The Ringer NBA Show - Mikal Bridges on Chris Paul’s Contributions, Gaining Confidence in the Bubble, and Much More | Real Ones

Episode Date: March 18, 2021

Logan and Raja touch on how P.J. Tucker can help the Bucks and what Torrey Craig can do for the Suns (0:30), before Logan chats with Suns forward Mikal Bridges about gaining confidence in the NBA bubble (17:45), what he’s learned from playing with Chris Paul (26:45), getting traded from his home team, the 76ers, on draft night (32:35), and quite a lot more.  Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Mikal Bridges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On R2C2, C-2, C-Sabathia and Ryan Rucco guide listeners through everything going on in the MLB, NBA, and NFL. They also talk to friends, athletes, and celebrities about the world of sports, and much more. Check out R2C2 with Sisi Sabathia and Ryan Ruko on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. No, we're always right now, Logan Murdoch, Roger Bell. We're going to just talk about Bridgetton really quickly because I was, I'm locked in to Bridgetton right now. I was watching it last night, and I finally got to the scene with a Duke, And Princess Daphne, is that? Yeah, yeah, Daphne, Bridgerton.

Yeah. So I get to the point where they're married and they're in the end on the way to the Duke's crib. And they're having the scene where they're having separate rooms and then he goes into her room and she's not even feeling him. And then he goes into, she's like, why don't you love me? And he's like, I love you. And then, you know, they go into it even more. And he goes, I've banned for you, right? Yeah.

Top five scene I've ever seen in my life, Rod. Oh, no. Top five scene I've ever seen in my life, dog. So you're just going to do that. You're going to be that guy. Listen, I was just in the moan right now where I've watched this clip like 87 times over the last 12 hours, bro. I'm not going to front. I was very intense.

I watched it when it happened when I was into the show. I watched that particular scene four or five times. on a loop just to, you know, just to recapture it. It was a dope-ass scene. But I wasn't expecting it to be a half of all time, dog. I can't go on that limb. I readily acknowledge that I'm in the moment right now. And I'm still, I haven't recovered from that moment, bro.

Just, I can't decide which I burn for you is better. The one where the initial one, when the Duke is like, I burned for you. Or at the end, when Daphne's like, I burned for you. And I'm not sure which one is the. better I burn for you, bro. I don't know. It was, it was, it was a phenomenal, it was a phenomenal scene. Why y'all couldn't just talk that out, like, and why we had to get all the way to

that, I mean, I guess that's what makes a show. That's why we had to get all the way to get that, right? That's why we had to get to that. Let me ask you a question right now, because you haven't finished the season. Who, right now for Logan Murdoch, like, as you're trying to, like, Sherlock Holmes is this, is Lady Whistledown. Who is Lady Whistledown? Just make a guess.

You don't have to be right. Yeah, I'm curious. Where are you at right now? I'm trying to figure out who I'm trying to say. You know who I think it is? I think it's with the head, like, mistress. I don't know if she's a mistress lady, but the head lady who's trying to get all her daughters married and then took in the black chick who is. Featherington?

Lady Featherington? Letty Featherington, bro. I think she's the one behind the whole operation, bro. I love this show because it's so, it's so messy. It is so messy, bro. That is a Logan term, but I am taking it. It is a messy-ass show. And you know who's the boss of boss?

And I guess her title in the show verifies this. The queen is a G. A G, bro, a G. She's been a G from the start. Remember when at the first scene where she is, when they first see her, and she's having, she's having queens other, she's having women faint at her, at the sight of her, bro. And then Daphne came up like a G and was like, yeah, I'm the baddest.

You know what I mean? I'm the baddest. And then the Duke had her messed up, dude. It was just, oh, so great. I will have an update for everybody when I finish in about a week or so. And I was watching also another thing. I'm so excited right now. I'm just, I'm just like pumped up.

But I can't decide which is a better show right now, for me at least. Snowfall or Bridgeton right now. It's not even a question. I am, I just. Mind you, I'm just coming out the hills that I burn for you scene. That's why I'm really just charged up right now. Fair. Snowfall is a.

Snowfall is an all-time classic for me. Snowfall's already there. I mean, what season are we in? Is it three? Four, four. Four, season four. I mean, it's a classic. Franklin's saying, is a, is a, is a, he is, he is, whatever is better than a G?

That's what he is. Yo, we just got out, did you watch the last episode from last night yet? Okay. Before we get to the shits, when, is Leon going to die and when is he going to die? is he going to die and yeah is he going to die it's a good question i don't think leon can i don't think leon could die at the hand of franklin saint i think leon probably has to go but i don't think leon can die at the hand of franklin saint and he can't play a part in that yeah can you dig it now that might there might be some some some back channel um what's the boy who runs the what's the cia what's his name again oh no i don't know

why do i do it i don't know i'm not sure man boy could kill him Rocks. The CIA dude might have to go behind Franklin's back and get rid of the problem because ultimately it affects him too, right? That's his business. But I don't think Franklin's Saint can do it. Yeah, yeah, yeah, for sure. I mean, also a great show. I think last night's episode was probably the best show in Snowfall, right? That was a really, really, really good show, man. I was at the edge of my seat. The walls are closing in right now. They're going to have to deal with man boy. That's all I know. They're going to have to put him to, they're going to put him to bed, baby. They're going to have to they're going to put him to sleep.

He can't be out there talking correctly, though. Put that boy to sleep. What's my man's name to do that play Stacy, the OG light skin, dude? That's my guy, bro. What's his name? Scully's a man. Scully is a man. Scully's tough.

Scully straight from getting a tattoo on his shoulder, just through the shirt on over it. I'm out. I'm out. I got it. I'm good. I'm good. And then came with the shoddy like, oh, and then. All right.

All right. All right. All right. All right. We can do the shits. Come on. We can do the shits. I know you guys are knowing that Mikhail Bridges from the Phoenix Suns, Roger Bell's, you know, team came in an interview with me. While Roger was over here conquering the world and, you know, just taking over. You know, I did an interview with McKell Bridges.

