeBron? I think he coached LeBron. He coached LeBron when he first came to the Lakers. Yeah. Crazy. Like years ago. Crazy.

He coached LeBron years ago. Yeah. LeBron has been with the Lakers for like six years now. Which is crazy. The point I'm making is you look at Luke Wong, Kendrick Perkins, Kirk Heinrich in their second or third year, they're, compared to right now. You'd be like, these are these are different people, which is what you'd expect. There's a that was a lifetime ago.

LeBron James is better than he was when he was like in his second year, I feel like. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He's a better basketball player. Like how and still athletically gifted and like, which is crazy. I mean, does, you know, dunks that seem impossible to me? Yeah, it's crazy man seems old to me Katie's six less all-star game appearances than Just a little bit of added on top of that the average NBA career is four and a half years

LeBron has been a Laker for seven, this is the seventh season. They were saying he was done prior to even getting here and this is year seven for him here. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you know, listen, I love a LeBron. I'm not a LeBron hater anymore in my life. I haven't been since like 2021.

We're proud of you. We're proud of you, man. And even then, even then, like, I haven't been like a full-blown LeBron hater since like 2018. And by the way, the very first piece of media, when I was starting, you know, the LA podcast network that became like, you know, the I Heart West Coast podcast, and I was like, we got to do a podcast with Jacekese and Carl Tart and Edgar. The first podcast I listened to was you and Carl Tart arguing with you being a LeBron hater.

Oh, I was a LeBron hater, baby. Oh, if you made some haterade from my hate, it would be as thick as clay. It'll be slimy and thick. But no, I love LeBron, man. I love LeBron. He's goaded. But, you know, let's also be real. Like, you know, he has shown moments where it's like, oh, yeah, LeBron has been playing for 22 years, right? And so, like, I have a question for y'all.

Do y'all, obviously, what the All-Star y'all Obviously what the all-star game is is what the all-star game is and like he does deserve to be a starter because Simply because he's earned it just like Jordan was a starter his last couple all-star games even though he didn't earn it on the court He earned it with his legacy right so LeBron is there. I have no problem with him being a starter Obviously if we were just going off stats LeBron is there. I have no problem with him being a starter. Obviously if we were just going off stats, LeBron James would not be starting this game. It's just a fan vote. Do y'all think there is any in the past four or five years any all-star appearances that he's had where he didn't even deserve to be an all-star that year? Not even the starter because like, you know, we get why he's a starter. It's a fan vote. But like, if it wasn't a fan vote, if it was based on blah, blah, blah,

are there any seasons where you're like, maybe he didn't deserve it that year in the past, like five, six years. It feels like it was a couple years ago. I think he had been out for an extended period of time. And but you know, he got voted in by the fans um they there's probably an argument at that point yeah you know but not play wise no i mean you think he's still like uh it's an all star level player like every single season i think this is the first year like and this is probably going to get going to get me in trouble um but i think this is the first year where you can you can say like okay it kind of comes to the point that you just made like oh he is 40 because you know, there's some old man You know stuff going on at different times and once again

I am NOT knocking LeBron James the fact that he's in year 22 is absolutely absurd and I will always marvel at that But yes, there are different there are definitely some signs of Okay, let's uh, let's keep them healthy for the year. Let's let's try to do one more run with them. Yeah. One more, one more deep run. Yeah. So this is actually, did you guys see this chart where it had, it was a Gallup poll,

I believe. Oh, they pick presidents. So this is, okay. Now this is sports poll 30 years of intelligence. They asked Americans what their favorite athlete was and then just have it charted by who's number one in any giving year from 1995 to 2006. The answer is Michael Jordan. Yeah. Okay. And it's gone by quarter. So 06 to 2010, like late 2009. No. So 06 to late 2010.

Can I take a guess? Oh, yeah. Sorry, sorry. No, no, no. It's OK. OK. All right. We'll go over. All right. Next comes a single quarter where it is a football player, which is 2010 through 2010. A quarter in 2010. Just 2010. Yeah. Oh, one quarter.

And it's a football player. Is it? Is it? It can't be Tom Brady. We all hate him. Is it Peyton Manning? You got it. Yeah, there it is. A single three month period as Peyton Manning.

