Author / Alex Fischbein

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Posts by Alex Fischbein

Host and Creator of The Atlantic Files podcast, photographer, videographer, and software developer. Always trusting the process.
by Alex Fischbein

Jontay Porter Risks It All | TAF307

In episode 307 of The Atlantic Files, Jontay Porter is under investigation for gambling on NBA games that he was involved in, the Brooklyn Nets turn down one of the best trade offers they’ve ever received, we check in on the Atlantic Division after our three-week hiatus, and we take a look at the playoff picture in the East and West and predict how it will shake out!

Topics covered this week:

  1. Life Updates and Injury Setbacks:
    We start with a personal update, sharing the challenges we’ve faced in the past few weeks, including a broken pinky and the demands of everyday life that have temporarily kept us away from the podcast. Despite the setbacks, we’re back and ready to dive into the exciting world of basketball.
  2. NBA Investigation: Jontay Porter and Sports Betting:
    Delve into the recent controversy surrounding Jontay Porter as the NBA launches an investigation into allegations of sports betting. We discuss the implications of such accusations on Porter’s career and the NBA’s stance on integrity in sports.
  3. Brooklyn Nets Trade Rumors:
    Explore the trade talks between the Brooklyn Nets and the Houston Rockets, revealing the details of a trade offer involving promising young talents Jalen Green and Mikal Bridges. We analyze the Nets’ decision to turn down the offer and the potential impact on both teams.
  4. Atlantic Division Update:
    Get an in-depth look at the NBA’s Atlantic Division standings for the 2023-24 season. We review the performance of teams such as the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks, highlighting standout players and key matchups.
  5. 2024 NBA Playoff Race:
    As the regular season heats up, we shift our focus to the thrilling race for the 2024 NBA Playoffs. From top contenders to underdogs fighting for a spot, we break down the current playoff picture, playoff seeding scenarios, and teams to watch as the postseason approaches.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:43 Flomax and broken pinkies
00:19:05 Jontay Porter under investigation
00:29:48 Nets turn down Jalen Green for Mikal Bridges
00:42:35 Atlantic Division update
00:50:05 NBA Playoff picture
01:01:06 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

NFL Free Agency, Mock Drafts, and Kenny Two Gloves | Sideline Specialists Ep1

Join us for the inaugural episode of Sideline Specialists as we dive into the latest buzz surrounding the 2024 NFL Free Agency period, surprising trades and signings, and our very own mock drafts for the upcoming NFL Draft. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into the creation of our new football-centric podcast.

Topics this week:

  1. Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles Free Agency Moves: We analyze the strategic moves made by the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles during the 2024 NFL Free Agency period, exploring how these acquisitions will impact their respective rosters and upcoming seasons.
  2. Surprising Trades and Signings Across the NFL: Delve into the most unexpected trades and signings that shook up the NFL landscape during the Free Agency period, highlighting the players changing teams and the implications for their new organizations.
  3. First Round Mock Draft Predictions: We unveil our own mock drafts for the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, offering insights into potential picks, player projections, and team strategies leading up to one of the most anticipated events in football.
  4. Introducing Sideline Specialists Podcast: Learn about the inception of Sideline Specialists, our vision for the podcast, and what listeners can expect from future episodes. While football will be our primary focus, we’re excited to explore various aspects of the game and engage with our audience.

We encourage listeners to share their thoughts, questions, and predictions with us on social media using .

Be sure to subscribe to Sideline Specialists for weekly episodes covering everything football-related, from game analysis to player interviews and beyond. Don’t miss out on the action as we journey through the exciting world of football together!

by Alex Fischbein

Tim Duncan vs Nikola Jokic, Fight! | TAF305

This week, on episode 305 of The Atlantic Files, Tom Deasey joins the show, the latest debate around the interwebs is Tim Duncan versus Nikola Jokic, JJ Redick makes some strong comments about Doc Rivers and it ruffles some feathers, is there any hope for the NBA All-Star game and weekend to return to glory, and we take a look at the MVP race and whether or not Jayson Tatum is unfairly criticized.

