Tag / brooklyn nets

by Alex Fischbein

Trendon Watford Masterclass, Nico Harrison Disasterclass

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files! In Episode 325, Alex dives into another wild week around the NBA — including a full recap of Week 3 in the Atlantic Division, Karl-Anthony Towns’ unbelievable stat line, Trendon Watford’s first career triple-double, and the latest drama surrounding the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks front office.

This episode is packed with analysis, stats, and some hot takes you won’t want to miss.

🏀 Atlantic Division Week 3 in Review

Week 3 gave us plenty to talk about across the Atlantic Division. The Sixers continue to impress behind Tyrese Maxey’s rise, while the Knicks are proving they belong in the top half of the East. The Celtics are still trying to figure things out, the Raptors’ young core is finding its footing, and the Nets… well, they’re a whole other story this week.

Topics Discussed:

  • Updated standings and trends from the past week
  • The most impressive wins and most disappointing losses
  • Which Atlantic team looks like the biggest threat in the East so far

📈 Karl-Anthony Towns’ Historic Efficiency

Karl-Anthony Towns made NBA history this week with one of the most efficient stretches ever seen — combining elite rebounding numbers with near-perfect free throw shooting. Alex breaks down what makes Towns so unique as a big man and whether his consistency could put him in All-NBA conversation this season.

🔥 Trendon Watford’s First Career Triple-Double

Trendon Watford has officially arrived on the scene with his first career triple-double! We talk about his performance, what it means for his development, and how he’s quietly becoming an underrated bright spot this season.

Talking Points:

  • Watford’s rise as a versatile role player
  • His potential fit on a contender
  • Why his all-around game is catching attention

🤔 What Are the Nets Doing with Their Rebuild?!

The Brooklyn Nets remain one of the most puzzling teams in the league. Alex dissects what’s going wrong with their rebuild, the direction of their front office, and what the future holds for players like Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr.

Key Topics:

  • Evaluating the Nets’ long-term plan (or lack thereof)
  • Player development and coaching concerns
  • Whether the team should commit to the rookies

💼 Nico Harrison’s Job on the Line?

Reports suggest Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s time could be running out, with many insiders calling his firing “a matter of when, not if.” We break down the Mavericks’ struggles, the questionable roster decisions, and how front office instability could affect Luka Doncic’s future in Dallas.

Join the conversation:

  • Should the Nets play all of the rookies?
  • Is Karl-Anthony Towns finally living up to his potential?
  • What’s next for Dallas if Nico Harrison is gone?

Subscribe to The Atlantic Files on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for new episodes every Monday and Wednesday, and follow us on social media for more NBA talk and reactions.

by Alex Fischbein

Ja Morant Losing Joy and Zion Williamson Hurt Again

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files! In Episode 324, Alex is breaking down all the latest action from the NBA’s Atlantic Division, plus two major storylines shaking the league — Ja Morant’s emotional comments about losing his joy for basketball and Zion Williamson’s latest injury setback in New Orleans.

This episode dives deep into the week’s games, key performances, and what’s next for two of the NBA’s most polarizing stars.

🏀 Atlantic Division Recap: Sunday Through Tuesday Games

The Atlantic Division has been buzzing with storylines early in the season, and this week didn’t disappoint. The Sixers continue to roll behind Tyrese Maxey’s all-around play, while the Knicks are showing strong defensive chemistry. The Celtics and Raptors are still searching for rhythm on offense, and the Nets’ young roster continues to gain valuable experience through tough losses.

😔 Ja Morant Lost His Joy

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant recently shared that he’s been struggling to find joy in the game he once dominated with energy and flair. Alex discusses what may have led to this emotional revelation — from off-court issues to the pressure of being the face of a franchise.

Discussion Points:

  • What Morant’s comments mean for his future in Memphis
  • Whether a change of scenery could revive his career
  • How other NBA stars have handled similar struggles

🚨 Zion Williamson Hurt Again — Should the Pelicans Restart?

It’s become a frustratingly familiar storyline: Zion Williamson is hurt again. The former No. 1 overall pick has once again been sidelined, raising questions about his long-term future and the direction of the New Orleans Pelicans organization.

Alex debates whether it’s finally time for the Pelicans to hit the reset button and start over — or if they should continue to build around Zion.

Join the conversation:

  • Is Ja Morant’s time in Memphis nearing an end?
  • Should the Pelicans move on from Zion?
  • Which Atlantic Division team impressed you most this week?