He was great, bro. He was awesome. Talked about the resurgence of the Phoenix Sons, talked about Chris Paul, talked about Devin Booker, and putting respect on Devin Booker's name. And then how this season is going. So it was really good. But before we get to that, what's up? That's still a perceived thing within the Sun's locker room. Like, they really think that there's no respect on Devin Booker's name?

Oh, yeah. Like, you could feel that a little bit in the interview? Like a little bit of, we're not getting the credit. There's a lot of chip on the Phoenix Sun's shoulders right now, man. From the bubble. Because even from goes back to the bubble, when people were like, oh, the Phoenix Suns don't belong here, then they went eight straight. You know what I mean?

It's been a, they got a little, they got a little pep in their step right now. So it was good to talk to McHale Bridges. And before we get to that, though, it was a trade that happened. It was a trade that happened. PJ Tucker is now Milwaukee Buck. Got traded for some picks, got traded for some pieces and some players. Tori Craig was also in a separate deal. It's also going to the Phoenix Suns, too.

So, you know, what do you think about that trait? Do you think that PJ Tucker on the Bucks? I think it's a great deal for the Bucks. Admittedly, I haven't watched P.J. a lot this year just because I refuse to watch Houston. Like, I can't watch that. So I haven't seen P.J. But if P.J. is any version close to what he was last year for Houston in the bubble, I think it gives Milwaukee a lot of flexibility to play with different lineups size-wise.

Jake showed over and over again that he can bang down there with fours, his ability to guard multiple positions, shoot the three. And just general edge and toughness, Logan, which is something that every team can't get enough of in good players, you know, not just guys that are going to run out there and F you up in a playoff series, but guys who will do that and can be really productive as players, that's important for teams trying to win championship. So I think it's a great deal for them, and to the point that you made before, and I'll let you elaborate. I think Tori Craig's a great piece for the sons.

Great peace for the sons. We want to get to PJ Tucker first. I like this move because I think it's one of those things with PJ. He's going through a lot over the last few months in Houston. His man leaves, you know, James leaves. He doesn't get the contract that he wants. And so, you know, I can imagine that can affect your play. And he hasn't played the best this season.

But as you know, Roger, when you get to a new place where there's a different motivation to win a title and you're backing that hunt again, I expect him to play really well with this new team. And also, if he plays well, the versatility now that the Milwaukee Bucks have, you know, you can put, I know he doesn't necessarily might not want to play center every night, but you can, he needs to. I know what you're going to say. Go say it. He needs to. Yes, he needs to. And I think if he does in spurts, maybe not all game, but if he goes and gives you some great minutes at the center position, Milwaukee Bucks can be a factor. Not to say they're not. I'm not, already a factor, but it gives a different element when you can put him at the center position,

get some other minutes that Giannis might not have to or other guys might not have to. I really like this trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. I do too. And you talked about, I think what's interesting is players from a fan's perspective, and we talk about this a lot. We're human, right? And so we're affected by things the same way anyone else would be. And so while it is our job to play and perform to the best of our ability, sometimes it's hard

to compartmentalize and your situation where lack thereof in your mind can affect the way you go out there and play the game and can affect who you are as a pro. I'm not saying that this is what happened with PJ, but it does happen. There were situations like my first six or seven games when I was traded from Phoenix to Charlotte, I was a shell of myself. Like I was emotionally spent. I wasn't happy about what it happened. And my play, you know, um, depicted that. You could see it. Larry Brown would ask me what's going on. And I'd tell him, coach, just stick with me, man. I'm going to be all right.

I don't know how long it's going to take me. But I think a new scene, some new scenery, a new quest for a championship, to your point, is really going to light a fire under PJ. And of all of that doesn't, the fact that he ain't get that bread that he wanted, and now he's got an opportunity on a team that can

really have legs into playoffs should be enough to get the best out of PJ Tucker. Yeah, also, when you talk about the bag, Another thing that's really important to getting the bag is one playing well, but also visibility. He's going to get a lot of visibility on this buck team. If he just balls out in the postseason, it doesn't matter. Honestly, if they win or lose, you would want to win that title. But if he balls out in the postseason, he's auditioning for all those other teams.

And he could get a bag based on this alone. So big opportunity for PJ to get more bread and add to that shoe collection, bro. Yeah, no doubt. No doubt. Yeah, man. But I think it was a good trade to get PJ to the Bucks. Also, for Tori Craig to be a multi-level defender to, I think he'll be great in that system. You know, athletic guy.

I think he could be really, really good with the Sun's team that, you know, I talked about with McKell is on the rise, man. I don't think that they're a championship contender right now. But also, I didn't think that they were going to be a number two seed in the West. So, you know, we'll see what happens with that. I really like this getting a guy like Tori Craig to add to this growing nucleus, you know, that Monty Williams and Chris Paul and your guy James Jones is trying to field right down there in Phoenix, man.

I'm liking what I'm seeing for Phoenix. You know, I was like all in on Phoenix to start the season, not necessarily go to number two seed, but I was all in on what they had going. So I'm happy to see what the Phoenix Suns are going. Yeah, me too. And we both were. You know, we both thought that Phoenix was going to be a really good, really good. I said that Devin Booker was going to be most improved and there was no way he was going to get him.

I just wanted him to get an award this season. You did say that. I did not co-sign on that, by the way, just for what I didn't co-sign on that. But I'm with you. I think James Jones, and I've spoken about this before, I'll say it again. There was a period of time where the sons, there was no vision. You couldn't tell what the map looked like, like how they were trying to get from point A to point B. I think you see it now.

It's starting to take shape. Chris Paul, you know, helped. that regard. And now you see them starting to add, you know, these pieces that are very complimentary. Both he and PJ Tucker going to Milwaukee are guys that have some size where they can guard multiple positions. They're offensively flexible. They can do different things and there's a level of toughness to them. So any team that considers themselves in the mix to win a championship is looking for those type of pieces, right? And so Tori Craig fits that bill for the sons. I think it's, I think it's a great pickup. Trevor Reza also went to

the heat. And I think that that could be a, you know, a piece just like that, right, Roger? Nope, very similar type of piece. Logan. When you're looking, when you've got a lot of pieces in place, the NBA is telling you what they value right now, right? Got flexible defenders, three and D guys length on the wing. Those are premium type of players right now. He's going to be a big pickup for the heat too. For sure, man. And also on the other side of that, Myers-Lennard, who we just talked about on this podcast is going to the Oklahoma City Thunder. And when I read, he's not going to play. I don't think he's going to be with the team.