Around social media and blogs everywhere, the latest hot debate has been Tim Duncan versus Nikola Jokic. Everyone is trying to figure out which player they would take for the entirety of their career. New-generation fans have no idea the type of player that Duncan was, but Jokic has been a freak of nature so far in his career. Who do you take?

JJ Redick was on First Take and went nuclear when it came to Doc Rivers throwing all of the accountability at everyone but himself. He roasted Rivers for never taking accountability while Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe sat there and agreed with every word. Austin Rivers and Patrick Beverley took offense, but they’re in the minority when it comes to this opinion.

The NBA All-Star Game and the entire weekend as a whole were a disappointment yet again. Who would have guessed? Just about everyone who has watched the last handful of years would have. So, is there any hope at all for it to get better in the future?

Finally, we take a look at the MVP race after Draymond Green talked about Jayson Tatum being unfairly criticized. He thinks that Tatum is being held to a higher standard than the rest of the candidates, but we think the rest of them are just flat-out better.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:00 AI, VR, and weird stuff
00:30:08 Is there any hope for NBA All-Star
00:44:52 MVP Race and where Jayson Tatum fits
01:03:29 JJ Redick’s Comments on Doc Rivers
01:27:47 Nikola Jokic vs Tim Duncan debate
01:38:12 NBA looking into helping defensive players
01:59:32 Outro and closing thoughts

by Alex Fischbein

Dennis Schroder, Buddy Hield, NBA Trade Reviews | TAF304

On episode 304 of The Atlantic Files, Dmitry Bergen of the Plan C Podcast joins the show again! We review the trades that went down at the NBA Trade Deadline, Dennis Schroder’s first action with the Brooklyn Nets, Buddy Hield and Cam Payne’s abilities for the Philadelphia 76ers, Deandre Ayton crumbling in Portland, and the Jusuf Nurkic versus Draymond Green beef continues!

The Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers both made some moves right before the trade deadline. The Sixers made some head-scratching ones but also brought in the likes of Buddy Hield who provides the type of shooting and scoring that they’ve needed for a long time. The Nets, on the other hand, got rid of an underperforming Spencer Dinwiddie and brought in a better shooter in Dennis Schroder.

Then, there were all of the other trades that took place before the deadline. The New York Knicks were the hands-down winners of the trade deadline and they have improved their team greatly. Now, they have to put all of the pieces together on the court. Did the deadline help or hurt the top teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Minnesota Timberwolves though?

Finally, we look at some of the “background” things happening in the NBA. Jusuf Nurkic and Draymond Green are still beefing and it doesn’t look like that’s going to end any time soon. It does make for great television! Then, there have been some bad reports coming out of Portland on the mentality of Deandre Ayton. He was once regarded as a top big man, but has fallen off that podium a long time ago.

Follow Dmitry Bergen and the Plan C Podcast!
Threads – https://www.threads.net/@theycallmedmitry
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@PlanC-F1Podcast
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0drOqEOXKCQukIFfsEpSee?si=3a8ea91457e64eb2
Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plan-c-definitely-an-f1-podcast/id1728779023?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=lt_p

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:09:26 Food service industry and tipping practices
00:15:13 Buddy Hield trade and 76ers rookies
00:30:01 Chicago Bulls and trade deadline reviews
00:35:05 Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics are opposites
00:58:48 Brooklyn Nets trades and Dennis Schroder
01:19:06 Jusuf Nurkic vs Draymond Green beef
01:32:37 Bad reports about Deandre Ayton
02:01:16 Origins of the Plan C F1 Podcast
02:18:30 Outro and closing thoughts

by Alex Fischbein

Ben Simmons Returns Again! | TAF303

On episode 303 of The Atlantic Files, Ben Simmons finally returns to the court again after more issues with his back, Joel Embiid misses another game against Nikola Jokic in Denver, the Los Angeles Lakers are getting extreme favoritism from the refs, and the Golden State Warriors look at potential trade targets to get themselves back into title contention.

