How Long Does Darvin Ham Have? Plus: Bucks Survive Wemby and the Wide-Open Championship Landscape
Jan 5, 2024
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Reacting to a thrilling Bucks vs. Spurs game, analyzing the Raptors-Knicks trade, discussing the championship landscape in the league, debating the future of Lakers head coach Darvin Ham, and speculating on Mark Jackson as Lakers head coach and LeBron James as player coach.
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Quick takeaways
Giannis's dominant performance against the Spurs showcases his scoring ability and solidifies his impact on the game.
The Raptors-Knicks trade benefits both teams by providing defensive contributions, a fresh start for Barrett, and a promising fit for Quickly.
The Lakers' struggles and growing distrust with Coach Darvin Ham highlight the need for changes in team chemistry and a consistent rotation to maximize their talented roster.
Deep dives
Offguard Podcast Moves to New Feed
Austin Rivers announces that Offguard, hosted by him and Pasha Higigi, is moving to their own podcast feed, releasing two shows every week. The podcast will discuss the biggest stories in the NBA.
Giannis and Wenyenma Shine in Bucks vs. Spurs Game
The game between the Bucks and Spurs becomes one of the most memorable Thursday night games of the season. Giannis scores 44 points and dominates the game, while Wenyenma shows his offensive potential and defensive skills. The highlights of the game showcase their impressive performances.
Raptors-Knicks Trade Benefits Both Teams
The trade between the Raptors and Knicks, involving Anadobe, Precious, Barrett, and Quickly, appears to benefit both sides. OGN and Precious fit well with the Knicks, providing defense and scoring, while Barrett has the chance for a fresh start in Toronto. Quickly's playing style is a great fit for the Raptors, and he has shown promise alongside Scottie Barnes.
Lakers' Rotation and Coaching Issues
The Lakers' recent struggles have brought attention to the team's rotation and coaching choices. The inconsistent playing time and changing lineups have hindered team chemistry and player development. The article suggests that head coach Darvin Ham has lost the locker room, with reports indicating that several sources believe he should not be the coach. The Lakers need to make changes and establish a consistent rotation to maximize the performance of their talented roster, which includes stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Landscape of Contenders in the NBA
The article discusses the current landscape of contenders in the NBA and highlights the Denver Nuggets as the defending champions. However, it states that the Oklahoma City Thunder could potentially become a future juggernaut in the league. With a young roster, a multitude of draft picks, and assets, the Thunder have the potential to improve significantly in the coming seasons. The article urges teams to be aggressive and mindful of the rapidly changing landscape, as windows to compete for championships can close quickly. It also mentions the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings as teams that should be proactive in pursuing trades and improvements.
Verno and KOC react to the thrilling game between the Bucks and Spurs that saw Victor Wembanyama go toe-to-toe with Giannis (01:08).. They next discuss last week’s trade between the Knicks and Raptors that saw OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn get shipped to New York for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round pick (19:21). With the championship window wide open in the league, the guys discuss which teams will make the necessary moves to elevate themselves into true Finals contenders (34:31). After a disappointing loss to the Jimmy Butler–less Heat, it was reported that there is growing distrust with Lakers head coach Darvin Ham as the guys debate where the team could go if it does decide to let him go and what it needs to do if t keeps him (46:45).
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