It Is What It Is
It Is What It Is
May 11, 2026

KNICKS BROUGHT THE BROOMS OUT, EMBIID'S FUTURE, ANTMAN'S BIG GAME 4 & WIZARDS WIN LOTTERY! | S8 EP85

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Quick Read

The Knicks' dominant sweep of the Sixers sparks debate over premature celebrations and Joel Embiid's uncertain future, while Wemby's ejection and the Wizards' lottery win reshape playoff and draft narratives.
The New York Knicks swept the Philadelphia 76ers, winning 7 straight playoff games for the first time ever.
Joel Embiid's future in Philly is uncertain, with hosts suggesting a trade due to his persistent injury issues and high cost.
Victor Wembanyama's first career ejection for an elbow against Naz Reid sparks debate on big man protection and game physicality.

Summary

The podcast dissects the New York Knicks' decisive sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers, with hosts Mace and Cam debating whether the Knicks are truly overachieving or simply fulfilling expectations. The conversation shifts to Joel Embiid's cryptic comments about his future with the Sixers, leading to a discussion on the end of 'The Process' and the feasibility of trading the often-injured star. The episode also covers the San Antonio Spurs' playoff game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, focusing on Victor Wembanyama's ejection and the broader implications of refereeing physicality. Finally, the hosts react to the Washington Wizards winning the NBA Draft Lottery, offering advice on who they should pick and emphasizing the need to spread talent across the league.
This episode captures pivotal moments in the NBA playoffs and draft lottery, highlighting the shifting power dynamics in the Eastern Conference with the Knicks' surge and the 76ers' collapse. Joel Embiid's future is a major league storyline, impacting potential trades and team rebuilds. The discussion around Wembanyama's ejection and officiating standards reflects ongoing debates about player protection and game flow. The Wizards' #1 draft pick could be a franchise-altering decision, influencing the competitive landscape for years to come.

Takeaways

  • The New York Knicks swept the Philadelphia 76ers 144-114, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
  • Host Cam argues the Knicks are merely doing what they're supposed to, not overachieving, and celebrations are premature.
  • Joel Embiid expressed uncertainty about his future with the 76ers, stating, 'I don't even know if I'm going to be here.'
  • Hosts Mace and Cam believe 'The Process' is over for the 76ers and Embiid should be traded due to his frequent injuries and high salary.
  • Victor Wembanyama was ejected in the Spurs-Timberwolves game for elbowing Naz Reid, leading to a discussion on NBA officiating and player physicality.
  • The Washington Wizards won the NBA Draft Lottery, securing their first #1 overall pick since 2010.
  • Hosts advise the Wizards to draft Boozer over AJ, who reportedly prefers to stay in Utah, to ensure a committed player.

Insights

1Knicks' Dominant Sweep Fuels Debate on Expectations vs. Overachievement

The New York Knicks swept the Philadelphia 76ers, winning 144-114 and marking their first time winning seven straight playoff games. While Knicks fans celebrated, host Cam argued that the team is merely fulfilling expectations, not overachieving, especially given Joel Embiid's recent surgery. He emphasized that true celebration should wait until the Knicks reach the championship.

Knicks beat Sixers 144-114, won seven straight playoff games. Cam stated, 'You wasn't supposed to lose to the Atlanta Hawks. You wasn't supposed to lose to the Philadelphia 76ers, especially with Joel Embiid coming out of surgery two weeks ago.'

2Joel Embiid's Uncertain Future and the End of 'The Process'

Following the Sixers' sweep, Joel Embiid made comments questioning his future with the team, stating, 'I don't even know if I'm going to be here.' Host Mace declared 'The Process is over,' comparing it to discovering Santa Claus isn't real. Cam highlighted Embiid's injury history, noting he played only 91 games in the last three years, making him a costly and unreliable asset for the 76ers, suggesting he should be traded.

Embiid's quote: 'I don't know who's going to be here. I don't even know if I'm going to be here.' Cam noted Embiid played 91 games in the last three years since winning MVP.

3Wembanyama's Ejection and the NBA's Physicality Dilemma

Victor Wembanyama received his first career ejection for elbowing Naz Reid during the Spurs-Timberwolves game. While Mace admired Wembanyama's nonchalant attitude, Cam expressed concern about the potential missed game and how Anthony Edwards capitalized on Wemby's absence. The incident sparked a debate on whether referees should better protect big men from physicality or 'let them play,' with Mace advocating for the latter, referencing the 'hack-a-Shaq' era.

Wembanyama ejected for elbowing Naz Reid. Mace said, 'I like his attitude when he was leaving the game. He was clapping up... Let's still win the game.' Cam noted, 'Ant-Man smelled blood... he had 16 points in the fourth quarter as soon as Wimby got out the game.'

4Wizards Win Lottery: Strategic Draft Pick Crucial for Rebuild

The Washington Wizards secured the #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, their first since John Wall in 2010. The hosts advised the Wizards to carefully consider their pick, specifically suggesting they draft Boozer and avoid AJ, who reportedly prefers to play in Utah. They emphasized the importance of securing a committed player to kickstart their rebuild and to help spread talent across the league.

Wizards won the draft lottery, first #1 pick since 2010. Mace said, 'I hope they go for Boozer so the young kid don't go back to college. Don't pick AJ. Please don't pick AJ.'

Lessons

  • For NBA teams with consistently injured stars like Joel Embiid, evaluate the long-term cost-benefit of retaining them versus seeking trade opportunities, even if it means accepting a 'two for a dollar' deal.
  • Coaches and players should adapt to the current NBA officiating climate regarding physicality; if referees are 'letting them play,' teams must adjust their defensive and offensive strategies accordingly, but also be aware of the line that leads to ejections.
  • NBA teams winning the draft lottery should prioritize a player's commitment to the franchise and city, especially when a top prospect has expressed a preference for another location, to avoid potential holdouts or dissatisfaction.

Notable Moments

Knicks fan Josh calling into the show to passionately defend the Knicks' celebrations and Jaylen Brunson's MVP-level play, despite Cam's skepticism.

This segment vividly illustrates the emotional investment of New York Knicks fans and the contrasting perspectives between passionate supporters and critical analysts regarding team performance and expectations.

Mace comparing the end of 'The Process' for the 76ers to children discovering there's no Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, or Easter Bunny.

This humorous analogy effectively conveys the hosts' view that the 76ers' long-touted 'process' was ultimately an illusion, highlighting the deep disappointment and perceived failure of the team's strategy.

Cam's detailed breakdown of Joel Embiid's injury history and games played, arguing for his trade due to lack of availability and high cost.

This moment provides concrete data to support the argument against Embiid's long-term viability with the 76ers, underscoring the business realities of player contracts and performance.

Quotes

"

"I don't know who's going to be here. I don't even know if I'm going to be here. Whatever happens happens. But I'm excited about getting back to myself."

Joel Embiid
"

"The process is over. I gotta send Gilly this t-shirt that says the process is over. Whatever process it was supposed to be all these years, are we safe to say that process is totally over? It there is no process."

Mace

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