ESPN Daily

It’s been more than a decade since the Philadelphia 76ers began their so-called “process” to tank-the-team, earn high draft picks, and set themselves up for a bright future. This strategy has now become the norm across sports, and for the Sixers’ sake, it did yield them Joel Embiid, the team’s first MVP winner in 22 years. But it’s also been filled with crisis after crisis. Two number one picks that flopped and big time trades, first for Jimmy Butler and then James Harden, that ultimately went nowhere. This year, the offseason acquisition of Paul George plus the retention of breakout star Tyrese Maxey was supposed to give Embiid his best shot at a title. But with the big man missing 15 of 19 games and George and Maxey also missing time, Philadelphia finds itself near the bottom of the standings. From the outside, it looks to have brought about a complete breakdown in the locker room and major question marks about team president Daryl Morey’s best laid plans. Today, Ramona Shelburne takes inside the latest, and possibly biggest Sixers crisis yet. You can honor Jim Valvano and support ESPN’s V Week with a donation to the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Pelton, an ESPN reporter known for his insightful analysis of the WNBA, dives into the exciting arrival of the Golden State Valkyries. He breaks down the intricacies of the upcoming expansion draft and how the new collective bargaining agreement will empower the team to attract talent. The conversation touches on potential superstar signings like Diana Taurasi and Elena Deladon, exploring the buzz around team dynamics and the strategic maneuvers needed for quick competitiveness in the league.

Ben Solak, an NFL analyst known for his sharp insights, dives into the thrilling Week 13 action. He unpacks the Eagles' defensive prowess against the Ravens, highlighting rookie corners and special teams challenges. Solak also discusses the explosive Steelers-Bengals matchup, where both QBs delivered standout performances. The MVP race heats up as Josh Allen shines, and there's optimism for young talents like Bryce Young and Drake Maye. Tune in for analysis on coaching legacies and the changing dynamics of rivalries in the league.

In this lively discussion, Kevin Clark, host of This is Football, shares his expertise on the NFL and college football landscape. He dives into Tua Tagovailoa's playoff hopes with the Dolphins amidst cold weather fears. The rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M sizzles, as do potential playoff shifts for Boise State. Clark also debates Saquon Barkley's MVP odds against Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Plus, he examines the defensive woes of the Ravens and job security concerns for Eagles coach Nick Sirianni. A feast of football insights for the holiday!

The San Jose State Spartans were preparing for another hopeful – but largely uneventful – women’s volleyball season in 2024.But then a publication outed a player on that team as transgender and from there the protests and backlash grew seemingly by the day.Player lawsuits, coach accusations and boycott threats, and that was just from inside their own locker room.Soon teams all over the San Jose schedule decided to forfeit their matches, but also never gave an official reason why. So today, ahead of the Mountain West Conference Tournament, Katie Barnes joins us to quiet the noise and turn up the conversation on a team from San Jose that just wants to play the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Solak, an NFL analyst known for his sharp insights, breaks down the current NFL landscape as the season heats up ahead of Thanksgiving. He discusses the Detroit Lions' dominance and the Kansas City Chiefs’ knack for winning games. The conversation dives into 'fact or fiction' on emerging talents like Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, and Bryce Young. Solak also highlights the critical role of special teams and analyzes the competitive playoff race in the NFC, emphasizing the rivalry between the Eagles and Lions.

Elle Duncan, a prominent sports commentator and host, shares her insights on the rising stars of women’s college basketball, like Juju Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo. The discussion highlights the exciting face-off between USC and Notre Dame, showcasing the evolving narrative around women’s sports. They explore the pressures and media representation that female athletes face, alongside the transformative potential of players like Paige Bueckers. With a fresh season upon us, Duncan emphasizes the growing talent and excitement surrounding the game.

For Washington Commanders fans, the Daniel Snyder ownership era was a brutal 24-year stretch. The once proud franchise became a laughingstock both on the football field and off, as the NFL and Congress launched various investigations into misconduct, sexual harassment, and financial improprieties. Then in 2023, financial executive Josh Harris bought the team and oversaw its decision to draft budding superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels. Even with close losses to good teams over the last two weeks, optimism in the nation’s capital is at its highest level in decades. Actor Jeffery Wright has lived that story. The Emmy, Tony and Golden Globe Award-winning performer has not only been rooting for the burgundy and gold since the Nixon administration, but also grew up with Josh Harris. And that made him the perfect person to help our resident D.C. native Clinton Yates explore a complicated relationship with the Commanders. Today, we dig into all that, as well as Wright’s love for Arsenal, his days as a Lacrosse player, and his new TV series “The Agency.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 weeks into the NFL season, playoff possibilities are starting to take shape.But who has a shot at each conferences’ coveted Number 1 seed?It's the envious position every team desires as it ensures not only an extra week of rest and recovery when the playoffs start, but also home field advantage all the way through the conference championship round. That would be the easy road to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.So today, we are joined by our intrepid NFL expert Bill Barnwell, who looks at every squad that could take the top spot, but he also saves room on his plate for another serving of Tommy Cutlets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A generation later, the images of one of the worst scenes to ever take place in an NBA arena are still shocking. A cup full of liquid hurtling through the air, striking Indiana Pacers small forward Ron Artest, and setting off a powder keg - as coaches, security, members of the Pacers, and fans came to blows in the stands, the tunnel, and on the court itself.When the bad blood between the Pacers and rival Detroit Pistons boiled over in Auburn Hills, it was impossible to ignore the sight of mostly black players clashing with mostly white fans. And elements around the NBA used the ugly night, and fear that it caused, to force changes in the NBA dress code that could only be called draconian today.So Andscape senior writer David Dennis Jr. joins Clinton Yates to remember how it all went down, and explore how it changed the NBA forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices