Tag / doc rivers

by Alex Fischbein

Caitlin Clark Discourse, Atlanta Falcons Tampering, Doc Rivers Strikes Again | SS11

Welcome to episode 11 of Sideline Specialists! In today’s episode, we have a lineup of sizzling topics from the world of sports. We’ll dive into Caitlin Clark’s surprising omission from the 2024 Olympic roster, the fallout from Spartan’s ban in the HCS, updates on the NHL and NBA Finals, Doc Rivers’ controversial comments about Sixers fans, the Atlanta Falcons’ tampering scandal, and major injury updates across MLB and NFL. Let’s get right into it!

Caitlin Clark’s Olympic Roster Snub: We begin with the stunning news that Caitlin Clark has not been named to the 2024 Olympic roster. Clark, a standout player with impressive credentials, was widely expected to be a key addition to Team USA. We explore the potential reasons behind this decision, its impact on the team, and what it means for Clark’s career moving forward. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with reactions, and we break down all the angles.

Spartan Banned from HCS Season: In esports news, Spartan has been banned from the rest of the 2024 HCS season. This decision has sent shockwaves through the competitive Halo community. We discuss the circumstances leading to Spartan’s ban, the implications for his team, and the broader impact on the Halo Championship Series. How will this shake-up affect the competitive landscape for the remainder of the season?

2024 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Update: Shifting to the ice, we provide an update on the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Finals. The series has been nothing short of thrilling, with intense matchups and standout performances. We analyze the key moments from the latest games, the strategies employed by both teams, and what to expect as the series progresses. Will the underdogs prevail, or will the favorites clinch the cup?

2024 NBA Finals Update: Next, we turn our attention to the hardwood with an update on the 2024 NBA Finals. The battle for the championship has been fierce, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination. We break down the latest game results, highlight star players, and discuss the critical factors that will determine the ultimate victor. Who will take home the trophy this year?

Doc Rivers Blames Sixers Fans: In a surprising twist, Doc Rivers has blamed Sixers fans for the team’s shortcomings at home. Rivers’ comments have sparked controversy and debate among fans and media. We delve into his statements, the reaction from the Sixers community, and what this means for the team’s future dynamics. Is Rivers deflecting blame, or is there merit to his claims?

Falcons Tampering Scandal: The Atlanta Falcons have been confirmed to be tampering in their attempts to sign Kirk Cousins and Darnell Mooney. This revelation has major implications for the team and the league. We explore the details of the tampering accusations, potential penalties, and how this scandal could impact the Falcons’ season and reputation.

Major Injuries and Absences: Finally, we cover the significant injuries and absences plaguing both the MLB and NFL. Key players across both leagues are sidelined, affecting team performances and fantasy rosters. We provide updates on the most impactful injuries, expected return timelines, and how teams are coping with these challenges. Which teams are best positioned to overcome these setbacks?

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:05:16 2024 NBA Finals reactions
00:12:57 2024 Stanley Cup Finals Reactions
00:19:58 Doc Rivers won’t take blame again
00:35:45 MLB Season update
00:47:05 Injuries across the MLB and NFL
01:05:31 Spart banned from 2024 HCS Season
01:16:16 Catilin Clark deserving of an Olympic roster or not
01:40:28 Atlanta Falcons caught tampering
01:53:06 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Trading Joel Embiid, Anthony Edwards and Michael Jordan Comps | TAF310

Tune in to episode 310 of The Atlantic Files as we dive into the latest NBA playoff drama, Anthony Edwards to Michael Jordan comparisons, and Joel Embiid trade possibilities. From heated debates to thrilling matchups, we provide expert analysis and insights on the action-packed first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Topics this week:

  1. Joel Embiid Trade Rumors: We start the episode by exploring the hot topic of whether the Philadelphia 76ers should trade Joel Embiid after this playoff run. With speculation swirling around Embiid’s future with the team, we analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of parting ways with the star center and discuss possible trade scenarios.
  2. Anthony Edwards’ Comparison to Michael Jordan: Switching gears, we delve into the intriguing comparisons between Anthony Edwards and basketball legend Michael Jordan. As Edwards continues to impress with his athleticism and scoring ability, we examine the validity of these comparisons and discuss Edwards’ potential to become a future NBA superstar.
  3. New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Best First Round Series: We highlight the thrilling matchup between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, which many consider to be the best first round playoff series in a long time. From intense rivalries to nail-biting finishes, we dissect the key moments and storylines shaping this highly anticipated showdown.
  4. First Round Playoff Recap: We provide a comprehensive recap of the rest of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, checking in on the latest matchups, series standings, and standout performances from teams across the league. From underdog victories to dominant sweeps, we break down the action and offer insights into the playoff landscape.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:07:19 Should the 76ers consider trading Joel Embiid
00:39:00 Knicks vs 76ers the best first round series
00:41:27 Anthony Edwards compared to Michael Jordan
00:51:06 2024 NBA Playoffs check-in
01:07:02 Outro

