Tag / new york knicks

by Alex Fischbein

NBA Christmas Reactions, Jalen Brunson The 1A | TAF299

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Alex Fischbein

Ja Morant Returns, Steve Kerr On Hot Seat | TAF298

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Alex Fischbein

Josh Giddey Rumors, Jordan Poole, Scott Foster’s Feud With Chris Paul | TAF295

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1k0UIQr0VaYupSo4bPtCQE

On this week’s episode of The Atlantic Files, Josh Giddey finds himself in troublesome rumors, Jordan Poole becomes a Shaqtin a fool MVP and Kevin Garnett says he doesn’t belong in the league, Scott Foster and Chris Paul’s feud adds a new chapter, and more!

Josh Giddey is currently under investigation by the NBA and the Newport California police department for allegations of an underage relationship. Obviously, this is nothing to take lightly especially because it could affect Giddey’s career and life outside of basketball. There’s still information coming out about the saga, so we give some thoughts on the matter.

Jordan Poole has been the center of a few memes so far this season. He probably will be the center of many more if he continues to play the way he’s been playing lately. So, what exactly is happening with him and the Washington Wizards? Are they going to finally turn a corner at some point?

Chris Paul was kicked out of yet another game due to a feud with Scott Foster which continues one of the craziest battles between a player and a ref. Apparently, there was a meeting about it and Paul even said that Foster brought his son into the mix. That’s a serious comment and this feud may never end!

Finally, we check in with the Atlantic Division and go over how the teams are doing thus far. The Boston Celtics are at the top and they’re doing exactly what we thought they would!

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Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:26 Thanksgiving leftovers debate
00:14:06 Atlantic Division check-in
00:33:08 Jordan Poole is doing stuff
00:42:16 Josh Giddey has some troubling allegations
00:56:52 Scott Foster and Chris Paul’s feud
01:05:18 Mark Cuban Selling a majority stake of the Mavericks
01:09:18 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

James Harden Unleashed & The Wemby and Holmgren Show | TAF293

On episode 293 of The Atlantic Files, James Harden says he was on a leash in Philadelphia and he isn’t a system player, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are putting on a show, two Atlantic division teams are at the top of the East while the others have shown a mixed bag, and the Milwaukee Bucks haven’t been as good as expected so far.

James Harden did his first press conference since joining the Los Angeles Clippers and he talks about how he was on a leash in Philadelphia and that he needs a coach that he can trust who will also trust him. This is news to all of us, including Joel Embiid who was confused by his comments and said that they gave him the ball on every possession. Make this drama make sense, please!

Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks have yet to show their full potential after suffering a couple of bad losses in the early going of this season. Inefficient shooting, poor defense, and ejections have caused the team to look like they regressed from last year. Is this team actually as much of a title contender as everyone thought or did they ship out too much of their depth to be as good as they used to be?

Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren have been garnering all the hype for quite a while now. Deservedly so, these two rookies have lived up to all of the expectations and then some! Both of them have turned into must-see TV and have raised the level of each of their teams. This race for Rookie of the Year may be one of the closest in a long time!

Finally, we take a look at the Atlantic Division so far and how they’ve fared over the first few weeks of the season. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are at the top of the division and the conference while the other three are all next to each other in play-in territory. This is shaping up to be a fun year!

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Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:06:07 James Harden on a leash?!
00:29:42 Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks
00:44:30 Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are awesome
00:56:22 The Atlantic Division so far
01:09:31 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

2023-24 NBA Season Begins, Joel Embiid Trade Rumors | TAF291

On episode 291 of The Atlantic Files, the 2023-24 NBA Season kicks off with two big games at the same time we’re recording, Joel Embiid is back in trade rumors again and it involves the New York Knicks, plus we give some fantasy basketball advice for the new season!

The 2023-24 NBA season kicked off with a couple of entertaining games showcasing some of the league’s best teams. Then we had a huge 12-game slate with so much action it was hard to catch all of it. We gave all of our predictions for the regular season awards along with who we have winning the NBA Finals while we also took a look at the opening night games.

Joel Embiid is back in the news based on trade rumors to the New York Knicks. Apparently, the Knicks are prepared to offer a huge haul for the reigning MVP which may become enticing after James Harden finally gets dealt away from the team. Should the Sixers actually consider a trade inside the division or should they explore elsewhere for better deals so that they don’t have to play against him?

Finally, we go over our top 12 players for fantasy basketball this year in category formats. We’ll be dropping bits of fantasy advice throughout the season as well!

Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
05:12 Joel Embiid traded for a haul to the Knicks?
30:59 2023-24 NBA Season predictions
51:30 Our top 12 fantasy basketball players
55:09 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Damian Lillard And Jrue Holiday Traded! | TAF288

On episode 288 of The Atlantic Files, Damian Lillard is traded to the Milwaukee Bucks and joins Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday heads to the Boston Celtics, we break down all of the trade pieces, and then we put together all of our divisional previews for one big preview episode!

Finally, we get a resolution to the Damian Lillard saga that has gone on for months. He’s on his way to join Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks to form a super-duo. Question marks still exist with this team’s health like that of Khris Middleton. Also, the team as a whole is getting older and older, so their window to win another championship is very short. Will the new coach lead them back to the promised land?

Another side of the trade was moving Jrue Holiday to Portland who then was moved to Boston. The Trail Blazers got some more assets out of it while Holiday moved to another Eastern Conference contender. His fit in Boston is perfect as he replaces the role that Marcus Smart vacated. With the addition of Holiday, however, that improves the offense in ways that Smart was unable to.

To wrap up this week’s episode, we stitched together all of our divisional previews from the past six weeks to bring one big preview episode. Let us know what you think of each division and who you have winning each one to make the playoffs this year!

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Timecodes:
00:01:51 – Damian Lillard traded to Milwaukee
00:10:40 – Jrue Holiday traded to Boston
00:20:15 – 2023-24 NBA Central Division preview
00:31:44 – 2023-24 NBA Atlantic Division preview
00:42:00 – 2023-24 NBA Southeast Division preview
01:01:25 – 2023-24 NBA Pacific Division preview
01:10:55 – 2023-24 NBA Northwest Division preview
01:24:48 – 2023-24 NBA Southwest Division preview

by Alex Fischbein

Damian Lillard May Go To Toronto?! | TAF287

Editor’s Note: This was recorded before Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks

This week, on episode 287 of The Atlantic Files, reportedly, the Toronto Raptors are the frontrunners to land Damian Lillard all of a sudden, Buddy Hield is now on the trade block with the Dallas Mavericks rumored as the frontrunners, and we finish our divisional preview series with the Atlantic Division.

Damian Lillard‘s trade saga continues but more and more teams keep entering the mix. Now, all of a sudden, the Toronto Raptors are the frontrunners to land the superstar guard. What does that mean for the rest of the league and especially the Miami Heat?! We give our thoughts on whether or not he’ll actually end up in Canada or if it’s just a smokescreen before he lands in Miami.

Speaking of trades, Buddy Hield is now firmly on the trade block. The Indiana Pacers are shopping him and he’s open to a trade to a place where he can sign an extension. Right now, the Dallas Mavericks are the best fit, but it’s unclear whether they have the pieces that the Pacers truly want. We talk about where he should go and if he’ll actually find a new home before the season starts.

Finally, we wrap up our divisional preview series by taking a look at the Atlantic Division. We give our thoughts on all of the deals that went down and which Atlantic team might surprise everyone. With this division, it brings our divisional preview series to an end and we will be posting all of our previews stitched together into one big preview episode later on!

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

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:04:21 Dennis sets a Christmas scene
00:07:10 New Year Gym struggles
00:12:08 Fantasy Football corner: Week 3
00:26:32 Toronto is the frontrunner for Damian Lillard
00:49:37 Buddy Hield is on the trading block
01:10:09 Atlantic Division Preview
01:21:08 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Jaylen Brown Gets The Bag! | TAF280

On episode 280 of The Atlantic Files, Jaylen Brown gets a supermax extension from the Boston Celtics, Mikal Bridges hypes up Ben Simmons like many have done before, Donovan Mitchell apparently won’t stay in Cleveland, we discuss the top rookies for redraft and fantasy basketball leagues, and we play the NBA grid game!

Jaylen Brown gets a whole boatload of money from the Celtics to go with a five-year extension. Now, the debate is whether or not he can produce enough to match the amount of money he’s making. Some don’t even think he’s the second-best player on his team!

Mikal Bridges went on Paul George‘s podcast and talked about Ben Simmons and where the team’s mindset is at in regard to getting him back on the court. Bridges hyped up Simmons’ attitude and his work ethic heading into this season while he said that Simmons was actually the one talking the most in their team group chat. Will this turn into yet another hype reel that doesn’t turn into any real production?

