Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant, trade, Atlantic Files, Podcast

July 6, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Kevin Durant slithering away again | The Atlantic Files Ep235

This week on the Atlantic Files podcast, we talk about Kevin Durant requesting a trade seemingly out of nowhere, the continuing saga around Kyrie Irving, the Philadelphia 76ers signing some much-needed role players, and all of the results of the NBA Free Agency period so far!

Kevin Durant shocked the NBA world by requesting a trade after only two failed seasons on the team that he wanted to create. His and the Brooklyn Nets’ shortcomings have been well documented over the last couple of seasons. So, after seeing his former team win a championship, something inside of him said that he needed to go somewhere else to win a ring. If his legacy wasn’t on the line before, it sure is now.

Durant’s teammate and friend, Kyrie Irving, is also waiting to hear about a trade away from Brooklyn. He did opt into his contract, only to hear Durant want out. Now, the Nets are working with the Los Angeles Lakers and maybe others to find a place to finally rid themselves of this headache.

In other news in the Atlantic, the Philadelphia 76ers addressed one of their biggest needs this off-season. They needed some tough enforcers and some bench pieces to prevent their bench from only scoring six points in meaningful games. Adding the likes of PJ Tucker, and Danuel House, and trading for De’Anthony Melton did just that. Of course, the Sixers fans are never happy, so they’re waiting for another shoe to drop and a big deal to take place.

Finally, we recapped some of the biggest moves and takeaways of the 2022 NBA free agency period so far. A lot of Eastern teams made moves to get better and a handful of teams decided it was time to blow it all up.

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Intro
00:05:53 Kevin Durant requests a trade, Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat top two
00:30:11 Kyrie Irving opted in but looking for trade as well
00:47:12 Philadelphia 76ers sign role players and trade Danny Green
01:00:21 Takeaways from 2022 NBA Free Agency so far

June 30, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Kyrie Irving is not dependable | The Atlantic Files Ep234

This week on the Atlantic Files podcast, Kyrie Irving caused a lot of drama and rumors surrounding the Brooklyn Nets, John Wall is heading to Los Angeles, Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook are both staying put, and an NBA Free Agency preview!

Before any of the NBA Free Agency officially kicked off, we already have some trades and news of opt-outs coming in. John Wall is one who is working on a buyout with the Houston Rockets and apparently has also decided to go to the Los Angeles Clippers. It’s been a very long time since we’ve even seen Wall play an NBA game, so teaming up with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard should be very interesting.

Bradley Beal opted out as well, but he’s expected to sign a five-year supermax with the Washington Wizards. Also, Russell Westbrook is staying put as he opted in to his option with the Los Angeles Lakers. Beal’s part is a little surprising due to all of the rumors about him being traded. The longer and bigger contract is probably a little more difficult to actually trade. Westbrook, on the other hand, is quite expected. Now the Lakers have to figure out if they want to just use him as a scapegoat again or actually trade him for some supporting pieces.

The big topic of this week’s episode is Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets. There were tons of conflicting rumors that said Kyrie is either looking for a sign-and-trade or he’s staying in Brooklyn. A rumor that came out of the mess was that the Nets thought Kyrie was not dependable and that apparently upset Kyrie. News flash, anyone can see the amount of games he’s played in Brooklyn and realize that he is the farthest thing from dependable!

Finally, we preview the rest of the 2022 NBA free agency and all of the potential free agents that could be moving teams this off-season. A lot of quality role players are on the market and the championship contending teams could be making tons of trades and signings!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:31 Kyrie Irving is the least dependable on the Brooklyn Nets
00:16:04 John Wall heading to the Los Angeles Clippers!
00:26:31 Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook staying put
00:41:28 2022 NBA Free Agency Preview

2022 NBA draft, chet holmgren, paolo banchero, jabari smith jr, atlantic files

June 27, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

2022 NBA Draft Reactions and Analysis | The Atlantic Files Ep233

This week on the Atlantic Files podcast, we’re talking all things 2022 NBA Draft. We give all of our opinions and analysis on trades such as the ones involving Jerami Grant to the Portland Trail Blazers and Christian Wood to the Dallas Mavericks! The NBA Draft itself will be taking place as we’re recording so all reactions and takes will be live as they happen. We’ll also be talking about the weird Kyrie Irving rumors about not reaching contract agreements on top of sign-and-trade options.