I know he has a team option. I believe on his deal. I don't know, man. It might be tough for Myers to get back in the league, man. And I mean, I'm not saying I'm sorry about that. But again, something to look out for. Yeah, I mean, you kind of made your bed with that. And, you know, that, you know what it says to me, Logan,

is that the heat, their hands were tied. by something that I didn't fully understand probably in terms of their response to that and the fine that was levied and whatnot. And so at the first chance to get off of them, you saw what they did, right? And I think that's the heat that I knew. Remember I was talking about?

Like, I know people in that building. Like, they're not with that. They're not going to be lenient with that if they don't have to be. So there was obviously, you know, they were hamstrung to some degree. But yeah, man, Myers, that's tough, bro. That's tough, man.

And we're going to get to the interview in a second. But one thing that I want to say, I've been watching the news recently, Raja, and I'm seeing a lot of violence towards our Asian Americans, partners, and Asians already. You know, we've seen it for months now, even years now, but it kind of came to a head the other day when eight people got killed in Atlanta, including seven women. This is a problem that has built on lies, that is built on lies, that is built. on evil, that is built on cowardness, and it shouldn't have taken a murder to see what is going on

and the violence that is happening towards this community. You know, it's gotten to the point in the Bay Area where I live, where people are having to not only patrol this type of violence, but be of security to these people and escort are Asian American poddners, elderly people around so they do not get harassed and attacked for something that they had nothing to do with. It's not cool. I can't say that I just don't rock with it at all. And I don't really know what to say as a solution for it, but I would say, if you're

going to purport yourself to be an ally, make sure that you see your friends, you speak for your friends, and you protect your partners. It's not even your friends, but make sure you are protecting these people because it's elderly people. It's one thing to attack a person, but it's also one, it's another thing to attack an elderly person. And that is cowardly, and people's lives are at stake right now. I don't know what else to say more, Roger, but I don't like it. And I hope it changes, man. I hope it changes.

I'm with you. I'm with you 100%, Logan. It's some cowardice shit. People know right from wrong, bro. You go try and tell me you don't know why. Right? People know right from wrong. You stand up for the right and you condemn the wrong. If you see wrong taking place, you stand up to wrong. All right. And, you know, anybody out there that's practicing, you know, these types of beliefs, like shame on you. You need to have your ass look. I'm going to keep it a buck towards any, any segment of our community. It's a cowardice act, dog. And I don't have much more to say other than that. I think you hit the nail on the head. It needs to stop. And those are standing. around and can do something about it, need to step up and do something because there's some cowardly

shit. Yeah, man. Stop hate of all kinds. All kinds. But particularly right now, stop that Asian hate, man. Those are, they are Americans just like us and they are people just like us. So, it's all I got to say on that, man. Here's an interview.

Real ones. What's popping, man, real ones? Logan Murdoch here. We have a former Villanova star here. We have, uh, We have Phoenix Suns forward. McKell Bridges. What's up, bro?

How are you? Man, I'm good. How are you? I'm good. I'm chilling, man. You guys are, Phoenix Suns are doing well right now. You know, second in the Western Conference. Did you foresee this?

If I were to tell you this maybe a year ago, hey, man, you guys are going to be second in the Western Conference on the backstress of next season. How would you feel if I were to tell you that? A year ago, I've been, I would have said we had a lot of, work to do. I would say we're not there yet and I really be like I appreciate you trying to gas us up a little bit but I don't think we're there yet but um yeah but a lot of things change in a year man um no new players players getting better coach and staff being with the team for another year a lot a lot is changed in the year and it's going the right direction yeah a lot of people uh point

to uh the the run you guys had in the bubble as a a turning point. And you talk about CP3, talk about Jay Crowder. Those two guys have both credited your, you know, the resurgence of the Phoenix Suns and why they were interested in coming

because of that run. What was that like trying to get into the postseason? Falling short, but making an impression the way you guys did, how was that for you? It was good, man. I felt like a tournament, you know? I felt like you was playing an NCAA tournament

where even if you went eight and a, it wasn't a 100% chance that we wanted to playoffs. It was still like, like you saw, like we went 8-known. We still needed other things to depict our, you know, our future. So we just went out there and all we could do is control on Destiny. So that means all we have to do is win our games and hopefully everything else falls our way. And, you know, you know, it is control what you could control. And each game took it, you know, 1-0 and that game is still wanting to.

And I was just keep game by game. It was dope, though. I felt every win you just keep getting close to that eight game mark. It's like, one and no, all right, winning out of the game, two and no. Then an hour, now you're like five and no. It's like, okay, we went three more. It's like, yeah, like we really got a shot. And once we won that last game, you know, he was all glued to that Portland, Brooklyn game.

And then that's what Karen Silver. Man, he sent us back home. Well, did you have any inkling that this was going to happen going into the bubble? Because, you know, you end the season prematurely, and then you have that few month layoff. Did you sense that there was, you know, maybe some more camaraderie than you thought it was going to be? Did you sense that this was going to happen or this was going to, was it possible? Yeah, I think we knew we were very, very hungry, especially when they gave us a chance to go to a bubble. how they depicted the games, how many games you got to be out from 8C to make it.

I was just saying how they just threw us in there. I think they just threw us in there just to throw us in there, just to, okay, yeah, the signs they made the cut. Okay, whatever, just throw them in there, whatever. So we took that, you know, we came together as a team. Like, they're going to put us here and think we're just going to come here and BS around. Like, we're going to come out here and we're going to go out there to play a hardest and hoop, you know? So obviously went to the best way we went 8-0. you know, we all felt that way.

I think we all grind it in the offseason. That little offseason we had when COVID hit, and we just always stayed ready. I mean, that's the greatest thing about our coaching staff and the players we had. We just were staying ready. They kept us ready just in case things like that happened. Like me, for example, I didn't think there was no chance

we were going to play again when it first happened. I think once they said they were going to bubble, I was like, all right, like, we have no shot. And once time kept going on, I kept talking about it. I kept talking about coaches like, there's a shot. So I'm like, oh, yeah, we really got to get you to lock in as we're working out here in Phoenix. So to stay with it.

