March 31, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Donovan Mitchell a future New York Knick? | The Atlantic Files Ep221

On this week’s episode of the Atlantic Files, Donovan Mitchell expresses a lot of frustration with the Utah Jazz, Kyrie Irving returns for home games, Andre Drummond says he’s leaving after this season, Tyronn Lue roasts Joel Embiid and James Harden, Udonis Haslem, Jimmy Butler, and Coach Spoelstra get in a fight, and Robert Williams III goes down with an injury at the worst time.

In a postgame press conference, Donovan Mitchell expressed a lot of frustration after the Utah Jazz dropped a big lead and the game to the Los Angeles Clippers. He’s all too familiar with this song and dance by the Jazz and the frustration looks like it’s an all-time high. Enter the New York Knicks. All the rumors will be swirling and it won’t stop until we see something happen with Mitchell.

Kyrie Irving is officially back for all of the Brooklyn Nets home games! The hype hasn’t exactly matched the level of play the team is producing, but the playoffs should be much more interesting now. His teammate, Andre Drummond, doesn’t seem as excited about staying in Brooklyn after this season though. He talked about how he’s only there until the end of the season, so now what happens after that?

Tyronn Lue, after a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, made one of the saltiest comments of the season. He talked about Joel Embiid and James Harden not being top ten scorers if you take away their free throws. The issue was that even if you took away the free throws in the game they played against each other, the Clippers still would have lost. It’s alright coach, we all know losing can make anyone extra salty.

There’s trouble in Miami! Jimmy Butler and Udonis Haslem were getting into a huge argument and almost fight while in a timeout of a game. Then, Coach Spoelstra threw his clipboard and also yelled at Jimmy Butler. Is this the beginning of the end for Butler in Miami or will he finally break this weird cycle he’s in?

Finally, Robert Williams III suffered a brutal knee injury that will keep him out for four to six weeks. What kind of impact does that have on the Boston Celtics playoff and championship hopes?

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro and Fantasy Basketball
5:47 – Will Donovan Mitchell force his way to the New York Knicks
20:16 – Jimmy Butler, Udonis Haslem, and Erik Spoelstra fight
29:59 – The Western Conference impact of Paul George’s return
33:59 – Tyronn Lue roasts Joel Embiid and James Harden
46:16 – Kyrie Irving is cleared for home games!
53:21 – Andre Drummond not staying in Brooklyn?
59:09 – The impact of Robert Williams III injury for the Boston Celtics

March 24, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Who are the true NBA Finals contenders? | The Atlantic Files Ep220

This week on the Atlantic Files, we talk about which teams in the NBA are the true NBA Finals contenders, LeBron James candidacy for undisputed GOAT, Jamal Crawford officially retires, Luka Doncic says it’s easier to score 30 in the NBA than EuroLeague, and we get sidetracked and talk all sorts of food!

The NBA Playoffs talk is heating up as the regular season starts to come to a close. Teams such as the Chicago Bulls are getting called fakers as they can’t beat the other Eastern playoff teams. Then you have teams like the Phoenix Suns who almost seem like a lock to make it to the Finals. What about all the other teams in between? Where would you put teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, and others?

Jamal Crawford, who hasn’t found his way to a team in a couple of seasons, has officially retired from the NBA. His career was one of the most fun to watch and he was one of the best Sixth Men to ever play the game. Enjoy retirement Crawford!

LeBron James recently moved up to number two in the all-time scoring list in the NBA. He will end up passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar probably next season. Once he becomes number one on that list, does that make him the undisputed GOAT of basketball? We debate his candidacy along with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and more.

Finally, Luka Doncic went on to JJ Redick’s podcast and talked about the NBA vs EuroLeague. Doncic talked about how it was easier to score 30 points in the NBA rather than EuroLeague, and everyone lost their minds. As the intellectuals we are, we took a deeper look at why he might say that.

Along with all of the basketball talk, we gave our opinions on burgers, Wawa, which ways to wipe, and more!