The hottest topic in the NBA this week was obviously the NBA Draft. So, we decided to do a rare Thursday recording and we live streamed our reactions to each pick and trade in the lottery. The top three picks were known from the start, we just didn’t know which order, and things really started to shake up once it hit the New York Knicks pick. Right now, it seems like the Detroit Pistons stole the show. However, with free agency looming in the not-so-distant future, a lot of things can change.

Before the draft even happened, there were a couple of trades that we had to note. Christian Wood was sent to the Dallas Mavericks for a ton of filler and not much else. This bolsters the Mavs offense and especially defense down low. Then, Jerami Grant was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for more filler type of returns. While Damian Lillard got himself a nice stretch-four, the Pistons cleared up some space for their prospects of Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren.

Finally, there is even more drama on the Kyrie Irving and Brooklyn Nets front. All sorts of smoke and rumors coming out of the Irving camp are saying that they haven’t reached a deal on a new contract and now he’s coming up with lists of teams he’d like a sign and trade to. If Kyrie then moves, everyone is worried about Kevin Durant moving right after him. That’s a lot of drama for a team who didn’t even have a pick in the draft.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:20 2022 NBA Draft live reactions
00:11:39 Christian Wood traded to the Dallas Mavericks
00:16:07 More NBA Draft reactions
00:27:44 Dennis makes a quick appearance!
00:46:50 Kyrie Irving drama with the Brooklyn Nets
00:54:20 Back to NBA Draft analysis

Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, Atlantic Files

June 15, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Anthony Davis has a bold strategy | The Atlantic Files Ep232

This week on the Atlantic Files podcast, we welcome Alex Burns to the show! He’s a fantasy basketball writer for RotoBaller and covers the Miami Heat for The Lead! Topics of discussion this week include Anthony Davis not shooting a basketball in months, the struggling offenses for both teams in the NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors taking a 3-2 lead, the Miami Heat reportedly interested in James Wiseman, if Zion Williamson is worth the max or not, Bradley Beal’s future in DC, and the big men that could be on the move!

Being a Miami Heat fan and writer for The Lead, Alex Burns had to come on and give us some information on the Heat’s interest in James Wiseman. It’s rumored that he’s their target, but we were wondering what would happen with Bam Adebayo then. He also talks about the feeling of Jimmy Butler beating his former team in the playoffs, but that wasn’t nearly as fun to talk about.

We also had to talk NBA Finals, of course. After Game Five, the Golden State Warriors took a 3-2 lead over the Boston Celtics, and the chances that this young Celtics team could take home the Larry O’Brien Trophy are looking slimmer. Jayson Tatum isn’t exactly playing up to expectations, while Andrew Wiggins is exceeding all expectations on the other side. Everyone on the show had the Warriors winning but in different amounts of games.

Then, it comes to Anthony Davis and his shocking information. He admitted that he hasn’t even shot a basketball since April 9 of this year. He tried to clarify this by saying that’s what he always he does because works on improving his body before his basketball skills, but that hasn’t seemed to work too much over the years. So, something might just need to change with this regimen.

Finally, we wrap things up with whether or not Zion Williamson is worth a max contract, Bradley Beal’s unlikely future in Washington, and all of the big men that are rumored to be on the move this offseason. Tune in to hear all of our thoughts!

FOLLOW ALEX BURNS!
https://twitter.com/aburnshoops
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Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:16 Alex Burns gives Dennis his flowers
00:02:31 Alex and Dennis give their most incorrect ranked player
00:07:03 NBA Finals Game 5, Warriors take 3-2 lead
00:22:12 Miami Heat interested in James Wiseman, where does Bam Adebayo go
00:39:59 Anthony Davis hasn’t shot a basketball since April
00:47:37 Is Zion Williamson worth a max contract
00:51:40 Centers on the Free Agency market
01:00:21 Bradley Beal’s future with the Washington Wizards

June 9, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Quin Snyder left, will Donovan Mitchell? | The Atlantic Files Ep231

On this week’s episode of the Atlantic Files Podcast, Quin Snyder resigned from the Utah Jazz, will Donovan Mitchell force his way out as well, the NBA Finals continue as the series is tied 1-1, Tyler Herro’s case to be a starter, Kyrie Irving’s future in Brooklyn, and more!