And then we got that shot, just kept going. Did you, did y'all feel some type of way, even for that perception of like, oh, man, Phoenix Suns are just to, they were just to add on to this. It doesn't really matter that they're in. Did you, did y'all feed off of that? Did y'all, did you all hear that noise? And did you guys say, no, y'all got us messed up. We got something to play for. Yeah, for sure.

me personally as a person I'm not like that where like outside stuff affects me makes me play harder or like things like that but in general as a team yeah man like you know obviously how they felt was

obviously disrespectful you know coach coaching like you neither and we he's getting us ready knowing like wasn't really to prove them but it's just to prove us you know how good we are you know we had some

injuries some other mishaps in the season you know, that kind of pushed us back. So we finally had like our full team minus Kelly. And we were all feeling confident, you know, and we all felt ready. And we just came out there with that dog knowing that it was really one or lose, you know, it was one or lose. And how are you going to approach it, you know,

the time to get tough, you know, the true character shows and what type of person you're going to be, type of player you're going to be. And, you know, we came out there and, you know, obviously some teams didn't have a full team, but other teams like, you know, clippers and stuff.

And it's easy to lose games, man, when everybody's not, you know, other teams not playing their players, you can easily relax, you know, even if you,

even if you need every single game, like you get, there's a tendency to relax. And we did that a couple of times in the beginning of the games where we feel like, oh, that team's not powerful enough.

They don't have their best play. They're resting or whatever. But then we picked it up at the end, of course. But yeah, man, it was, we're definitely out there proving a point, especially for ourselves or out there in every game. What was it like going into this season, right? Where, you know, the trade for Chris Paul happens.

And at least from my point of view, and a lot of the stuff that I've read, it was like, okay, Chris Paul is going to help mold these guys into a postseason team, right? He's going to help mold these guys and get them to a point. I don't know if second in the West. was at least on my mind in terms of Phoenix Sun's, you know, performance. But did you, was there something that you felt prior to the season that, you know, or saw that no one else really saw with CP coming in? Did you see that, oh, we have a chance to not just be a sixth seed,

but be a top three seed going into the postseason, potentially? Yeah, I mean, I just, you know, the guys, you know, we lost with Kelly and Ricky and Ty Jerome and stuff like that. Like, you know, those, I love them all, man. So nothing with them, but with Jay and CP coming in to just two vets, man, they know what they're doing. They want to win. And kind of being in that gym, looking around, looking at the faces we got,

knowing who's been in the gym, you know, there's all season who's ready. I was just confident. And everybody kept asking me before season even started, what's the goal for your son? What's the goal? What's the goal? And I guess they, I know the sons haven't made the playoffs in a long time. I guess they were waiting with my sponsors to be, you know, make the playoffs, you know, this and that.

But like, as a competitor, as a person who wants to win, I'm not going short myself as saying, yeah, just, I see playoffs. Like, what type of person is that? You know what I'm saying? Like, imagine you being the teammate or being a coach and your player is like, oh, yeah, like playoffs. Like, it seems like you're just, you're okay. You're just okay with that, you know?

You know, I told them that I felt like. we have a chance you know my main goal is to be the last team standing which is the one the whole thing

and you can tell the media people is kind of like looking at me all crazy I'm like what do you want me like what do you

like yeah like I'm a competitor man I want to I feel like the other right pieces and the thing is we haven't played a game yet

so this is all me and looking at the guys around and the meetings we had and how I feel about the players and how badly they want it and how players, I know, like working out with Cam, Cam Johnson, and people throughout the whole all season

knowing how much better he got, how much better I got, and just know that we were ready. And, you know, I stick with that. And now, obviously, as you see now that we're playing really well, but, you know, we still got long ways to go. And you got to keep, you know, keep going at it, man. Every day, just keep getting better. What is it like playing with CP? How is it, what is like to play with him as a vet?

Did he set this tone when he comes into the room? What is it different? How is it different when he is in a room with you guys? He's just been around so long. He knows, he knows so much, man. It's always, you learn something new, like almost every day, especially when he first, season first started training camp, and everything, I was learning something new every single day,

every single day. I learn something new from him. He's just so smart. so talented, so good. What's the biggest thing he's taught you? I don't think there's, I'm trying to think people always ask me now. I don't think there's never just like a one major thing. It's always

little things, just how to read defense when you're guarding this player, how he communicates, trying to get you to communicate at a high level like how he does. And you know, I tell him, I guard a lot, I'd be tired sometimes, you know? And he'd be like,

and he'd tell me how like, you know, he'd been on defensive teams and he said, I know it's tough. I've been in the same position, guard, best player, ball screens, all that stuff. He just got to find your way, stuff like that. And just helped me offensively when to be aggressive and when, you know,

when to find him. And when he finds me, when to move, when to cut, like all this stuff. We just playing off each other, man, just learning so much. You watch so much basketball. It tells you so much about the opponent and their schemes and what they run

and what this player likes to do was he likes to go left, likes to go right, like he already telling you what he's about to do before we even had the scout with our coaches. So he gets you kind of

really mentally locked in before the game, even starts before we even know our opponent yet. So I think he just, like I said, he just taught me a lot, man. Is he one of those guys that,

you know, is he one of those guys that, like, LeBron or Draymond that, like, calls out defensive sets or calls out offensive sets before they happen?

And does he already know what another team is doing before they do it? Is he that locked in when you play alongside him? Yeah, for sure, especially if I get, sometimes if I'm zoned in, locked in, like, if I'm guarding. Like, I'm like, I just, I kind of, I know to play as well sometimes. Or I could just, if they keep running and we go over, I would know it as well, what's about to come. But sometimes if I'm like, if I'm off the court or maybe I'm off ball and I'm not as locked in on ball and, like, get ready for a screen or something, I can hear him. him yelling like, watch the, you know, watch the handback. Watch this.

Watch they're about to. It's coming for him. It's coming for him. He always tells us. He always tells us that you look at the lineup. And he's like, who do you think they're about to go to this whole three minutes right now? If he's out and he's in, who you think they're about to go to? And it's like, just realize little things like that and baseline out of bounds or in it or when they draw the up plays right after ATOs, right after a timeout.