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
1:43 – Which teams are the true NBA Finals contenders?
45:53 – Is LeBron James the undisputed GOAT?
54:35 – Jamal Crawford officially retires
55:16 – Luka Doncic says it’s easier to score 30 in the NBA vs EuroLeague

March 17, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets get first laugh | The Atlantic Files Ep219

This week on the Atlantic Files Podcast, Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets get the first laugh as they destroy the Philadelphia 76ers, Kyrie Irving is on an absolute scoring tear, the James Harden honeymoon phase seems to be over, the New York Knicks are expected to keep Tom Thibodeau, and March Madness is set to begin!

Last week, one of the biggest regular-season games took place. Especially for this podcast, it was must-see TV! Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons all ended up getting the FIRST laugh by dragging the Philadelphia 76ers through the mud all game long. Durant even took some shots at Sixers fans after the game and the entire crowd couldn’t do anything other than leave with their heads down.

Kyrie Irving has had two 50+ point games in one week. One of those games was a 60-point outburst against the Orlando Magic. Once he’s able to finally play home games, the entire league could be in a lot of trouble when facing the Nets in the playoffs.

After an amazing start, the Sixers and James Harden seem to be ending their honeymoon phase. They’ve had some rough games and narrow victories over the worst teams in the league. The chemistry doesn’t seem to be clicking as much as it was in the beginning. The smiles aren’t going around, the excitement isn’t there, and every game looks like hard labor.

The New York Knicks are always going to be crazy and make questionable moves. This is pretty much guaranteed. Now the reports are saying that Tom Thibodeau is going to stay with the team through next season. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that’s probably the wrong move.

Finally, it’s that time of year again! March Madness is here and we give all of our predictions in our brackets and talk about our favorite dark horses as well.

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
1:51 – Brooklyn Nets destroy the Philadelphia 76ers in Ben Simmons return
9:45 – Kyrie Irving and Karl Anthony Towns go for 60 back-to-back
16:59 – New York Knicks are keeping Tom Thibodeau around
21:13 – James Harden and the Sixers honeymoon phase is over
28:05 – 2022 March Madness predictions, cinderella teams, and more

March 9, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Bradley Beal to Philly too?! | The Atlantic Files Ep218

On this week’s episode of The Atlantic Files, we talk about the rumors from Andrew Bogut that Bradley Beal wants to team up with James Harden and Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons is filing a grievance against the Sixers, all of this hate against Russell Westbrook, Zion Williamson all of a sudden getting healthy, some Los Angeles Clippers conditionals, and who we want to start a team out of Ja Morant, Trae Young, or Luka Doncic.

What seemed to be out of nowhere, Andrew Bogut dropped a rumor on everyone that Bradley Beal now wants to make a super team in Philadelphia. He apparently wants to go team up with James Harden and Joel Embiid! Obviously, a lot of things have to happen in terms of the cap room and trades for this to happen, but the thought of it is quite crazy. That would be one deadly offensive team.

On the uglier side of all the trade fallout, Ben Simmons is filing a grievance against the Philadelphia 76ers to recoup some of the money that he lost in all the games and practices that he didn’t show up for. He’s reportedly going to use the reaction from the fans to prove how hostile the environment was so he has a more thorough case. Not sure what else to say other than, yikes!

Then, all of a sudden Zion Williamson is getting healthy, dropping some weight, and somewhat close to returning to the New Orleans Pelicans. Not sure how it all happened so fast, but they could be a dangerous team to face come playoff time if he’s suiting up!

Speaking of injured superstars coming back, there have been some videos of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard working their ways back. If they came back does this make the Los Angeles Clippers automatic title favorites?

Finally, we wonder which young star would be the best player to build a new team around. Would you take Luka Doncic, Trae Young, or Ja Morant? All three are incredible and playing some amazing basketball. Which one really could take your team to the promised land though?

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
4:20 – Stop with the Russell Westbrook hate
21:05 – Bradley Beal heading to Philly in the off-season
33:30 – Ben Simmons filing a grievance against the Sixers
48:13 – Zion Williamson all of a sudden coming back
55:09 – Los Angeles Clippers favorites with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard back?
1:02:48 – Luka Doncic, Ja Morant, or Trae Young?

March 3, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Brooklyn Nets becoming the next what if | The Atlantic Files Ep217

On this week’s episode of the Atlantic Files, the Brooklyn Nets continue to lose some needed ground in the standings as they await Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Ben Simmons to return, the James Harden experience is alive and well in Philadelphia, both the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics are making playoff pushes, and the New York Knicks are stuck trying to figure out what’s going on.

The latest news coming out of the Ben Simmons saga is that now he has back issues and is regarded as “week to week.” Rich Paul even told Brian Windhorst that Simmons most likely won’t even be ready to come back in the month of March. Kevin Durant is finally coming back on March 3 while we’re all still waiting for a decision from the New York City Mayor on whether or not Kyrie Irving is going to be able to play full time again.

Let’s also not forget that the Nets are currently in the play-in territory, so if everything doesn’t go their way, they could be the next biggest ‘what if’ story for the NBA.

James Harden’s honeymoon period with the Philadelphia 76ers is going as well as anyone could have imagined! They’re now 3-0 since he’s been playing and he’s almost put up triple-doubles in every one of them. Joel Embiid has talked about the fact that he’s never been this wide open in his career and Tyrese Maxey is putting up more than 20 points per game as well. Is this all sustainable?

Coming from the depths, the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics are both making playoff pushes. Which team can make it further come playoff time?

Finally, we have the New York Knicks, yet again, bringing up the rear. The team has been quite the dumpster fire this season. After such a successful season last year, it’s so disappointing to see it all just fall apart this year. What should they do for the rest of the year and into the off-season?

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
2:14 – Ben Simmons out until April, Kevin Durant coming back
15:47 – If the Brooklyn Nets don’t win a ring, are they a failure?
21:13 – James Harden in Philadelphia is off to a great start
32:17 – The better playoff team, Boston Celtics or Toronto Raptors
49:36 – What should the New York Knicks do now?

February 22, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

2022 NBA All-Star wrap up | The Atlantic Files Ep216

The 2022 NBA All-Star weekend has come and gone! The dunk contest got very ugly, the 75th NBA Anniversary dedication at halftime was great and the actual All-Star game itself was even better. It’s time to wrap everything up in a bow and get ready for the last half of the NBA season!

This week on the Atlantic Files, we welcome friend of the pod, BJ Boyer, to the show and we talk about what should get taken out and what should stay for future All-Star Weekends, who was snubbed from the NBA’s top 75 list, Georges Niang’s comments on the Ben Simmons saga, Goran Dragic heading to the Brooklyn Nets, and all of these rumors surrounding LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The NBA All-Star Weekend is always a mixed bag of events and entertainment. Some years we get the greatest dunk contest ever and other years we get dunk contests that make us wonder why we even have it anymore at all. The good parts of the All-Star weekend experience included the 75th Anniversary event, the new format of the rising stars portion, and the All-Star game itself with the Elam ending.

Speaking of the NBA’s 75th anniversary, the NBA made a top 75 players of all-time list to go with it. There were plenty of snubs from this list and even some people that didn’t deserve to be on it. So it’s debate time to see who did and did not deserve to be out there with all of the legends.

Then, due to some questions and comments due to the live stream, we get into whether or not Kobe Bryant is overrated, if Joel Embiid and James Harden are now the best duo in the NBA, and even our NBA Finals predictions!

Following all of the craziness, we get into more crazy arguing when it comes to Georges Niang’s comments about Ben Simmons, James Harden, and the trade when he was on Duncan Robinson’s podcast. His comments were spicier than anything that came out of the introductory press conferences.

Finally, we ask BJ about the Los Angeles Lakers. The rumors swirling around LeBron James being mad at Rob Pelinka and the Lakers and his comments about going anywhere to play with his son.

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
2:10 – 2022 NBA All-Star weekend pros and cons
15:07 – Is Kobe Bryant overrated?
25:50 – Is Karl-Anthony Towns the best shooting big man ever
30:07 – James Harden and Joel Embiid the best duo in the league now
34:13 – Are the strip clubs in Philly good for James Harden
36:47 – Snubs from the NBA’s Top 75 list
40:48 – Can you trust Ben Simmons in crunch time
47:35 – Georges Niang’s comments on Ben Simmons and the James Harden trade
1:00:51 – Does the Goran Dragic signing really mean much
1:02:15 – Who should the Sixers target in the buyout market
1:05:53 – 2022 NBA Finals predictions
1:09:10 – The state of LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers

February 17, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Ben Simmons vs James Harden press conferences | The Atlantic Files Ep215

On this week’s episode of the Atlantic Files, both Ben Simmons and James Harden had their introductory press conferences, Derrick White is a great fit in Boston, Victor Oladipo is on his way back to the Miami Heat, and Zion Williamson might need another surgery on his foot.