The biggest news story other than the NBA Finals happening is the fact that Quin Snyder has stepped down from being the head coach of the Utah Jazz. This is during a time when the Jazz are in a state of flux. Rumors of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell not being able to play together have been swirling for a while. Now, does this coaching change mean Mitchell could just force his way out?

Speaking of the NBA Finals, at the time of this recording the series was tied 1-1. We revisited some of our predictions about the Finals and checked if anything has changed since then. Also, we took a deep dive into the stats of the Finals so far and what’s happening for each team.

A little while ago, Tyler Herro said he wants to start for the Miami Heat now that he has accomplished Sixth Man of the Year. Pat Riley made a statement telling him to go into training camp and earn it. All in all, it was a fair statement from Riley, but he probably should be calling out some other players rather than only Herro.

Rumors and Kyrie Irving just seem to go hand-in-hand these days. There have been rumors now that he might sign with the Philadelphia 76ers and then also rumors that he’ll sign an extension with the Brooklyn Nets. Do the Nets really want to pay him all the money he’s going to ask for though?

Finally, the NBA talked about shortening the season and maybe even adding a mid-season tournament. This seems a little ridiculous that we’re talking about lessening the workload for professional athletes especially when the roughest sport of all, football, extended its season by another week. We understand money is the driving factor, but there have to be a lot of other options than just shortening the season.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:52 NBA Finals thoughts, series tied 1-1
00:20:03 Tyler Herro wants to start, Pat Riley says earn it
00:34:50 Quin Snyder resigns, what will Donovan Mitchell do
00:52:53 Kyrie Irving’s future in Brooklyn
00:59:30 Kevin Durant calls out Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless
01:07:51 Should the NBA shorten the season
01:17:34 Jalen Brunson a future Knick?

June 2, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

2022 NBA Finals Preview | The Atlantic Files Ep230

The 2022 NBA Finals are here! To help us preview the Finals matchup between the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors is Alec Walt of the Alec Walt Show on Down the Block Sports! We talk all things 2022 NBA Finals, Boston Celtics, and 2022 NBA Playoffs. Maybe we’ll even sneak in some topics going around in the rumor mill or news desks.

Nobody has had quite the rollercoaster ride of a season like the Boston Celtics. They were on the outside of the play-in and playoffs and everything seemed hopeless for them. So much so that the last time we had Alec Walt on the show, we talked about having to trade either Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum for this team to truly achieve anything.

Now, here we are. The Celtics are set to face off against the Golden State Warriors for the 2022 NBA Finals. We brought Alec on to talk about what happened in the Miami Heat series. It was a very odd series that just traded blowout games until the very end when the Celtics were the last ones standing.

Then, we talked about the full journey of the team and what exactly turned the season around. There were a number of people who showed some tough love and called each other out, and then Brad Stevens also made some big-time moves to help the team.

On the other side, we talked about Stephen Curry and his legacy. There has been talk that he needs to win a Finals MVP just to cement his legacy even though he’s already the greatest shooter this league has ever seen. Is that just for clickbait or do people actually think this stuff?

SUBSCRIBE to Alec’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfkP-VMF1Uhioz23EfjDPtA

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
4:34 – Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat series, what went wrong and right
26:04 – The Boston Celtics journey to the NBA Finals
39:22 – Udonis Haslem hasn’t recovered from loss?!
44:48 – Thoughts on the new Conference Finals MVP awards
47:16 – Steph Curry’s legacy if he wins or loses this NBA Finals
1:00:11 – 2022 NBA Finals predictions

May 26, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Kyrie Irving admits LeGM is true | The Atlantic Files Ep229

This week on the Atlantic Files Podcast, Kyrie Irving admits to the fact that LeBron James was acting as GM, our thoughts on the All-NBA teams for this season, the terrible Los Angeles Lakers coaching search, all the blowouts in the NBA Playoffs, and whether or not DeAndre Ayton deserves a max contract.