Yeah. It's a couple three month periods later. Then there's three months where it is back to an NBA player. That's not Michael Jordan. It's Kobe. Yep. Yeah. I would have never guessed Kobe. I would have assumed that I would. That that time, they beat the Celtics in the finals. Yeah, that time frame, Kobe was like, you know, oh, that was.

We appreciate you as a player now. Then it goes back to Jordan. That's purely LeBron. Hey, bro, because I would have voted for in 2011, 2011 through 20, like mid 2013. That's the number one most popular favorite pro athlete. And like, granted, so in the height of his career, it was like 20% of people all had the same favorite athlete. And then like once it becomes Tiger, it's like in the like 7% of people have the same favorite athlete. So now we're back to Jordan and it's like down around six, seven percent where

Michael Jordan is people's favorite athlete trades back and forth between Jordan and Peyton Manning, but it's mostly Jordan until 2016. It becomes another a different current NBA player again in 2016. I mean, I would I would say I would say it's Steph. It's Steph for one quarter. And that's it for the entirety of the whole thing. He gets it for one quarter. That's why I can to me.

That goes back to Jordan three more quarters. Come on, man. That LeBron hate was pure. That was pure. Twenty seventeen. In twenty seventeen, it becomes Le, it becomes LeBron James. Yeah. When he wins the title with Cleveland. Yeah.

I think that's when a lot of LeBron haters was like, you know what? Yes. Hi, you did it. What else is there to hate now? Actually, momentarily him in 2017, when people mad that a KD had joined Steph. Oh, because he wanted in 2016 and it was still Jordan. So they gave him one quarter just because they were mad about about the KD Steph connection. Yeah.

And they give him one quarter, then three more Jordan, then LeBron for three quarters. So he has it for a total of a year. Then it goes to somebody whose name you've already mentioned, a football player, Tom Brady, Tom Brady, really? 2019 for a quarter that I could see that a little bit. And then another two straight years of Michael Jordan. This is, I love this. So it's unbelievable.

And then back and forth between Brady and Jordan. And then it's Brady like 22 through 23. It's unbelievable. And then back and forth between Brady and Jordan. And then it's Brady like 22 through 23. It's Brady. Then Jordan for like still last year for two quarters. And then Messi gets it for a single quarter. I love it. All of which to say Michael Jordan remains king. Like, it's unbelievable how popular he is and always has been. But also, like, I mean, look at who like, you know, LeBron, K.D.

are are, you know, players who are still great, but they've, you know, people like who they grew up with. Like, that's going to be a thing for a long time. And everybody's like, oh, the NBA is like hard because like they don't have stars that are as popular coming up. Like, you know, LeBron wasn't as popular coming up, but now he's the guy. It's still not as popular as Jordan. I mean, Jordan is like a, people have a religious relationship to Michael Jordan.

I mean, you know, listen, here's the thing that's interesting to me is if LeBron were to say like, this is my last year and did a retirement tour, LeBron would be the most popular player on the planet of any sport. And I think that would extend for, you know, a few years, even after he retired, because LeBron does do a lot of things like he'll probably go to Hollywood. He'll probably, you know, so LeBron will have his hands in a lot of cookie jars of popularity. Um, it's just, he's been doing it so long that it's just like, when is he going to stop? But I think people, even though he only got one quarter in there, which is crazy to me, I think people underestimate how much of a thorn in LeBron's career Steph Curry was. And still is to a degree, like that stretch where they played each other five straight seasons in the

finals or three or four straight seasons, whatever it was. And then also just like Steph's popularity, even though like Steph isn't like LeBron James popular, like Steph is basketball fans get mad at me. When I say this LeBron James is obviously the goat of his era from 2003 till now. He's the goat, but Steph Curry changed the game way more than LeBron did. Like, and my opinion, like he, like you, Steph Curry literally changed basketball where on all levels where you have eight year old shooting three point shots, you know, like, and that's not, that's not taken away from LeBron.

LeBron was just, was just doing things that we had seen already. He was just doing them at an exceptional like level that nobody has seen from those skills. But like, Curry was like changing the game. So like Curry and Curry also is now what 16, 17 seasons now and still playing. He's also a starter, still playing at the top of his level. Yeah, like these players occurred Jordan played 13 Seasons with the Bulls we don't count the Wizards years He played 13 seasons with the Bulls two of which were not full seasons and he was icing his knees by 95 Yeah, like that was it. That was his career 11 seasons and two half season Career he can't get his ground Jordan era.