As everyone has probably seen by now, both James Harden and Ben Simmons had their respective introductory press conferences. Simmons was the first one to go and kept everything very professional. There were no digs at the Philadelphia 76ers and there seemed to be no hard feelings. The surprising part was when he said that the fans, coaches, players, and front office had nothing to do with his mental well-being nor had nothing to do with asking for the trade. Not sure why they were always brought up every step of the way until then.

James Harden, on the other hand, seemed to take some subtle shots at Kyrie Irving and genuinely seemed very excited to finally land with the Sixers. He revealed things like how the Sixers were his number one choice when he was leaving Houston in the first place. He had nothing but great things to say about Philly’s fans and the young players on the team as well as Joel Embiid. So which one of these guys is a liar and who is really telling the truth?

Derrick White has fit seamlessly into the Boston Celtics lineup. He’s been a great addition to the bench squad and now he’s already starting with Marcus Smart suffering an ankle injury. The team was red-hot until running into the Detroit Pistons, but either way, they’re back into the bulk of the playoff race and the rest of their schedule is in their favor.

In good injury news, Victor Oladipo is working his way back to playing again. He was assigned to the Miami Heat’s G-League affiliate team. Could he be the final piece to really push this team over the top and back to the NBA Finals?

Finally, there’s the bad injury news in Zion Williamson. He reportedly may need another surgery on his foot. This rehab process has been lengthy and difficult and now it doesn’t look like the end is in sight. Hopefully, he can get himself healthy and back on the floor!

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
3:25 – James Harden vs Ben Simmons intro press conferences
30:15 – Seth Curry and Andre Drummond looking good for Brooklyn
40:10 – How much does Victor Oladipo help the Miami Heat
43:15 – Derrick White and Boston Celtics are on a hot-streak
59:09 – Zion Williamson might need another surgery

February 11, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

James Harden for Ben Simmons happened | The Atlantic Files Ep214

On this week’s episode of the Atlantic Files, we talk about the trade deadline deals for all teams, but especially the huge trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and picks. The NBA trade deadline was a whirlwind for sure! As a side note, we live streamed this episode to YouTube for anyone who prefers their podcasts in the video realm.

Everyone knows the big news that we had to address right off the bat. James Harden, as well as Paul Millsap, are on the way to Philadelphia to give Joel Embiid and company the help that they so desperately needed to become true title contenders. Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks are on the way to Brooklyn in return. This deal seems to work out very well for both sides as it addresses weaknesses on both sides.

The big debate now is whether or not James Harden can return to true Harden form and help co-lead a team on a deep playoff run. He’s bounced around a lot lately and has shown some big signs of regression. Can he turn it back on?

On the other side, Ben Simmons now has to show how mentally tough he truly can be. If he can’t get over the mental hump, then Brooklyn might have done all of this for nothing. If he does return to his best form though, the Nets could be a very scary team for years to come.

Moving past the big trade, there were a lot of smaller trades that did change the face and future of a lot of teams. Domas Sabonis went to Sacramento in return for Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield. The Pacers rebuild is in full effect and they got themselves an amazing starting piece in Haliburton. Could this push the Kings to the playoffs though? A duo of De’Aaron Fox and Sabonis looks quite great on paper.

The Boston Celtics also made a series of little moves to eventually make the move that brings Derrick White to Boston. They cleared some money, they brought back Daniel Theis, but White is the big name for them this time around. Finally, a guy that can both score and plays defense as a third option and can also be a nice sixth man if need be.

We talk about these trades and much more on the latest episode!