Like who you think they're going to run these plays for? You got to be locked in for little things like that. And so he just, but yeah, he's definitely like that. He definitely knows people who plays and knowing their schemes and anything. Yeah, I do see a big change in the Phoenix Suns overall. I know you got traded in 20, not traded, drafted in 2018. And was it frustrating at all to see, you know, you know the change that's going on in Phoenix,

but I don't think everybody else necessarily did, right? No, but we're not in a building with you. Was it kind of frustrating to see, yo, we're doing good and we're making strides to be a winning team, and you guys still kind of get the, oh, it's just the Phoenix Suns when they come to town. Oh, it's just, you know, that's that you probably weren't getting the respect you felt you deserved by what you were seen in that building.

Did you feel that at all? Like, man, we're doing, we're making strides to be good, but I don't think anyone sees it. Yeah, for sure, especially my last two years, obviously, you could tell how players come in and how teams come out. You know, they don't respect us at all. And obviously, yeah, you don't, it feels disrespecting things like that. But in a day, you know, I don't really care about that.

He's got there. He's just play hard, man, play your way. I know now that's not that feeling. I know teams come there, like, knowing if they don't play their game, they'll play their way, you know, they will get beat. And I feel like how well we play, how, really like the players you have how coachable we are how really good our coaches are is if you don't play hard and really play away you won't just lose like you you're like

we'll really really go at you and we like it's not running score but we'll we're not going to stop until the game is over you know we have the starters us like that we have the bench that comes in like that everybody's ready I feel like the biggest thing about us we play the right way the whole time you know sometimes we have some mishaps but you know that's just that's just how it is you know, human nature that sometimes feel like I want to get to shout up, but any day, come back down

in reality, it's like, all right, I could have swung one more I'm going to know that next time. I was just thirsty for maybe for one or something like that. That's how I feel, man. I just, and I feel like teams want to beat us now, especially that first half of the season. And like I said, you know, I love, I'm used to, I'm going to keep bringing

up college that was the last time I really was winning and I'm used to getting everybody's best and some teams that don't play well, you know that if you're watching the film, that they're going to play way better than what you're watching now. So he's got to be ready and you can't relax. Especially in this, you will get beat. There's a lot of good teams, a lot of good teams that might not have that good of a record, but if you really, really relaxed it, you will get beat bad. And yeah, trust me. I just know. You brought up college a little bit, but you'll, you'll feel

area dude went to Villanova, and I remember watching the 2018 draft, and you got selected by the Sixers. Your mom works for the Sixers. And then get traded to Phoenix. What was a range of motions, a range of motions like on draft night to where I'm getting, I'm a Philly dude, man, I went to school here. Moms is here. Moms is juiced. It was really a moment then, and then you get traded. Can you walk me through the feelings of that night for you? Hey, man, a lot of highs and lows. I always beat myself up on it where, like, you dream for that moment your whole life to get drafted. Not knowing where you're going or anywhere you go.

You know, you just want to get drafted. You know, as a kid, sometimes you're like, oh, I want to go to this team. I won't go to this team. But, like, at the end of the day, you know, as a dream, you won to play for the NBA. Yeah, again, drafted and the percentage of people going, a lot of people don't get drafted, a lot of people don't get drafted lottery, even top 10 to be exact. And I was one of those guys. I didn't think I was going to be as a kid. Like, I'm going to be top 10 pick or I don't know.

I just want to be the NBA. And so being very grateful of getting picked that high for the work I put in. And then where that happens, where I'm really excited to go to Philly and I get traded. And then my emotions change, you know? What happened? How did that happen, though? So you're getting, because I'm assuming you were a Sixers fan growing up, right? Like, Philly is real lit when it comes to their teams.

What was the So what is the range of emotion? You get picked by the Sixers It seems like a Cinderella story Because your mom works there Does she still work there right away? No, no She did but she don't work now

She hasn't been working there for years now Okay, okay So she doesn't work, she used to work there And then you get drafted by them How does, what do we, What don't we see in that? Like you get drafted and what is the call like,

What happens, how does this work out? How do you get from potentially Philly to I'm getting traded and I'm going to go to Arizona. What was, walk me through that. So I get drafted, go through Adam Silver, take my picture and get a little interview

right when I walk down and then I got the Philly head on. I go to the press conference. It's all the Philly media, everybody. I know about everybody in there because they all at Nova games and all that. I'm being in press conferences with an all lot. I know know by name. I can see them. I know by

face. I'm like, my guy, like, I was sitting there asking me a question, you know, how's the feel? And I'm really excited. So just geeked up out of my mind right after that. Then I walk out. And then people that were taking me, you know, to go get the pictures, do media and stuff, they told me like to hold on for a second. And I can kind of see them like huddle up talking a little bit because I guess somebody's telling something through the phone or whatever. And I'm like, what's happened or whatever? And I can hear her kind of talking, talking. that all I can hear out there voice is like trade. That's all I kind of heard when I was like trying to listen.

And I heard trade. And I'm like, all right, like, then I'm like, I really bunch. I'm like, all right, what happened? Like, what's happened? Like, come on. And they're like, I think you just got traded to Phoenix Suns. I'm just like, sons. I'm like, bro, like I never talked to them.

I never had a workout with them. I never said a word to them. I'm like, why in the hell Phoenix, though? I'm like, so random, you know? So now I'm just like, I don't have my phone on me Because I left it at the table So then I just asked for one of their phones Just to call my mom just see if she knows

And she, I guess they've been new And she was just trying to look out like, how am I feeling? I'm like, I'm like, I'm good, like, how are you? She's like, I'm good just checking on you. I'm like, I bet. So moms already knew. Mom's already knew that this happened. They already knew at the table.

They saw it because I guess it happened right after I got drafted. So that went down. Now I'm like kind of frustrated it just because the whole like getting traded from home. Then I'm going through pictures and all that stuff. Doing all these, all these reporters, all these stuff, every single question. How does it feel like to get traded for me? How does it?