Now, there are reports flying around that Donovan Mitchell won’t be staying in Cleveland longer than his current contract. His eyes are already set on another city apparently and the team would be smart to just trade him away to get something for him. Should they keep him and try to convince him to stay instead?

Finally, we discuss the top rookies heading into this season for fantasy basketball. We talk about both redraft and dynasty leagues and the best rookies to look out for if you happen to be participating in either one this year!

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

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:07 Jaylen Brown gets the Supermax from the Boston Celtics
00:11:58 Mikal Bridges hypes up Ben Simmons
00:24:18 Donovan Mitchell won’t stay in Cleveland?
00:33:31 Top fantasy basketball rookies for redraft leagues
00:47:28 Top fantasy basketball rookies for dynasty leagues
00:59:28 The NBA Grid game!
01:14:22 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Is Joel Embiid Really Trolling 76ers Fans? | TAF279

On episode 279 of The Atlantic Files, Joel Embiid says he wants to win a championship whether it’s with the Philadelphia 76ers or not, then says he’s trolling. We go through the winners and losers of Summer League, check in on the James Harden and Damian Lillard situations, react to the Pascal Siakam trade rumors, and give ideal landing spots for the remaining NBA free agents.

Joel Embiid said that all he wants to do is win a championship in an interview with Mav Carter. The issue is that he also said whether it’s in Philly or somewhere else, he wants to win. That sent everyone in Philadelphia into a frenzy because he even hinted at the idea of wanting out. Embiid then took to Twitter to say that it was actually all a troll job. Is anyone believing this?

NBA Summer League has come and gone, so there are winners and losers coming out of it. Some prospects did very well and others didn’t do so well. Who are your winners and losers and do they line up with ours?

Then, we check in on the James Harden and Damian Lillard situations. Both star guards are still on the same teams and they aren’t seemingly moving any time soon. They both only want to go to one team, but that doesn’t help either one of their cases. Which one will be traded first and will either one go to the team they really want?

Finally, we take a look at all of the remaining free agents. We talk about where they should go and how much money they could end up signing for. That includes players like Christian Wood, PJ Washington, and Kelly Oubre Jr.

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

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:06:05 NBA Summer league winners and losers
00:45:42 Joel Embiid’s championship comments
01:03:27 Damian Lillard and James Harden still not traded
01:13:22 Remaining NBA Free agents
01:24:19 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

2023 NBA Free Agency Roundup | TAF278

On episode 278 of The Atlantic Files: 2023 NBA Free Agency was shaping up to be crazy and so far it hasn’t really been that amazing. Players like Kyrie Irving, Draymond Green, Kyle Kuzma, and Khris Middleton all stayed put. Fred VanVleet got paid, Dillon Brooks headed to a different team, and Grant Williams and Max Strus went through a sign-and-trade. We give all of our thoughts and reactions on the signings and trades so far and the ones that are yet to come like Damian Lillard and James Harden.

The free agency period has been a little lackluster compared to all the hype and rumors thrown around before it officially opened. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks both got a good bit of money to switch teams, but outside of them a lot of the more significant contracts went to guys that just stayed with their same squad. Draymond Green, Kyle Kuzma, and Jerami Grant are just a few names that didn’t switch teams. So, which teams had the best free agency?

We also take a closer look at the Atlantic Division teams and how they fared throughout the free agency period so far. The 76ers and Nets seem to be sitting back and waiting for bigger moves while the Raptors and Celtics decided to make a few moves and bring in some new faces. We’re still waiting to see if the Knicks have anything else up their sleeve as well.

Finally, there are the annoying situations of both Damian Lillard and James Harden. Lillard decided to wait until the last possible minute to request a trade and he’s acting like a child when he says he will only play for the Miami Heat and absolutely no one else. Harden, also acting like a child, received a huge ego check and will sit around waiting for Daryl Morey to trade him because he didn’t like the fact that he didn’t receive a ton of money this offseason.

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

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:07:16 Atlantic Division free agency roundup
00:47:01 Can Damian Lillard replicate Stephen Curry and Isiah Thomas?
00:55:51 What’s going on with Dame and James Harden?
01:04:17 Houston lands Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks
01:07:13 We love meatloaf
01:10:11 Back to Houston’s free agency
01:15:46 Kyle Kuzma stays in Washington??
01:21:36 Phoenix Suns have a good free agency
01:25:03 Early NBA Summer League thoughts
01:31:52 Outro