Kyrie Irving, on a podcast, talked about the fact that LeBron James was essentially acting as the General Manager when he put together their championship roster. Kyrie even said he wasn’t mad at him for doing so as it helped him get the only ring that he’s won so far. On top of that, he talked about how he had to mature when he played with LeBron, but now we’re wondering where all of that maturity has gone because it hasn’t shown itself in a long time.

Speaking of LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers are on the hunt for a new head coach. Another coach has been driven out of town with LeBron on the team and they have to find a replacement that will last more than one season. For some reason, they keep coming back to Doc Rivers as long as Philly would part ways with him. We’re just wondering why they think that Rivers would all of a sudden lead that team to a ring.

The NBA released all three of the All-NBA teams. The First Team left a lot to be desired with players like Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker making it over Joel Embiid, Ja Morant, and Stephen Curry. Tatum even said that the All-NBA teams should be positionless and we agree. Positions in the NBA have been as meaningless as ever before, so why not make it that way throughout the awards too.

Finally, Deandre Ayton is looking for a new contract from the Phoenix Suns. He and his agent were hoping for a max contract, but the Suns hoped he’d take a pay cut. His talent level definitely isn’t max contract worthy, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he did end up receiving one in his situation.

Timecodes:

0:00 – Intro
3:46 – Los Angeles Lakers head coach search is trash
26:15 – Kyrie Irving admits to LeBron James playing GM
42:19 – Does Deandre Ayton deserve a max contract
46:37 – Our thoughts on the 2022 All-NBA teams

May 18, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Boston Celtics NBA Finals bound? | The Atlantic Files Ep228

This week on the Atlantic Files Podcast, we talk about the absolute embarrassment of a Game Seven that the Phoenix Suns endured, the Boston Celtics taking down the reigning NBA Champs and looking like a surefire championship team, Ja Morant’s injury issues, previews of both Conference Finals, what the Philadelphia 76ers should do with James Harden, whether Doc Rivers or Daryl Morey are at fault for what happened to the Sixers, if Sean Marks was justified in calling out Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons, and more!

First of all, the Boston Celtics are the only remaining Atlantic Division team in the NBA Playoffs. They were the ones who started the season in the most disappointing fashion and after turning it completely around, they now look like they can really win a championship. Will they be able to pull off a win over the Miami Heat and then eventually an NBA Finals win?

In the West, the Dallas Mavericks are fresh off of a complete drubbing of the Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker talked his way right out of the playoffs as Luka Doncic laughed them right off the court. Now, he has to go up against the dynasty that is the Golden State Warriors. Are the Warriors a lock to make the Finals with their experience?

Ja Morant, after suffering a few injuries during the season, also was injured a couple of times in the playoffs. Is he beginning to be too injury-prone for Memphis to be considered a legit contender?

Since we have both Conference Finals series set in stone, it’s time to preview each one. We give our thoughts on the X-Factors for each series as well as our predictions for who wins in how many games.

Finally, we have a sort of grabbag of a handful of topics. The Philadelphia 76ers have a huge decision to make with James Harden and his contract, Doc Rivers and Daryl Morey are fighting to see who takes the most blame for this season, how would Mike D’Antoni fit in LaMelo Ball and Charlotte’s offense, Sean Marks comments about the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving, and whether the Celtics used a dirty tactic with Robert Williams III injury status.

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
2:48 – Phoenix Suns get embarrassed by Luka Doncic and Dallas Mavericks
17:36 – Boston Celtics took down Milwaukee, are they NBA Finals bound?
27:14 – Celtics acted shady with Robert Williams III injury status
30:34 – Would the Phoenix Suns trade Deandre Ayton
34:03 – Is Mike D’Antoni a good fit for Charlotte and LaMelo Ball
40:13 – Doc Rivers or Daryl Morey, who’s more at fault in Philadelphia
59:24 – NBA Eastern Conference Finals preview
1:09:09 – NBA Western Conference Finals preview

May 10, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Nikola Jokic wins MVP, we guess | The Atlantic Files Ep227

This week on The Atlantic Files Podcast, Nikola Jokic was unofficially named NBA MVP for the second time in two seasons, Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo have their legions of fans back them up, Almost all of the NBA Playoffs series are tied 2-2, dirty plays and technical foul discussions, Rudy Gobert vs Shaq, JJ Redick’s awesome rant on ESPN, and the Sacramento Kings hire Mike Brown as their newest head coach.