He can't get that love. He can get, I mean, look, if he wouldn't have got injured, I think those Wizards would have made the playoffs both years, cause he was still doing good. I know like we frowned on those Wizards years, but like a lot of people don't like to acknowledge that a lot of the downtime of those Wizards years was after he got injured.

And he was a 40 year old man who had taken two, two to three year breaks in his career. So like, we're going to get a good documentary about the Wizards years coming, you know, like, so it's going to be like, actually, when you look back at it, like though he was incredible, what he was doing was wild because he was, he was still putting up 20. He was still putting up 20, bro. Against all these young players who like, didn't respect them anymore. How old was Jordan when he was with the Wizards? He was 40 and 41.

Yeah, like 40 and 41. So this, this year of LeBron's career. Yeah. With, but he also took like three years off. So he had to get back in basketball shape. Yeah, that's true. And also it was the nineties and early two thousands technology was put some ice on your knees now where, you know, have science behind a, their health. Yeah.

What are you gonna say? Yeah, I was gonna say actually 38, 39, 38, 39. We've already had, we've already had LeBron's season that were the Wizards years. The hate for Laura. I mean, it's just Jordan came first. I mean, they're like he changed how everybody thought about basketball. I get it.

But I'm just saying like that what LeBron is doing is so ridiculous. Like he's already been through the Wizards years and is still doing it. Like took, dragged the Lakers to the Western Conference finals in one of the Wizards years. Talk to me when LeBron, when LeBron James go back in time and play two years in college. Talk to me when he go play for the Cleveland Indians farm team. And talk to me when you take a couple of years off and then you should have done all those things. That's actually a really good point. Talk to me.

Tell me how great he is. Okay. Yeah, actually, I'm never going to talk about this again until that happens. Ever. All right, let's take a quick break and we'll come back with my don't look now of the week. Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast. Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us,

we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York times bestsellers and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with the Stars. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit everything, because we got lots to say.

I texted you and you texted me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but like all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like it's all colored. They changed it. And the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm gonna be honest, it was a little pink.

There was something sentimental when you sent it. It was like, do I send the heart now? I don't like the color edition. It's extremely pink. There was something sentimental when you send it. It was like, do I send the heart now? I don't like the color edition. It's extremely pink. Let's have a lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Everyone's forgotten who runs this valley.

Time to remind them. Yellowstone fans, step into the Yellowstone universe. Our family legacy is this ranch. And I protect it with my life. Hosted by Bobby Bones, the official Yellowstone podcast takes you deeper into the franchise that's captivated millions worldwide. Action! Explore untold behind-the-scenes stories,

exclusive cast interviews, and in-depth discussions about the themes and legacy of Yellowstone. You know the first studs to settle this valley fight was all they knew. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the ranch, Welcome to the Yellowstone. Bobby Bones has everything you need to stay connected to the Yellowstone phenomenon. I look forward to it. Listen to the official Yellowstone podcast now on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Let's go to work.

I'm so sick of hearing men talk about women's basketball. If only there were a professional WNBA player with her own podcast I could listen to. Hey, this is Lexi Brown, WNBA player and professional yapper. And this is Mariah Rose, you may know me from Spilling the Tea on Hoops for Hotties on TikTok. And we've got a new podcast, Full Circle. Every Wednesday we're catching you up on what's going on in women's basketball. And not just in the WNBA, but with Athletes Unlimited, Unrivaled, and college basketball. We've got you with analysis, inside stories, and a little bit of tea.

I know you guys have seen a lot of former and current basketball players telling their stories from their point of view, and I just think it's time for the girlies to tap in. We want to share all of the women's basketball stories that you won't see anywhere else. Tune into Full Circle, an Iart Women's Sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports. Welcome to My Legacy.

I'm Martin Luther King III, and together with my wife, Andrea Waters King, and our dear friends, Mark and Craig Kilburger, we explore the personal journeys that shape extraordinary lives. Each week, we'll sit down with inspiring figures like David Oyelowo, Mel Robbins, Martin Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Porter. And they're plus one,, their ride or die, as they share stories never heard before about their remarkable journey.

