Was This Zion’s Plan All Along? Plus: Early MVP Candidates and the Loser Pistons.
Dec 22, 2023
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Discussion includes Ja Morant's return for the Grizzlies, the struggling Pacers, the Pistons' extended losing streak, Zion Williamson's contract not being fully guaranteed, Tim Bontemps's first NBA MVP straw poll, and more.
49:24
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Quick takeaways
The Pistons' extended losing streak of 25 games raises questions about their performance and overall strength as a team.
The contract change for Zion Williamson suggests potential issues for the Pelicans and raises speculation about his long-term plans.
Deep dives
Dominant performance by Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid has been on a tear, averaging 35.1 points per game and leading the Philadelphia 76ers to success.
Clear consensus on top NBA players
According to a recent straw poll, the top five NBA players are Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with a significant drop-off to the next player.
Milwaukee Bucks on a roll
The Milwaukee Bucks have rebounded from a slow start and are now an impressive 21-7, with great performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Chris Middleton, and Brook Lopez.
Hope for young players
A Christmas wish is that young players like Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, and Anthony Edwards stay out of drama and focus on their game to continue their rise as future superstars.
Verno and KOC discuss Ja Morant’s return for the Grizzlies as well as the Pacers' continuing struggles since the IST, before explaining why the Pistons are that bad after they lost to the injury-riddled Jazz, extending their losing streak to 25 games (01:04). They then move on to discuss the news about Zion Williamson’s contract not being fully guaranteed anymore and what it means for the Pelicans (22:37). Also, the guys discuss Tim Bontemps’s first NBA MVP straw poll of the season (32:26).
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