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

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

Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Win The NBA Championship | TAF275

In episode 275 of The Atlantic Files, the Denver Nuggets win the NBA Championship in 5 while Nikola Jokic wins Finals MVP, the weird road that was the NBA Playoffs, early predictions and feelings about the offseason, where Chris Paul could land, Fred VanVleet will decline his player option, the Toronto Raptors hire a new head coach and much more!

Mike’s prediction from three or four years ago has finally come true as Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets get their first ring. Jokic brought the dominant form that he’s shown all year and even got himself a Finals MVP trophy to show for it. Can we expect more of the same from Denver as they potentially form a dynasty, or will the rest of the league catch on and end their run at one championship?

Then, on the very opposite of the spectrum of basketball events, Zion Williamson has gotten into quite a sticky situation. He welcomed his first child but that just dug out some skeletons in his closet that he was not hoping to reveal any time soon. There are now some scorned women cursing his name, so we break it all down tweet by tweet and text by text.

Moving back to actual basketball topics, Doc Rivers appeared on Bill Simmons podcast to talk about the Sixers, Celtics, and everything in between. He had some words about coaching James Harden and Joel Embiid, neither of them being that great. He was also asked the age-old question about the “losing culture” that the process has left behind. Oh boy!

Finally, we take a look at all the rumors going around the league. Bradley Beal is back in trade rumors for multiple teams, Chris Paul is most likely going to see a change of scenery, Jonathan Kuminga could be dealt for the right price, Fred VanVleet opted out of his option so that he could check out free agency, and more!

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Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:06:38 Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets win a ring
00:21:07 Jokic better than Shaq all-time?!
00:28:57 Zion Williamson’s women situation
00:57:10 Doc Rivers comments on Bill Simmons pod
01:09:16 Rumors around Beal, Chris Paul, VanVleet, and more
01:24:09 Outro

Doc Rivers fired, Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid, James Harden, Boston Celtics, NBA, The Atlantic Files
by Alex Fischbein

Doc Rivers Fired, The Boston Celtics Survive | TAF272

On this week’s episode of The Atlantic Files, Doc Rivers gets fired from the Philadelphia 76ers, Jayson Tatum has a historic night as the Boston Celtics eliminated the 76ers again, both Conference Finals matchups are set, coaches are looking for jobs everywhere, the legacies of James Harden and Joel Embiid are on the line, and more!

Doc Rivers is officially out as the 76ers head coach even though Joel Embiid isn’t quite happy about it. The team choked another lead away and couldn’t get out of the second round for a third year in a row. Daryl Morey decided that the first domino to fall was Rivers as they try to appease to James Harden.

Jayson Tatum cashed in a historic Game 7 to beat down the 76ers and now sets his sights on Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. Can the Celtics finally end this Cinderella run or will Butler lead them back to the Finals just like the Disney Bubble year? Joe Mazzulla has had some shaky moments in the first two rounds, so he’ll need to tighten up against one of the best coaches in the league.

On the other side of the bracket, there are the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers. It’s another story of the powerhouse favorite against the play-in underdog team. Nikola Jokic has been absolutely amazing this postseason, but Anthony Davis and LeBron James have made their own noise after taking down the Grizzlies and Warriors.

Finally, there are tons of coaches looking for jobs now. Which coach would fit better with each team that has an opening? Plus, how are the legacies of some of the eliminated players affected?

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:07:40 Doc Rivers fired as 76ers choke again
00:51:44 Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics Eastern Conference Finals
01:07:56 Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers Western Conference Finals
01:13:12 Ja Morant and the Coaching Carousel
01:18:17 Talking with Mario from NBA A LA CHILENA
01:29:26 Outro

Doc Rivers, James Harden, Sixers, Philadelphia 76ers
by Alex Fischbein

James Harden Out, Doc Rivers On The Hot Seat | Sixers Saturday Ep2

To nobody’s surprise, the Philadelphia 76ers are still going through a bit of a rough patch and it looks like it’s getting a little more difficult. James Harden is now injured, the jury is still out on Doc Rivers’ coaching schemes, Joel Embiid is missing games, and the defense looks quite terrible. Did you hit Sixers bingo yet?