So now you're just like trying to throw it in my face. I really like keep pressure. Like you already know like I wanted to be home. Now you just like you want to get a reaction out of me. Like you really want me to do. And I was just, I've been raised the right way going to school, just knowing. how to handle yourself and just how to answer. Obviously, I was steaming aside, but I can't let them see that.

So obviously, I was just responding, you know, it's just the business of the NBA, you know, things happen. But she was hurting, no, but she was hurt, no. You had to, did you have, did you have, did you have, did you already have the visualizations of, like, what the Sixth or Jersey was going to look like, you know, all your partners that's going to be playing out of the game. I knew exactly I was trying to live. Like, man, that was the only one team I wanted to go to. So I was ready.

I knew I was going to live at. This and that. I was already ready. But yeah, man, just have to fight that and not get a reaction that they wanted. And I just, you know, I just said, you know, as part of business and decided to go to Phoenix, stuff like that. How did moms feel, though? She works for the team, HR. How does she feel when, like, you know, her baby boy was about to be a coworker?

And now she's not. How was that for you? Yes, I mean. How was that for her? Yeah, she was hurt for sure. but once she knew the whole thing about Phoenix and now it's another great opportunity, great city.

And in the day, I still got drafted 10. Like, it's like, you know, it was a great day. So, like, she was over it as fast as I was. Then once you got to Phoenix and know what they gave up for you, it's like, all right, they really want you here. They really try to change the culture here. So then I was after that, that I was cool with it and stuff. But, yeah, at first, that time there, man, it was, it was tough.

And I got to, you got a fake smile and stuff, kind of like not be frustrated. You got really got a smile and see that you're really happy. And it was tough, man. Like, like I said, I got on myself on it for a while with that. Like, I just felt like there's no way I should feel like this, you know? Like, I get, like, I didn't go to Philly and I got traded. But like, at the end of the day, I got drafted top 10. Like, this is your dream.

Like, why are you mad? You know what I'm saying? Like, if you think, like, if you look at other people, You were like, I'll love to be drafted 10. Like, you were like, I was like, you know, I'll love to be drafted. Yeah. I don't give a damn where I go. I don't care if I got drafted by Philly and get traded a second or something like that.

At least I'm in the league and at least I got drafted 10 to a great spot that wanted you. So I struggle with that for a little bit just saying like. Was that night rough for you then? Because you're happy, but you're also like, damn. That's what I'm saying. Is that how you felt? For sure. And it took me, like I said, I went down to Phoenix, met everybody.

and I was good and stuff. And it took me some days to really tell myself like there's no reason you should, you've been upset, but that's just, it's just human nature. You get, it's control.

You can't, sometimes can't control your feelings, man. It just, I guess it was too, perfect. Looked like it was going right to my, right to my hands. All right,

bro, I'm going to need you to keep it a stack. So is, is, is Philly one of those teams you circle now? Because of that night, is that a team that you're just like, one, because it's home, but also because of how that played out,

do you circle that team? Like, okay, I'm about to lock all the way in before this game. Nah, not really. It's just like, no, I don't, not really. Not now. It really was when we first played them, like my rookie year, especially when I went home. I felt like I got something to prove, especially I think when we played them in November for the first time at Philly, it was actually my first time.

first game started too. So it was like, it was like, it was like a movie for real. It was like he'd take him home and his first ever career start is in Philly. Like, what is he going to do? It ain't going to win? You know what I'm saying? So like it was like a movie for real. But yeah.

Did you ball out? Do you ball out that night? I started off with a quick five. And I got a quick five, like quick hit through. You got a steel dunk. Hoof. Like feeling hot early early, like early. And I get two fouls.

Get out. Too quick. two quick files come back in. I think I might have finished maybe like 14 or something like that. But I always, I feel like I would have played even more, like way better finding those two, them foul trouble.

Because I, it limited me. I was hot. I felt good right when I came out that thing. How many people was in the stands? How many, how many tickets you give? A lot.

It's just a lot. I know there's a lot. All right, let's take a quick break. So I think with this, this year, it's just been a full maturation of your, game. Obviously, you know, you, I know you hate the label of 3-and-D guy, but it seems like you've

expanded above, I mean, beyond that with your defense and scoring. How do you do that under, you know, this quick turnaround of a season, right, where you are in a, in the bubble and then you have, it's a way quick off-season, a very unusual off-season. How did that help you or did that, did that hurt you? How did that, how were you able to expand your game during that time? I mean, it helped me a lot. I mean, I think the bubble really helps. where I was playing well and it got my confidence up for next year and know what type of player I can be next that the next year coming up. So just keep expanding, keep working on my game throughout that all season coming up to this year. And then you had pieces like Jay and CP that's coming in there.

I felt like I was I was ready. You know, it's just being in the gym a lot, man. I felt I was really ready. Pretty good training camp. I just felt like I was ready to go. Just biggest thing I just telling myself, So just be confident and stay aggressive. You know, you got ball dominant point guard and unbelievable shooting guard.

You know, it's going to be tough to get up shots. You know what I'm saying? He's not going to. They have the ball in their hands a lot. Just always just even if you don't get that many shots, maybe in the first quarter or even a second quarter, just had that mindset to stay ready. You know, there's two more quarters. Like, don't drought on it. I mean, this year I had some maybe shoot the ball a couple times the first half.

and maybe had like five in the first half and then finished with like 20 just because my mindset's like, all right, you know, you didn't get that many shots, but just wait. Just stay ready, stay being aggressive, stay confident, and just be ready next possession every time. And I just, once you have that mindset, it'll be a little bit easier for you. So you were talk, you really came of age in the bubble, but one of the things that we really got to see over the, not just the bubble, but during this season is how good. great you are as a defender. I'm going to put you on the spot here, man. Who are your top five defensive assignments in the league right now?

Who keeps you up at night to where you're like, I got to lock in and I got a ball out the night before I play this dude? Like, who are those five guys that you're like, okay? Sheesh. Oh, man. All right, let's see, let's see, let's see.

I mean, it's so many, man. It's like five is just so crazy. Man, you got to give me five, man. Come on, man, I got to get five on this. I guess you go always throw hard in there, but it was tougher when he was in Houston because you played them three times a year. You know what I'm saying?