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
0:49 – James Harden for Ben Simmons trade reactions
33:59 – Domantas Sabonis traded to Sacramento for Tyrese Haliburton
43:29 – Milwaukee Bucks land Serge Ibaka
48:59 – Boston Celtics trade for Derrick White
50:38 – Goran Dragic traded for Thad Young
51:39 – New Orleans Pelicans trade for CJ McCollum
56:34 – Montrezzl Harrell heads to Charlotte
57:24 – Dallas Mavericks trade Kristaps Porzingis for Spencer Dinwiddie

February 2, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

A New York Knicks fire sale | The Atlantic Files Ep213

On this week’s episode of the Atlantic Files, the New York Knicks seem primed for a fire sale, lots of trade rumors including ones surrounding Dennis Schroder and Goran Dragic, more Ben Simmons drama, and we give some of our mid-year NBA awards!

Reports about potential trade targets for every team have been flying around at rapid speeds. One team that seems to have a ton on sale is the New York Knicks. They’ve reportedly put Evan Fournier, Kemba Walker, Alec Burks, and maybe even Julius Randle on the trade block. That’s a very long way down since their Cinderella story from last season. If they really decide to trade Randle, there are going to be a lot of staff changes as well.

On other trade fronts, there are the Boston Celtics who are trying to unload tons of money to get underneath the luxury tax line. Then, there’s also the Toronto Raptors who are reportedly “almost certain” to trade Goran Dragic by the deadline. Nobody is surprised by that news, but the fact the Celtics are trying to trade someone like Dennis Schroder could be a little surprised. Schroder is on a very team-friendly contract, but with only one year left on it, a lot of teams could come knocking for that.

Look, we know everyone is tired of all the Ben Simmons news and this ridiculous saga. Everyone wants this to end already and that includes both parties that are actually in the middle of it all. However, we must talk about the new Ramona Shelburne report and all the dumb things that Ben Simmons or his camp has said. These are some new all-time lows in this reality show.

Finally, we’re a little over halfway through the NBA season. So, it’s time to revisit some of our pre-season NBA award predictions and then give out our halfway point awards. A lot of players are deserving of a bunch of different awards, but who deserves each one the most?

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
3:11 – 5 trades the New York Knicks can make
30:00 – What teams should call for Dennis Schroder
32:05 – New Ben Simmons report from Ramona Shelburne
45:07 – What’s going on with James Harden and the Sixers
54:29 – Mid-season NBA Awards

January 25, 2022June 27, 2022 by Alex Fischbein

Joel Embiid vs Nikola Jokic for MVP | The Atlantic Files Ep212

On this week’s episode of the Atlantic Files, we talk Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic for NBA MVP, who should get their first NBA All-Star appearances, Talen Horton-Tucker’s trade interest, our biggest surprises from the first half of the NBA season, and some predictions for the second half.

One of the biggest conversations lately has been Joel Embiid against Nikola Jokic for the best big man in the league along with who deserves the MVP. We took a look at the top-three candidates that are widely recognized as Embiid, Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo right now. Which big man would you take to start your team and who do you think deserves MVP so far this season?

Now that the 2022 NBA All-Star voting is done, it’s time to set our sights on who should be getting their first-ever All-Star appearance this year. Names like LaMelo Ball, Darius Garland, Fred VanVleet, and Miles Bridges all enter the mix in this conversation. Will we see any sort of surprises like Andrew Wiggins becoming an All-Star starter?

Over in Hollywood, the Los Angeles Lakers are not enjoying this season so far. They’ve failed to even come close to their lofty pre-season expectations and now they’re exploring all sorts of trade markets. The current one is for Talen Horton-Tucker. They’ve quickly found out that there isn’t too much interest in trading for their coveted young guard and now they’re left scratching their heads. Which team do you think should trade for him?

Finally, we take a look at the first half of the NBA season and talk about what were the biggest surprises of the season so far. Teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies have both been surprising, but did anything else stand out? Also, we take a look ahead and give some predictions for the rest of the season yet to come.

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
1:46 – Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, or Giannis Antetokounmpo, who should be MVP
16:13 – Which players should get their first NBA All-Star appearance
22:56 – The trade market for the Los Angeles Lakers and Talen Horton-Tucker
31:54 – Surprises from the first half of the 2021-22 NBA Season and predictions for the second half