Ben Simmons has finally returned from his back issues and played his first game since November. He is on a minutes restriction but he still almost posted a triple-double against the Utah Jazz. How long will he remain on the court for the rest of the season and will his back issues keep him off of the court for most of his career?

Joel Embiid put on a masterclass in the first of two matchups against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. He was set to play in the rematch that took place in Denver but then was surprisingly downgraded to questionable and eventually was sidelined. He hasn’t played in Denver since 2019, so now fans think he’s scared and ducking Jokic. What happened to the regular season not meaning anything?

A stat has been found that proves the Los Angeles Lakers shoot the most free throws out of any team in the NBA. Not only that, but they have the biggest difference in total free throw attempts compared to their opponents. Something seems a bit fishy here, but the Lakers aren’t even turning it into wins. So, should we all be mad about it?

Finally, the Golden State Warriors are trying to salvage something out of this season after they found themselves in 12th place in the West after half of the season has gone by. The question is who they should be trading away and if it’s worth trading for what’s out there right now. We dive into some options they have and whether or not they should even mortgage their future before the trade deadline.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:45 WWE Royal Rumble thoughts
00:15:09 Ben Simmons first game back against Utah Jazz
00:29:46 Golden State Warriors trade targets before the deadline
00:40:59 Is Joel Embiid ducking Nikola Jokic
00:46:25 Lakers getting way more Free Throws
00:54:21 Outro and final thoughts

by Alex Fischbein

Doc Rivers Coming Back To Haunt Us | TAF302

On episode 302 of The Atlantic Files, Doc Rivers reportedly is the leading candidate to take over the Milwaukee Bucks head coaching vacancy after Adrian Griffin was fired, Terry Rozier was traded to the Miami Heat for Kyle Lowry, Joel Embiid asserts his dominance over Nikola Jokic and the NBA, and is trouble brewing for the first-seed Minnesota Timberwolves?

In the biggest news going around the NBA, Doc Rivers is returning to the NBA sidelines as a coach instead of a commentator. It didn’t take too long for him to get the itch to coach again as the Milwaukee Bucks fired Adrian Griffin after the team started the season with a 30-13 record. Rivers was reportedly helping out in a consulting format, but that will lead to an actual coaching job now.

The other biggest news is probably that Terry Rozier has finally escaped the Charlotte Hornets and was traded to the Miami Heat for a first-round pick and Kyle Lowry. Rozier brings a scoring point guard who can actually get out on the floor without being on the injury report 24/7. Hopefully, the rest of the team can now stay on the floor.

Joel Embiid had quite the week. He destroyed Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, then went on to become the ninth player in NBA history to drop 70 points in a game. If he wasn’t the leader for MVP before, he’s definitely at the top of the ladder for every outlet now. This is Embiid’s world and we’re just living in it.

Finally, the Minnesota Timberwolves tried to get the ball to Karl-Anthony Towns on the same day that Embiid scored 70 so that he could beat his point total. The issue is that Towns only scored four points in the fourth quarter and the team ended up losing. Then, head coach Chris Finch ranted in the post-game press conference about the immature play from his star forward and the lack of defense from the team. Yikes!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:36 Trip to South Carolina and NBA Threads
00:15:15 Terry Rozier traded to Miami Heat
00:30:39 Coach Finch rips the Minnesota Timberwolves
00:41:43 Doc Rivers takes Adrian Griffin’s job with Milwaukee Bucks
00:58:06 Joel Embiid vs Nikola Jokic
01:16:06 Final thoughts and outro

by Alex Fischbein

Pascal Siakam To The Indiana Pacers ft Dmitry Bergen Of Loose Ball Boys | TAF301

On episode 301 of The Atlantic Files, Dmitry Bergen of the Loose Ball Boys podcast joins the show! The Toronto Raptors have been in active talks with the Indiana Pacers surrounding a Pascal Siakam deal, the Washington Wizards dropped a player for allegedly stealing from Target, Erik Spoelstra signs a contract extension after divorce, and coaches going off on NBA referees.