Based on a Woj report, Nikola Jokic will reportedly go back-to-back for league MVP. The big debate now is whether or not he deserved it over Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jokic had himself a historic season, and the MVP race was one of the closest in recent memory!

The NBA Playoffs are rolling in full force. Most of the series are tied at 2-2 and each one has been very exciting. Lower seeds are grabbing themselves some big wins, and the newer generation of the NBA is really showing its face. Who will move on to the respective Conference Finals and who will flame out?

So far this postseason, there have been a lot of flagrant foul reviews and a lot of talk about dirty plays and scary fouls. Dillon Brooks received a flagrant two and he even got suspended for his foul on Gary Payton II. Ever since then, a lot has been brought up about “the code” of basketball.

Recently on social media, Rudy Gobert commented saying he would lock up Shaquille O’Neal in his prime. This is one of the most laughable statements to have ever been sent into the atmosphere. Are we sure that Gobert wasn’t drunk when he said this?

If you haven’t seen it by now, make sure you go watch JJ Redick’s awesome rant on ESPN when talking about Draymond Green and the undertones of the media. He called out a lot of talking heads that are holding on to very old ways of thinking and we agree with his sentiment!

Finally, the Sacramento Kings have found themselves a new head coach. Mike Brown, the current assistant for the Golden State Warriors will take over head coaching duties next season. They got a great one in Brown, now for the rest of the staff and roster!

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
2:02 – NBA Playoffs analysis from Conference Semifinals
35:17 – Did Nikola Jokic deserve the MVP this season
50:40 – Rudy Gobert thinks he could lock up Shaq
53:28 – Sacramento Kings hire Mike Brown
1:01:02 – JJ Redick makes great argument on ESPN

May 5, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Joel Embiid broke his face | The Atlantic Files Ep226

This week on the Atlantic Files, we welcome Brady from Rotoballer and Tap That Podcast to talk Joel Embiid orbital fracture and mild concussion against Toronto, the Philadelphia 76ers get blown out in Miami, do the Boston Celtics have a chance against the Bucks, what do the Brooklyn Nets do next, Pascal Siakam trade rumors, and do the Utah Jazz stick with Donovan Mitchell or Rudy Gobert?

During the final minutes of Game six, Joel Embiid was elbowed in the face by Pascal Siakam and suffered an orbital fracture. Does the blame for this fall on Doc Rivers’ shoulders or is it just an unfortunate accident? Also, do the Philadelphia 76ers have a chance of taking a game before Embiid gets back and winning the series?

The Boston Celtics suffered a pretty bad loss in Game One of their series against the Milwaukee Bucks. Do they have a chance to come back in this series now that they lost home-court advantage? The reigning champs look as good as ever even without their number two scoring option. Boston’s defense and big two have been on a mission though.

After a very disappointing season, the Brooklyn Nets are now faced with a bunch of tough decisions. Do they extend Kyrie Irving and Bruce Brown? Could they trade Ben Simmons for enough in return to make it worthwhile?

Lately, there have been some rumors surrounding the Toronto Raptors trading Pascal Siakam. This is a big-time headscratcher as Siakam was key in their series against the Sixers. There are lot more moves they can make that don’t involve trading one of their best players.

Finally, the issues in Utah are finally coming to a boiling point. They need to trade either Rudy Gobert or Donovan Mitchell, so who should go?

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
3:54 – Is Joel Embiid’s injury Doc Rivers’ fault?
21:44 – What do the Brooklyn Nets do now in the offseason?
35:15 – Pascal Siakam trade rumors don’t make sense
41:25 – Should the Utah Jazz trade Rudy Gobert or Donovan Mitchell?
50:43 – Will Golden State’s death lineup or Ja Morant prevail?
1:06:17 – Do the Boston Celtics have a chance against the Milwaukee Bucks?

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