Listen to My Legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts. This is My Legacy. And we're back. And I mean, just closing out the all-star thing real quick Wemby would have liked to see him a starter but he'll be in there and would have liked to see him a starter he'll be in there. single elimination tournament against the winners of the Rising Stars challenge. I'm not sure how it all is going to work. It's going to be interesting. But yeah, just around the league, Bucks are playing well there. The fourth seed at the moment, Pacers went from a nine and 14 start to 25 and 20 now.

Five games over 500. So look out for the central division. Yeah, every team, but the five games over 500. So look out for the central division. Yeah. Every team, but the bulls, baby. The bulls started out looking, I don't know. I mean, I think they, I think they will still make the plan and then, you know, probably lose the first game and go home. But yeah, we are who we are.

You are the second most three point attempts of any team this year behind the Boston Celtics. Just more proof why the three is dead. And then just the other big question is like, where's Jimmy Butler headed? He's now been suspended for a third time by the Miami Heat. And he's suspended for the season, right? With the Heat at least. Indefinitely. Yeah.

Indefinitely. You think they're gonna, you think they're to trade him or punish him by keeping him there? He obviously don't want to be there. Yeah, feels like it would be smarter to have something on your team via a trade than not, but I don't know. I can see him keeping Jimmy Butler there for the entire season. Truly out of spite. I can see it.

We would take him, we would take him and give you, uh, the, the 76ers would take him and give you Paul George. Just, uh, I will speak on behalf of the 76ers organization. Um, FYI. They need you to speak on behalf. The Bulls will take you, take them and give you one of our statues outside of the United center. I mean, they can get the Jordan statue.

So you got Jordan. That's it. You got Eddie Curry. They can have. No, we keep an Eddie Curry, man. You can't come on that Chicago kid. Keeping Curry. They can have Jordan.

All right. We will take him, but I have no idea what's what's gonna happen there My don't look now of the week. Oh You know, I'd really love to give it to these Lakers winners of six of seven Just a game behind the Nuggets for the fourth seed in the Western Conference Connect is connecting in that game. He's starting to, starting to make from deep. AD's last four games have been bonkers. Bron is, you know, double digit assists and three of the last four Vanderbilt

has always been my X factor, despite the fact that he never plays, is finally back playing again, like having a perimeter defender like Vanderbilt and then Davis behind him makes the Lakers pretty scary, but I got to give it to the Rockets. They beat the Celtics. I mean, I guess you both beat the Celtics, but the Rockets beat Boston in Boston now 31 and 14 on the year. Two games up on the Grizzlies, staying within range of the Thunder. It's so wild how good they are. Amann Thompson hit the game winner in Boston.

So, I mean, it's just it's too much fun. It's too much fun right now for the Rockets. I got to give it to them. The official Jack O'Brien don't look now. The official. Yeah. I would say if I was if I was to have one of those don't look now as I would say is the Milwaukee Bucks Mm-hmm, you know Eight wins out of the last ten, you know after all the talk about like Doc Rivers

It was actually worse for the team and everything like that Which you know, I can understand why that conversation was being had, but they are turning it around and they still got Giannis, who's still top five player in the NBA right now, especially if he's on, he's very unstoppable. And the team looks, they look like they can make some noise in the east and get up there to the top three and and you know be a problem for any team they play so yeah I would say the Bucs are looking looking

pretty hot right now too yeah looking hot hot looks out of Milwaukee if I had one of those I would choose the Lakers but you know that's okay yeah you know that doesn't that doesn't sound like the tracks. It tracks. It is the rabbit fire round of questioning. Uh, where we just throw a bunch of questions that you, you gotta choose the right answer. There are right answers, uh, and there are wrong answers.

Um, and there's a chance that we might try and throw you off your, uh, game a little bit or just off topic. Okay. You just gotta, just gotta not let us do that. Okay. that we might try and throw you off your game a little bit or just off topic. You just gotta not let us do that. Or you can, it doesn't matter. Brian start the clock. Thank you, Brian. All right, we're gonna open it up with this or that

brought to you by Super Producer Jabari Davis. These are imaginary create your own players that are a lot of fun. Jabari, you kick it off. Alright. I'll come and go back and forth. I got you. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Alright. So you have a this or that. Who would be the more dominant player? Magic with Jordan's athleticism or Jordan at six foot nine? Hmm. Magic with Jordan's athleticism or Jordan at six foot nine. Mm hmm. Magic with Jordan's athleticism. Yeah. I mean, yeah, because then it's what are you going to do with it? It's sad. Yeah.