First and foremost, we get to know Dmitry and how the Loose Ball Boys podcast first started. We also go over how he became a Brooklyn Nets fan and his love for basketball in general. Then we get into the real meat of his story by talking about favorite foods, Richard Jefferson encounters, and more.

The big basketball news is obviously Pascal Siakam getting traded from the Toronto Raptors to the Indiana Pacers. We go over how it changes the Pacers’ outlook for this season, especially since they had to give up Bruce Brown in the process. Three first-round picks are a lot for a guy who isn’t guaranteed to re-sign. Also, how is the Toronto Raptors rebuild going at this stage?

Then, we get into the weird news that starts with coaches ripping into NBA referees and huge disparities in free throws. A lot of the time it’s the bigger market team getting the calls and these coaches are absolutely sick of it. To be honest, we’re getting tired of it too!

Finally, Ryan Rollins was allegedly waived for stealing things from Target on multiple occasions. It allegedly was even the same exact Target every time. Then, at the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s Erik Spoelstra getting a contract extension right after his divorce was finalized. That’s Heat culture right there!

FOLLOW THE LOOSE BALL BOYS!
https://www.youtube.com/@looseballboys
https://www.threads.net/@looseballboys
https://open.spotify.com/show/6WMG7LjdCmc0p5Y8KgnDfd
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/loose-ball-boys/id1669640653?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=lt_p

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:23 Dmitry Bergen on his Nets fandom and start of Loose Ball Boys
00:14:00 Russian women, Threads, and fast food
00:37:45 Pascal Siakam traded to the Indiana Pacers
01:04:57 NBA Coaches disagreeing with refs
01:13:19 Ryan Rollins waived for allegedly stealing?!
01:21:25 Erik Spoelstra finalizes contract after divorce
01:30:24 Random closing thoughts and outro

by Alex Fischbein

OG Anunoby, RJ Barrett, and The Knicks ft Scott “The King” Engel | TAF300

On episode 300 of The Atlantic Files, we’re joined by a special guest, Scott “The King” Engel. He’s an FSWA Hall of Famer, Senior Writer at The Game Day and RotoBaller, Fantasy Writer for seahawks.com, and a Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio host. We talk about OG Anunoby moving to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, the Memphis Grizzlies’ plan with Ja Morant out, the Philadelphia 76ers with Joel Embiid’s injuries, and the initial 2024 NBA All-Star voting returns.

Scott Engel has been in the fantasy sports writing business for over 20 years and is one of the industry’s pioneers. We go over how he got into journalism, his favorite athletes of all time, and how he began playing fantasy sports. Engel gives a lot of great nuggets of information and talks about some of the people he’s met along the way.

Then, we got into the OG Anunoby trade and how he’s fared with the New York Knicks so far. Anunoby has been a great fit and the team has gone undefeated since he joined the starting lineup. Do the Knicks need to make any more moves to be serious title contenders?

On the flip side, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley joined the Toronto Raptors and took another step in their young careers. Is this the best place for their development? Also, we talk about a potential Pascal Siakam trade and how the Raptors will go about building for the future with Scottie Barnes.

Finally, we go over the initial voting returns for the 2024 NBA All-Star game. We talk about those who have been snubbed, some surprise names, and why fans can’t ever get it fully correct when it comes to voting the right guys into the game. Also, are there any good All-Star games anymore in any of the major sports?