Subscribe to The Atlantic Files on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for new episodes every Monday and Wednesday, and follow us on social media for more NBA coverage and discussions!

by Alex Fischbein

Brooklyn Nets Tanking Efforts, Orlando Magic Panic Time?

The Atlantic Files is back with another action-packed episode covering everything happening around the NBA and especially the Atlantic Division! In Episode 322, we break down all of Monday night’s games, check in on Brooklyn’s rookie-led rebuild, and talk about the most surprising storylines so far this season — including the meteoric rise of Victor Wembanyama.

🔥 Atlantic Division Monday Night Recaps

This week’s Atlantic Division matchups delivered plenty of storylines. From gritty performances to clutch moments, our hosts dissect each team’s results and what they mean for the early standings. The Knicks and Sixers both continue to trend upward, while Boston looks like they’re easing into midseason form.

🧱 Brooklyn Nets Rebuild & Rookie Report

The Brooklyn Nets’ youth movement is officially underway. We analyze the development of their rookie core and how they fit into the long-term rebuild. Is there a future star among them — or just solid role players in the making?

🪄 Orlando Magic’s Early Struggles

The Magic came into this season with high expectations after their strong finish last year, but early growing pains have slowed their momentum. We break down what’s gone wrong, what still looks promising, and how Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner can help turn things around.

🌟 Victor Wembanyama’s Rise to Stardom

Victor Wembanyama is already playing like one of the NBA’s brightest stars. We dive into how his elite defense, expanding offensive arsenal, and nightly highlight reel moments are redefining what it means to be a modern superstar. Is Wemby already a top-10 player in the league?

😲 Most Surprising Teams So Far

From unexpected contenders to struggling powerhouses, we spotlight the NBA teams making the biggest headlines for all the right — and wrong — reasons.

🚀 Players Ready to Take the Next Leap

Who’s on the verge of breaking out this season? We give our picks for the players showing early signs of massive improvement and discuss who could become the next household name by year’s end.

🎧 Listen to The Atlantic Files

Catch new episodes every Monday and Wednesday for in-depth analysis of the Atlantic Division and beyond! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Atlantic Files episode 321 thumbnail
by Alex Fischbein

Illegal Poker Games and VJ Edgecombe Szn!

The NBA season is finally underway, and The Atlantic Files crew is back to break it all down! After the first full week of action, we’re delivering our Top 10 Power Rankings and diving deep into every Atlantic Division storyline that’s heating up early.

The New York Knicks have started strong at 2-1, and the vibes are sky-high in Madison Square Garden. Are the Philadelphia 76ers finally back to contender form, or are fans getting ahead of themselves? Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors are showing serious potential thanks to their promising young core — could this be the beginning of something big in the North?

On the flip side, the Brooklyn Nets are entering a tough rebuild that’s starting to look even uglier than expected, and we’re asking the hard questions about their direction. And in Boston, could this be a rare “gap year” for the Celtics, or are they simply pacing themselves for another deep playoff run?

We also react to the breaking news that’s shaking up the NBA world — a massive illegal gambling and poker scandal reportedly involving Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups, and Damon Jones. What does this mean for the league’s reputation, and how far could this investigation go?

Tune in for all that and more as we kick off another exciting NBA season with power rankings, hot takes, and in-depth analysis across the Atlantic Division and beyond!

🎧 Listen to Episode 321 now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

by Alex Fischbein

2025-26 Atlantic Division Preview, We’re Back!

The Atlantic Files is back! After a brief break, we’re kicking off the 2025-26 NBA season with a new format — episodes every Monday and Wednesday, each running around 30–40 minutes so you can stay up to date without missing a beat.

In this return episode, we dive straight into what we do best: breaking down the entire Atlantic Division heading into the new NBA season. From roster shake-ups to offseason signings, we analyze how each team stacks up and what to expect once the games tip off.

In this episode:

  • 📅 The Return: What’s new with the show, the updated schedule, and how the shorter format will keep things fresh and focused.
  • 🏀 Boston Celtics: Can they defend their title, or is there a championship hangover coming?
  • 🗽 New York Knicks: Did their offseason moves finally make them legit contenders in the East?
  • 🇨🇦 Toronto Raptors: What’s next for this rebuilding squad and their young core?
  • 🦅 Philadelphia 76ers: Will Embiid finally get the help he needs after another deep playoff run?
  • 🍀 Brooklyn Nets: Assessing their retooling strategy and whether it’s a step forward or another false start.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Atlantic Division or just love in-depth NBA talk, this episode is the perfect season opener to get you ready for tipoff.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 320 of The Atlantic Files — and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a Monday or Wednesday drop!

by Alex Fischbein

Eastern Conference Preview, 2024-25 NBA Award And Season Predictions | TAF319

Welcome to episode 319 of The Atlantic Files! We’re back with a full court of NBA goodness, just in time for the 2024-25 season to tip off. This week, we’re breaking down three divisions, giving our early predictions for the season’s biggest awards, and discussing all the latest from week one of NBA action. If you’re ready to get hyped for hoops, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s jump into it!