Like, they're in the West, so you're about to play. You played them twice now. I guess you get throwing hard, but I feel like especially Dane, you know, you got how the games go. You got really lock in and how I'm guarding him. Luca, for sure,

every time I play him. Now it's really becoming like B.I. He's really, it's really, I'm sorry, I learned to guard him better just because how I use my lift on other players that affects him, but you can't really use your length on him because I remember just guarding him. And sometimes, like, I'll try to use my length and I'm there, like my hands here. But then his hands up here, I'm like, damn, like he just, I thought I would make it tough, but he's big, he's long, his arms long.

So he just go lay the ball up or shoot right over. So just doing that. I feel like every time always Kawhi or PG whoever is guarding, but I think I guard Kawhi more. So your five would be like, what is it? It's Hardin. Yeah. Dame.

Kawhi. Who else? Who am I missing? B.I and what, PG? You say Luca? Luca. Luca. Yeah, I'm trying to think of the guys I really, really guard the most.

Because Brian, I don't really, I've gone on a little bit, but that's not like my main matchup. Well, I guess, yeah, I mean, like, Steph, but I only play Steph. Is it weird when you're guarding guys that you probably have, you know, seen growing up for the first time? Like, you talked about Bron. I know you get, like, maybe just switched on him. But you've seen him growing up. At what point do you take away all the, at what point are you like, oh, man, I've seen this guy growing up on TV my whole life to, oh, I'm just playing against Brown right now.

What is that like? What is those emotions like? Not just Bron, but all these other players that you've seen watched growing up? I think all that went away after my rookie year. After you find a league and you're out there and you're really standing next to them and you're playing with them, then you're like, oh, damn, like that's, once you play them multiple times and now it's my third year in and now it's bigger than just them is about winning, it's like now we just know how great of a player he is and what we have to do to stop them

to win the game, you know? It's now more like, that's Brian, like, oh, my God, like, you know what I'm saying? Like, that's how he's the watch growing up. But now it's more the fact that we try to win and we try to do something, we try to do something big. And we got lock in on how great a player he is. And what's the match, what's the scout to beat them? You know, what's the game plan to beat the Lakers, you know? So, but yeah, my rookie year, though, oh, my gosh, it was.

You were a star-struck your rookie year a little bit. Yeah, for sure. What was the first of you was most starstruck? Like, damn, I'm playing against homie tonight. I'm playing against them tonight. Like, what was your first star struck moment? What was the most star struck moment? And then the first star struck moment?

I think it was definitely Brown, KD. And you got a bit of the last bit of the KD Warriors, didn't you? Yeah, that was your rookie right, yeah. Yeah. Definitely. Yeah. But, yeah, Katie and Brown for sure. and then Dame like Dane's one of my favorite players ever

when I was in high school and college. I always like always love Dame. And then now low key like guys that being a Philly fan, being a Sixers fan, like seeing Drew Holiday out there, I'm like, yo, like I used to love Drew, man. Like big, like love like big Drew like 11. Like Drew Holiday, man. I remember going to the games and seeing court sign on stuff,

seeing guys like him and another one. really low keys, Thad Young. Like, I see, I was playing that young. Oh, wow.

I was in, you know, Philly, we loved them. And I remember I was just sitting there, like, on a frito line, but like,

I was like, I was like, I was a, like, like, I was a big fan when I was a kid, I used to go to the games.

He was like, they didn't make me feel old. I'm like, I didn't mean to, but you know what I'm saying. Yeah. I want to talk about Devin Booker a little bit. I remember the first time where I,

I saw Devin Booker play live was actually at UCLA. at the runs on the summertime. And, you know, it's one thing to see him on television, but it's another thing to see him in person and also in a pickup setting. He was so good. He was bawling against guys that at least the outside perspective

thinks, you know, are better than Devin Booker, but he was just eating their lunch. And I don't know if he gets the respect that he deserves right now. What is it like playing with him? And what is the national media and the national scale of people missing on Devin Booker that they need to know right now of how good he is? Yeah, man. I mean, I love playing a book.

Grateful to be, you know, real close with him. When I got there, I knew how talented he was scoring the ball. But obviously, when you see it in person, oh, he could really, really score the ball. And then what threw me off was that he could pass really well. he's a good playmaker. Like, I didn't know they could pass like he can until I got there. So it always threw me off. But, yeah, I mean, obviously, like, he gets disrespect sometimes.

But I think he knows and we all know in our family and our organization, these most praise. So I think we, they can have, what they can say whatever they want, you know, I don't think it affects him as all. But at least he knows that we need him and he's how much we appreciate him. for him, for him be himself and, you know, everything on off the court. So, again, I really don't care what they say, but I know how tough he is and greater of the duty is as well. Did it annoy you guys as a team? I know he, last year he got, you know, in the last minute got the All-Star pick,

but was it, did it annoy you guys that, hey, man, like, this dude is balling? Why is that not? Like, why aren't people seeing this? Like, we see this every day. He's putting up points. He's killing. He's talking shit. But what was it like to, you know,

was that annoying when you don't see a guy that you know is really, really good, not get his due? I know you say, like, we don't care about the outside noise, but come on, man, like, this is a validation business. Do you feel, do y'all feel collectively chip on your shoulder when he doesn't get the admiration that you think he deserves? Yeah, especially if you feel like somebody deserves it, then that's when you feel like, all right, like, now you're just,

especially like last year I guess you were to say what wins and stuff if you want to do with winning but you got to see what he's doing out there to help our team out and everything like that and then this year when he's saying he's not one like this year they're saying well you need to score but now we need

to need him to win to be an all-star and now he does it both and now he does both and now he still don't give it to him now it's like all right so what's really what really is it is like you just now he's just saying he's just giving up an excuse by oh well he will be an all-star if he would have you would have

a few of win games, but okay, an all-star break came up, we was two in the West. So, like, putting up numbers. So what are you really saying? No, you just, you know, you just, excuse my language,

but talking out your ass just to say something, just to, you know, just to say it, just that's like an excuse or like what? So that's what I feel like when you really, if you're going to, if you're not going to be 100,

if you're not going to be 100, then don't make up no BS. And then when it does happen to, you know, just still don't do nothing about it. So just be a hundred. You're going to be one, just be honest. If you don't think he this and that, then just say it.

