The Nets, Fixing All-Star Weekend, and Second Half Storylines to Watch
Feb 20, 2024
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The podcast covers the dramatic history of the Brooklyn Nets, the firing of Jacque Vaughn, fixing All-Star Weekend, and intriguing second-half storylines to watch. Topics include Mike Conley's extension, Eastern Conference storylines, confusing teams in the West, and the debut of Malika Andrews' Worst Take of the Month.
Injuries of key players impacting Eastern Conference teams' playoff aspirations.
Challenges faced by Brooklyn Nets with coaching staff, player discord, and loss of draft picks.
Significance of Mike Conley's contract extension for Utah Jazz and team's financial considerations.
Financial challenges for Boston Celtics to retain key players while managing payroll and tax obligations.
Deep dives
Injuries and health concerns are the main focus in the Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference teams, such as the 76ers, Bucks, Knicks, and Heat, are dealing with significant injuries and health concerns among their key players. These issues could impact their performance and playoff aspirations. The health and availability of players like Joel Embiid, Chris Middleton, Damian Lillard, and others will greatly influence their respective team's success. The overall outcome of the Eastern Conference playoff race will heavily rely on the health and recovery of these players.
The Brooklyn Nets have a combination of coaching and player challenges
The Brooklyn Nets have faced challenges related to their coaching staff and player discord. The firing of coach Steve Nash puts the team in need of new leadership, while several players have expressed their discontent with on-court strategies and lack of structure. Additionally, the loss of significant draft picks in recent years affects their future flexibility. The Nets' ability to navigate and resolve these challenges will greatly impact their ability to contend in the Eastern Conference.
Mike Conley's contract extension with the Utah Jazz
Mike Conley signing a contract extension with the Utah Jazz is a significant move for the team. Conley has been a stabilizing force for the Jazz, contributing greatly to their success. The extension solidifies his role and shows the team's commitment to him. This move also highlights the financial considerations and salary cap implications that teams face in managing their rosters, as the Jazz will need to make careful decisions to balance their payroll while maintaining a competitive team.
The Boston Celtics face high expectations and financial challenges
The Boston Celtics are in a prime position to succeed in the Eastern Conference based on their roster and potential. However, with high expectations come financial challenges. The Celtics are already an expensive team, and if they want to retain key players like Terry Rozier, they will need to make financial decisions that could affect their payroll and tax obligations in the future. The team's ability to manage these financial demands while living up to their potential will be crucial for their success.
Malika's Bad Take of the Month: No Dessert in Restaurants
Malika believes that restaurants should not serve dessert, as she thinks it is best enjoyed later at home, after digesting the meal, and in a more relaxed setting.
Confounding Team: Sacramento Kings
Malika finds the Sacramento Kings confounding because of their inconsistency, highlighted by their loss to the Pistons followed by a blowout win against the Nuggets. She will closely watch their performance in the remaining games to see if they can find more consistency.
Confounding Team: New Orleans Pelicans
Zach has chosen the New Orleans Pelicans as his confounding team to watch closely. He points out their intriguing mix of players and how their best lineups haven't always meshed well. However, with a manageable schedule and potential for improvement, he believes they could make the playoffs and impact the standings in the Western Conference.
Bonus Bad Take: Bathroom Attendants Should Stand Outside
Malika shares her opinion that bathroom attendants should stand outside instead of inside the bathroom. She believes it should be a solo time for individuals and sees no need for someone to hand out towels or listen to conversations while in the bathroom.
Zach and ESPN's Tim Bontemps discuss the Brooklyn Nets soap opera of the last 10 years and where they go after firing Jacque Vaughn, and Tim picks his biggest East storyline of the rest of the season. Plus: Breaking down Mike Conley's extension. Then ESPN's Malika Andrews joins to fix All-Star, pick Most Confusing Teams in the West, and more. Plus: The Debut of Malika Andrews Worst Take of the Month.
The Nets firing of Jacque Vaughn (1:22)
A turbulent decade plus for the Nets (16:55)
Minnesota extends Mike Conley (38:15)
Most intriguing Eastern Conference storyline the rest of the way (44:12)