Because what else Jordan going to do with six nine? He was already dunking on people. This is true. He's not much else. He was not there's anything that he would do that he wasn't already. Wasn't already. That's why I got to go, Jordan, a six, nine. Really?

I'm for it. Yeah. I think it changes his game a little bit. Maybe. Yeah, I mean, that's true. So I guess that's the question. Like, does he become six, nine, and then he like comes in the league as a post player or something? Oh, at that point, yeah, that would have. Yeah. They're like this guy.

This guy can really bang in the paint. But you're back to the basket, young man. Yeah. Or is he or is he six, nine? And he's exactly the same. Or if he's exactly the same at six, nine, only three extra, he becomes the best. I mean, he might already be. He's probably the best perimeter defender, but he becomes LeBron.

He becomes like so on with Jordan. He's Jordan slash Akem at that point. Yeah Yeah, maybe yeah, I guess I was thinking of it like, you know, what else what could he not do? But you give him three extra inches and now it with that fade away And yeah, I don't know that's a good question already locked in So, you know, black men don't cheat. So I'm not going to change. Up next, we got AI with Mike's height or Kobe with Steph's jumper. Oh, that's good. I think, I think I would say AI with, with who's height?

Georgia's height. Yeah. Six, six AI. So like, so. Six, six. So like, so like five, six extra inches. Cause we know whatever his listed height was. He was only six foot. Yeah. Um, yeah, I would say AI with Jordan's height would be interesting because like

he probably gets injured less because it's bigger because he's bigger. Cause he played a style where it was like, you're too small to play this style, but he was just so good. So he probably gets injured less, and like his jumper probably becomes better, versus Kobe, like with the Steph jumper, like it would be dope, it would be dope,

but like do we really need Kobe going from 40 shots a game to 60 because he can shoot like Steph? Yeah, I was gonna say because whichever one the 100 point barrier has been broken routinely by that play. They are putting up so many shots. They're putting up shots bro. If you gave Kobe Steph's jumper I think he honestly really would average like 50 shots, like every single like, like not, not being hyperbolic. 50 100%.

He was, yeah, there would be no, like you thought he didn't pass the ball before Kobe would not have passed. Kobe would have passed to himself. Every single play. Yeah. This is the best option. All right. Keeping it going.

Ball, ball, ball, ball, ball. He is the best option. All right. Keeping it going. Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba That's a good point. That's a good point. Shaq transfers to Hakeem's power and agility. Okay, okay. That's a good point though. I mean, I guess I would go Hakeem. Oh man, the dream Shaq. I guess I would go Hakeem. Yeah, with that power. In terms of the dream quake. And Hakeem was a better shooter.

Kinda, than Shaq is is or was. But like, that's the thing, like Shaq, it's not even offensively, because offensively, Shaq and Akim both dominated and were great and they just had different, Shaq's footwork was great. I think people don't give him enough credit for his footwork. Yep. That's why he was so good. It's just like Akim was way better defensively. Yeah. So, and which, you know, which is why he was able to stop Shaq so much when they played in, you know, those championship years, especially. Hakeem with Shaq's eyes is kind of ambi, like a little.

Okay. You know, like, it's kind of, yeah, similar. Yeah, but not. I think that would go. Yeah, yeah. But the body, you have issues with getting injured in that case. All right. You can make any finals matchup to Keith utilizing all finals teams from throughout history.

What is the matchup you would want to see more than any other? Oh, for example, 96 Bulls versus 18 Warriors, 96 Bulls versus, you know, the Heat, the Heedles. Who are you going with? Yeah. I mean, if the Warriors would have won the championship this year, this would be the easiest question. It would be the 95-96 Bulls versus that 2015-16 Warriors team. The two best regular season teams in history But since they biffed the bed They are taken out of that equation. I think I would still go 95 96 Bulls

72 and 10 with the ring and Oh There are two teams that I would want to see them against. I think I will want to see them against that 2013, 14 heat team. Yeah. I think that you get Jordan versus LeBron. Jordan versus LeBron. You get Jordan versus like a, I got something to prove LeBron. Peak of powers. Yeah.