But if you want to keep putting up an excuse and then when he does what you say, he should do, we'll get him to it. And he, and y'all don't put him there. Then it's like, what is y'all on for real? Yeah, I heard that. What do you, I know you guys, your Philly Kid book was really tight with, with Kobe. What was that like the night that you guys found out the news that he passed?

Was that tough on both of you guys? How was it for book and how was it for? for you. I know it was really tough on book because how close he was. Um, yeah, I felt bad, but also just tough on me just because who he was as a player and icon as a person, just knowing so much about him, you know, it hurts just for just for the basketball world and for everybody else, you know, people, people love Kobe. It's not just like them. It was really like people admire him. He's a reason why a lot of people play. played basketball.

Like, why kids and people started to play the game because of him. But it was an emotional day, emotional night. What were you guys at? What were you guys at when Memphis? Who broke the news? What happened? Like how will paint a picture for me? I was taking my pregame nap and I woke up from texts.

Like from like all my friends and family. Like, yo, Kobe passed away like this and that. I'm like, right when I woke up, I'm like, see all my phone going off. And I'm like, usually I put my phone. I'm doing as a service, nobody wakes me up, but I don't wake up from all these textments from nobody. I just need to be my mom or somebody. My mom just getting out of work calling me,

see what I'm doing, but not knowing that I'm sleeping. So I just put on doing that search so you won't wake me up. So I'm just like, see all these texts from one of the people. I'm just like in shock and I started reading more about it and then all the things is being upset. And then just thinking about his family, I think that's what really hurt me to most.

I know we're going through, you know, a lot, just being a fan. Appreciate him for all he does, but, you know, he has a family and what, you know, he's a husband. He's a father and just what they got to go through, even to his day. So I was really, I heard out the news. I was upset about, you know, thinking about all that as well. Did you meet him? Yeah, I met him in Nike camp going to my senior year.

So the summer of 2017, we met him. We talked to us at the camp and stuff. How was that? Was it cool? It was dope. everybody was trying to guess who it was. I remember I was next to Grayson Allen and he kept saying like,

it's Kobe, I'm telling you, it's going to be Kobe because they're saying as a guest speaker. I'm like, no, it's not, bro. Like, no, it's not. They do things like this to get us all hyped up thinking it's going to be somebody like Kobe, but then it's not. They're going to get our feelings hurt.

And then it was. And I remember Grace's like, told you, told you, and everybody was all hyped with their phones on and everything. He was just talking to us. What was something that he said during that time that stuck with you? Um, honestly, I don't know.

Also, I was star-shock, I was sitting there. Michelle. Tap my boy, text me like, yo, that's really cold. You know what I'm saying? I wasn't really like, dude. He was saying for real. I was just like, just like, looking like, yo, like, that's really cool. Right there came in.

I think he came in, a sunglass, all that. I was like, oh, that's dope. That's dope. Michelle, man. So, what's the next step for you guys in Phoenix, man? because I know you guys have, you know, you have taken the next step of being, you know, relevant team in the second in the West. But what is the next step for you guys?

Obviously, titles in the way, but what do you guys have to do to get to that point to be in legitimate title contention? Not just this year, but for years to come. Just get better, man. Get better every day. Control things as much as you can, especially with this COVID going on. Just trying to, you know, you got to do the protocols, do the right things. Obviously, you know, can't control injuries sometimes, but taking care of your body, doing everything and your power to prevent injuries. And just, like I said, just keep going to work, you know, never being too satisfied.

Coach Mani always says, don't get too happy on the farm. She got coming every day and, you know, one game at a time for real and just lock in every day. And, you know, we're going to get teams best. That's what we want. We got to go out there. and dominate today. Yeah. And before we get out of here,

we have this segment, Mikhail, called Real One of the Week, where we shout out an entity, a person, or somebody that won the week for me and you. So I'm going to let you think on it real quick, but I'm going to go first, and I'm a shout out Oakland legend,

Dame Lillard for 50 points against the Pelicans, balling out. They're putting some respect on his name now. So my real one of the week is Dame Lillard. And so who is your, real one of the week. I'm putting you on the spot right now. Damn. I'm going to say,

damn. Shit, man. You're lucky. You get that one. I was just yesterday. Like, you lucky, man. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I was looking, man. I was looking. I was like, damn, man. Come on, man. That's an easy one. Yeah. Dang. Also, if you won't, we could just do, we could just have Dan being our, our, our, our co-beer one of the weeks.

Yeah, because I really rock with Dan. That's my guy. That's my guy. That 50 ball, 20 shots. Two, don't the 20 shots tough too. Oh, 20 shots, man. Come on now. Michelle, man. Well, I appreciate you taking the time with us, man. And, you know, we'll see you soon.

And, yeah, we'll see you soon. Thanks so much for coming on, bro. Yes, sir. I appreciate you, bro. That was a dope interview, man. We back. But before we dip for good, first of all I want to say, make sure you check out all our other pods.

Check out R2C2 with who, Roger Bell. Ballel. Sabapia. Make sure you check out Black Girl Songbook with Danielle Smith. Make sure you check out the Ringer Music Show with Charles Holmes. Make sure you check out group chat. Make sure you check out the mismatch. Make sure you check out the answer.

But before we get out of here, Rajah has a special real one of the week. Who is your real one of the week, bro? This one's a little sad. He's near and dear to my heart in the jazz community. My real one of the week is Doug Burrell. Doug Burrell was a massage therapist with the Utah Jazz. I can say this, and it's not hyperbolic. He might be the best person I ever met in NBA circles,

just a genuine human being with true love for his family, a true shoulder to kind of lean on. Always great words of wisdom from a really kind soul, kept it even, always a buck, great perspective, helped a lot of people, not just me, see things, you know, they wouldn't ordinarily have seen looking at it through their prism. A great dude, great family, passed away last weekend after a battle with an illness, and he will be missed, certainly in my household.

He got to know my wife. My wife got to know him as well. The jazz community has lost a true real one. And I'm just, you know, prayers for his family, his daughters, and his wife. Doug Borell, Dougie Fresh, aka Dougie Fresh, real one. All right, man, rest and peace, man. We will see you guys next week.