IS JALEN BRUNSON A TOP 5 POINT GUARD IN THE NBA?!

Despite a recent win against the Spurs, the hosts express significant skepticism about the Knicks' ability to be a dangerous playoff team. Mace highlights the team's 70-year history of underperformance in critical moments, suggesting one game doesn't erase decades of inconsistency. Cam agrees, noting the Knicks' tendency to 'turn it on when they want to' and questioning their ability to perform against top Eastern Conference teams consistently.

Mace: 'History says... that the Knicks, you know, might not be there when it when it really counts.' (03:44) Cam: 'You turn it on when you want to. You turn it off when when you want.' (07:11)

Cam asserts that the San Antonio Spurs are currently playing the 'best basketball in the NBA' and predicts they will become a dynasty within two years. He highlights their young core, including Vel, Castle, Fox, and Wemi, as the team to watch for the next decade, despite their current lack of playoff experience.

Cam: 'The Spurs look damn good. They the best team in the NBA right now.' (06:05) 'This is the team for the next 10 years to watch... guaranteed the year after next, the Spurs are going to start to be a dynasty.' (06:49)

Cam identifies Naz Reed, not just Ant-Man, as the critical player who will determine the Minnesota Timberwolves' playoff success. He praises Reed's shifty defensive prowess and ability to score, noting that his consistent performance is key for the team's advancement, especially with Nikola Jokic playing through injury.

Cam: 'Nas Reed is the one who really is going to make the difference if the Timber Wolves are going to make a move.' (16:24) 'The way he comes in the game, um shifty defensive um prowess on defense, but he gets you buckets as well.' (16:31)

The hosts discuss how a superstar's status significantly impacts player-coach disagreements. Cam cites historical examples like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, who effectively influenced coaching changes, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Mace adds that while arguing with a coach is generally bad for team morale, a superstar's unique ability to make 'horrible shots' (like Stephen Curry) go in grants them a different level of autonomy.

Cam: 'Magic Johnson ain't like his coach. Got par Ali in there coaching... The owner said I'm going with Magic Johnson.' (21:04) Mace: 'When Stephen Curry is shooting... that's like the most horrible shot you could shoot. But because it goes in so much, it's like you got to let him shoot it.' (18:51)

The hosts portray Nikola Jokic as an intimidating figure, not just due to his on-court dominance but also his off-court associations. Cam mentions Jokic's two larger brothers who are often in the crowd and have had past altercations, and highlights the aggressive, passionate nature of Serbian basketball fans, suggesting Jokic comes from a more intense sports culture.

Cam: 'Joker be having two brothers that's in the crowd that's bigger than him... Imagine three jokers from from Serbia.' (26:06) 'Google Serbia basketball fans. Just Google it. They're lighting blow torches in the crowd.' (27:35)

The Cowboys' decision to franchise tag George Pickens is seen as a smart move for the team to maintain financial flexibility and evaluate his performance, but a significant risk for Pickens. Cam explains that while the $27 million salary is substantial, a one-year deal exposes the player to career-threatening injury without long-term security, unlike players like Kirk Cousins who consistently produced under the tag.

Cam: 'For the Cowboys, yes. For pickings, no... The ultimate goal for a player is to get a long-term contract in case you get hurt.' (59:42) 'You don't want to play 27 million. Don't have a long-term deal and then you get hurt.' (01:00:52)