2024-25 NBA Atlantic Division Preview: Battle for the East

We kick things off with a preview of the Atlantic Division, where rivalries are brewing, and every team has something to prove. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are once again expected to be the big dogs, but don’t sleep on the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets, who could both make some noise. Plus, the Toronto Raptors are looking to bounce back with a new head coach and fresh energy. We break down each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and what it’ll take for them to emerge as the division champs.

Southeast Division Breakdown: Can the Heat Stay Hot?

Next, we shift our focus to the Southeast Division, where the Miami Heat are looking to keep their fire burning after a deep playoff run. But they’re not the only ones with high hopes; the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic both have young stars ready to make a leap. The Washington Wizards, meanwhile, are still figuring things out post-Bradley Beal, while the Charlotte Hornets hope that their offseason changes can finally lead to some consistency. We dive into all the teams and assess who could be this season’s sleeper.

Central Division Preview: Who’s the King of the Midwest?

The Central Division is stacked with intriguing storylines, from the Milwaukee Bucks‘ new-look lineup to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ ongoing rise. The Chicago Bulls are hoping to make noise with their star power, while the Indiana Pacers continue to build around their young talent. And then there are the Detroit Pistons, aiming to take a significant step forward with Cade Cunningham leading the charge. We break down each squad’s potential and predict how this division might shake out.

2024-25 NBA Awards and Playoff Predictions: Who’s Taking Home the Hardware?

It wouldn’t be the start of an NBA season without some bold predictions! We share our picks for the MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and more. Plus, we take a stab at predicting which teams will make the playoffs and who could be in for a deep run. Are we riding the hype train for Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, or do we see a seasoned veteran reclaiming the MVP throne? Tune in to find out!

News and Notes from Week 1: Early Surprises and What to Watch

The first week of the NBA season always brings some surprises, and this year is no different. We cover the top stories from week one, including standout performances, unexpected struggles, and key injuries. Which teams look like they’re hitting their stride early, and who’s already showing signs of trouble? We’ve got the insights you need to keep up with all the action.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:56 Southeast Division Preview
00:28:23 Central Division Preview
00:40:47 Atlantic Division Preview
00:56:28 NBA Awards and Playoffs Predictions
01:12:44 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Team USA Wins Gold, NBA Offseason Recap, And Our Return! | TAF316

Welcome to episode 316 of The Atlantic Files! We’re back with a jam-packed episode covering everything from international basketball to NBA offseason moves, along with a quick catch-up on what we’ve been up to since our last show. We start with a recap of USA Men’s Basketball’s journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics, then dive into a detailed breakdown of the offseason moves for all five teams in the Atlantic Division. Finally, we wrap things up with some personal updates, including our fantasy football league. Let’s get into it!

Recap of USA Men’s Basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics: The USA Men’s Basketball team had another eventful run at the 2024 Paris Olympics. We break down the highs and lows of their performance, including standout players, key games, and the final outcome. Whether they dominated the competition or faced unexpected challenges, we analyze what this Olympic experience means for the future of USA Basketball and the global basketball landscape.

NBA Offseason Recap for the Atlantic Division: Next, we shift our focus to the NBA offseason, specifically for the five teams in the Atlantic Division: the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors. Each team made moves that could shake up the division standings next season. We review trades, free-agent signings, and roster changes, highlighting which teams improved and which may have missed the mark. How will these changes impact the division’s competitiveness, and who stands out as the early favorite for the 2024-25 season?

Catching Up on Life and Fantasy Football: It’s been a minute since our last episode, so we’re taking a moment to catch up on life. From personal stories to the start of the fantasy football season, we share what’s been going on behind the scenes. Our fantasy league is heating up, and we discuss our draft strategies, standout picks, and early predictions for the season. Plus, we reflect on how the offseason in the NFL has impacted our fantasy outlook and what we’re looking forward to as the season progresses.

Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
02:56 Catch up and fantasy football
11:04 2024 Olympics recap for USA Basketball
21:33 NBA Atlantic Division offseason recap
52:03 outro

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

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