Check out Scott Engel’s work!
The Gameday – https://thegameday.com/author/scott-engel/
RotoBaller – https://www.rotoballer.com/author/scottetheking
Seahawks.com – https://www.seahawks.com/news/fantasy-insider/

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:58 Scott “The King” Engel joins the show
00:11:49 Scott Engel talks New York Mets and baseball fandom
00:15:33 Dr. Pepper Zero vs Coke Zero and favorite food
00:25:50 OG Anunoby and the New York Knicks
00:49:49 RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and the Toronto Raptors future
01:03:28 2024 NBA All-Star voting returns
01:12:41 Closing thoughts

by Alex Fischbein

NBA Christmas Reactions, Jalen Brunson The 1A | TAF299

On episode 299 of The Atlantic Files, we react to the NBA Christmas day games, give our thoughts on Becky Hammon saying Jalen Brunson is too small to be a 1A, Kevin Durant expressing frustration with the Phoenix Suns health and role players, and the Detroit Pistons losing streak.

Becky Hammon was on ESPN as their panel talked about the New York Knicks and whether or not they can seriously compete for the NBA Finals. She said they didn’t have that 1A player and explained that Jalen Brunson is a great player but he’s too small to be a 1A. Does she make any good points there or is Brunson a lot better than she gives credit?

The 2023 NBA Christmas Day games gave a mixed bag of entertainment while some superstars didn’t even play and others gave us the performance of a lifetime. Dennis and Alex give their thoughts on the outcomes of each game and whether or not these are signs of things to come for the rest of the season.

Speaking of Christmas games, Kevin Durant is apparently now getting frustrated with the health of his new big three and the talent of the supporting cast. No one is really sure what else he expected when the team went out and got Bradley Beal and traded all of their assets to get him and Beal in the first place. Does anyone actually feel bad for him as well?

Finally, the Detroit Pistons made history for the wrong reasons. They’re now the owners of the longest losing streak in a single NBA season and they could potentially add on to that streak. Is this team actually that bad or are they just hitting some really bad luck?

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro and Christmas movies
00:18:43 The Detroit Pistons historic losing streak
00:43:25 Becky Hammon’s comments about Jalen Brunson
01:00:22 2023 NBA Christmas game reactions
01:15:28 Kevin Durant upset in Phoenix
01:32:13 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Ja Morant Returns, Steve Kerr On Hot Seat | TAF298

On episode 298 of The Atlantic Files, Ja Morant returns after his 25-game suspension, we discuss if Steve Kerr should be on the hot seat while watching the Golden State Warriors crumble, we give an update on the state of the Atlantic Division, and Giannis Antetokounmpo ready to fight over a game ball.

Ja Morant has finally returned to the court after his 25-game suspension for multiple gun-related incidents. Right now, the Memphis Grizzlies are one of the worst teams in the league record-wise. We discuss whether or not Morant’s return is a little too late for them to get in the top six, or if they have a shot at making some noise come playoff time.

The Golden State Warriors have been in shambles for the most part this season. They haven’t sunk to the bottom of the West, but Draymond Green has been suspended indefinitely and both Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins have seemed to forget how to play basketball. Is this going to put Steve Kerr on the hot seat or has he been so good for so long that he has a lot of slack before they think about replacing him?

Giannis Antetokounmpo once got into a fight with Montrezl Harrell over a ladder and that seemed like it was going to be the most ridiculous argument he would get into. Then came the game ball discussion after Antetokounmpo scored the franchise record for most points in a single game. He was ready to sprint into the Indiana Pacers locker room just to fight someone to get his game ball back. What is going on in the NBA?!

Last but not least, we check in on the Atlantic Division and give some updates to each team. The Boston Celtics look primed to win the division again but where does everyone else fall? Do the Brooklyn Nets just need to bring in one big-time star or do they need a series of moves?

Subscribe to the podcast HERE.

Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
06:11 Steve Kerr on the hot seat
17:57 Giannis Antetokounmpo gets mad over the game ball
21:51 Ja Morant is back shooting game winners
37:39 Atlantic division update
46:34 Outro