That would be, that would be a fun matchup. I think that's the right answer. I think that's the one.. I think that's the one. Like, I guess I would go if it wasn't that I would go with like, yeah, those 20 that first KD title with the Warriors first or second, really, to be honest with you. And it would be but it would be mostly just out of pettiness and spite. Like, I would just want to show people like, oh, yeah, like that brand of basketball, like the Bulls brand of basketball was better.

Yeah. You know, but, but as far as like prime teams and like matchups and everything like that, I think that he, that he bulls would be it. That's fair. Yeah. Bulls, Oh, one Lakers is also very intriguing. I just, I don't want to see the Bulls lose. Then having, having Shaq going against Luke Longley, you know, I mean, he would go against Rodman. He would go against Rodman.

Yeah, I guess that's fair. I think that would be the matchup because Luke, Luke would be barbecue chicken, baby. Although Luke did okay against Jack, like Luke did like his thing against Jack, like as well as he could have the Australian brute that he was. That's right. I think you had it right. Luke would have been okay. Maybe not barbecue chicken, shrimp on the Barbie.

That is on a Barbie. All right. The baddie. Last one for you. Game of the week. You've got a choice. Friday night. There's two different games at Bucks at Spurs

or Suns at Warriors. Saturday night, you got Lakers at Knicks. And then Sunday, you got Bucks at Knicks. Excuse me. No, you got Grizzlies at Bucks. OK. Lakers Knicks is in New York. That is a good time. They will go on Lakers, Knicks in in New York. That is Saturday night prime time. I think I'm going Lakers, Knicks in Madison Square Garden, LeBron and MSG.

I think, uh, you know, that's a hard matchup to, that's a hard matchup to beat as far as storyline and LeBron in New York, and you don't know how many more of these you got, um, obviously, you know, we think he'll at least play again next year, but you know, LeBron could say like, we think he'll at least play again next year. But you know, LeBron could say like, I think I'm retiring and this could be the last ever time he's at MSG. So like, I think I think that's the matchup of the week right there. You've chosen correctly on every every question and specifically with that game of the week.

Good call, Jacquees. Jacquees Neal, what a great guest. What a great job by you. Where can people find you, follow you, all that concern? Oh, you can find me in the halls of the United Center. Crying and begging the guys for another Bulls championship. It's been 20... When the Cubs won in 2016, the memes were, I ain't not bulls and bears. I've been a couple decades now, bulls and bears.

So you can find me there. You can also find me at JackisNeal on all social media or my website, JackisNeal.com. A lot of dope stuff coming down the pipe. So, you know, check it out there. Check them out. I'm on Twitter at Jack underscore O'Brien. Miles is there at milesofgrey.

I'm on blue sky at Jack OB and the number one, miles is there at milesofgrey. He's better at social media than me. And we are hashtag Matt Boosby's on the socials for show links and updates. And be sure to join the conversation on our Discord. You can find the link for the Discord when you search hashtag Matt Booskies and that is gonna do it. Another one in the bag. Swish from way downtown and we will talk to y'all next week. Bye. Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle.

Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with the Stars. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Lately on the NPR Politics podcast, we're talking about a big question. How much can one guy change?

What will change look like for energy? Drill, baby drill. Schools. Take the Department of Education closer., healthcare, better and less expensive. Follow coverage of a changing country. Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promise. On the NPR politics podcast, listen on the iHeart radio app or wherever you get your

podcasts. Hey, it's Alec Baldwin. This past season on my podcast, Here's the Thing, I spoke with more actors, musicians, policymakers and so many other fascinating people like writer and actor Dan Aykroyd. I love writing more than anything. You're left alone. You know, you do three hours in the morning, you write three hours in the afternoon, go pick up a kid from school and write at night. and after nine hours, you come out with seven pages,

and then you're moving on. Listen to Here's the Thing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Calling all Yellowstone fans. Let's go to work. Join Bobby Bones on the official Yellowstone podcast for exclusive cast interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and a deep dive into the themes that have made Yellowstone a cultural phenomenon. Our family legacy is this ranch.

And I protect it with my life. Listen to the official Yellowstone podcast now on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.