James Harden strained his foot during the team’s game against the Toronto Raptors. Despite the team losing their first three games, Harden was having a tremendous start to the season. He looked re-energized and fully healthy. Now, the Sixers will be without him for a month and the floor general duties will fall on Tyrese Maxey.

Speaking of Sixers losses this season, there are already six of them in 10 games. At least a few of them can be attributed to some questionable rotations, substitutions, and game plans. Doc Rivers is firmly on the hot seat during this rocky start and I’m not sure if he really even knows it. The defense looks atrocious and his reluctance to play both Matisse Thybulle and Paul Reed isn’t helping turn that around at all.

Joel Embiid has already been missing a big chunk of games and no one seems to know how many he’s actually going to miss with the non-COVID illness and plantar fasciitis that he’s dealing with. For a team that’s trying to right the ship and get back on track toward the playoff race, this is somewhat alarming. That’s not to mention that Embiid hasn’t played all that well to start the season.

Check out what we had to say on the latest episode of Sixers Saturday!

SUBSCRIBE HERE to see the live streams of Sixers Saturday, every week at 10 AM ET on Saturdays during the NBA season.

Doc Rivers, Twitter, Sixers, Atlantic Files
by Alex Fischbein

Doc Rivers caught down bad while on Twitter

This week in the NBA has been one that not a lot of people would have predicted. First, there’s the news of Robert Sarver’s suspension and the announcement of the impending sale of the Phoenix Suns. Then, Doc Rivers likes a bunch of pornographic tweets and gets caught by the internet. Finally, Ime Udoka also gets suspended for a relationship with a female staffer on the Boston Celtics.

The one story that has to be the funniest is Doc Rivers’s Twitter fail. He ended up getting bailed out by the Philadelphia 76ers PR team as they put out a statement that said his account was “compromised.” They removed all of his likes and said he “regained access to his account.”

Could it have truly been a hacker? Well, sure, hackers do some weird things. Is it also fishy that this hacker only liked some tweets instead of doing anything else? Well, the answer is also, yes.

Look, Doc Rivers is 60 years old. If the man wants to look at some explicit tweets like that, more power to him. Next time, he probably shouldn’t hit the like button.

Let’s not act like this hacker just decided to only like some tweets though. Call it like it is, he just accidentally liked them and didn’t realize it would be open to the public. Don’t worry Doc, we got you!

Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry, Pacific Division, Atlantic Files
by Alex Fischbein

Will the Golden State Warriors repeat? | TAF244

This week on The Atlantic Files, we continue our division previews with the defending champ Golden State Warriors and the Pacific Division, Doc Rivers gets horny on Twitter, a lot of new statement jerseys have been revealed, is the NBA’s punishment for the Phoenix Suns owner enough, additions and adjustments to the CBA, and Dennis Schroder heads back to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The divisional preview series continues as this week we take a look at the Golden State Warriors and the Pacific Division. While a lot of people seem to think the division goes through Los Angeles in either the Lakers or Clippers, we lean towards Golden State yet again. The top four teams in the Pacific all have some aging and health questions with all of their superstars, so it could just come down to a battle of who will be injured less.

Doc Rivers had a bit of a Twitter goof over the weekend. People found a handful of pornographic tweets in his likes and then the entire internet grabbed hold of it. The Sixers PR team said that his account was hacked, but come on now. Just say you accidentally liked some Tweets that you probably shouldn’t have and you’d probably get some more respect.

Statement jerseys, classic jerseys, and more have been released by most of the teams across the NBA. We took a look at most of them and said whether or not we actually liked them. Some of these jersey designs really need work because they’re going to have their team looking like garbage.

Then, there’s the terrible news of Robert Sarver, the Phoenix Suns owner. His punishment came down to a one-year suspension, but many big-name players didn’t agree with only one year. Many believe he should be kicked out of the NBA altogether.

Finally, the league and the player’s association are talking about some CBA adjustments. The eligible draft age is lowered back down to 18, there will be a more punitive luxury tax, and mental health will be an injury designation. The game keeps evolving!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro & Fantasy Football
00:06:18 Doc Rivers likes some explicit tweets
00:15:35 CBA adjustments – Lowering draft age, Mental health designation, etc.
00:33:50 Phoenix Suns owner, Robert Sarver, is the punishment enough
00:43:06 Thoughts on the new NBA statement Jerseys
00:55:33 2022-23 Pacific Division Preview – Golden State Warriors repeat chances
01:20:17 Dennis’s F/M/K scenario
01:24:49 Would you rather, Steph Curry edition

Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, The Atlantic Files
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