Tag / philadelphia 76ers

2022 NBA Christmas Day, Atlantic Files
by Alex Fischbein

2022 NBA Christmas Day breakdown | TAF239

This week on the Atlantic Files, we breakdown the leaked NBA Christmas Day schedule that has three Atlantic teams playing this season, the Brooklyn Nets’ absurd trade offer to the Boston Celtics, Kyrie Irving’s ridiculous contract demands, the NBA retiring Bill Russell’s number, Tracy McGrady ripping Rudy Gobert, whether the Philadelphia 76ers should really consider trading for Kevin Durant, and we debut a new segment!

Leaks were going crazy on Twitter before the NBA finally released the whole schedule. Plus, at the time of this recording, the whole schedule wasn’t released just yet. We saw a sneak peek of the 2022 NBA Christmas Day schedule, so we decided to break down the five games this year. Some are repeats, but we get to see a couple of new faces as well.

In case you haven’t heard, the Brooklyn Nets made an absurd trade offer to the Boston Celtics. They seriously tried to get Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in return for Kevin Durant. Either they got some bad inside information, or they’re just blindly throwing darts at a board and seeing if it lands a bullseye.

Kyrie Irving, in just as absurd fashion, brought up some contract demands when negotiating with Brooklyn’s front office. He requested to only be on the hook for 60 games at the most including no back-to-backs at all. So instead of deciding not to play in the middle of the season, he’s deciding early on that he’s just not going to want to play the whole time. What a guy!

Bill Russell passed away a couple of weeks ago now, and the NBA decided to honor him. They retired his jersey league-wide, which was an awesome decision by Adam Silver and company.

On Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, Tracy McGrady made some big statements about Rudy Gobert’s work ethic and skill. He ripped into him in a way that a lot of media personalities wouldn’t, but he was spot on with every word!

Finally, we debut our new segment called “Whatchu got?!” Each host brings a topic to debate but they do not share the topic with each other beforehand. It’s fresh and right on the spot. Enjoy!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:19 2022 NBA Christmas Day game schedule
00:28:19 Brooklyn Nets trade offer to get Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum
00:35:07 Should the Sixers trade for Kevin Durant?
00:48:01 Kyrie Irving has crazy contract demands
00:53:59 NBA retiring Bill Russell’s number is perfect
00:55:23 Tracy McGrady rips Rudy Gobert’s skill and work ethic
01:00:32 Can Nikola Jokic pass Dirk Nowitzki for best Euro in NBA History
01:04:47 No NBA games on election day, will that help people vote?
01:10:28 Would you rather, Tracy McGrady edition
01:19:53 Outro

Julius Randle, John Collins, Pro-Am, Drew League, New York Knicks, Atlantic Files
by Alex Fischbein

Julius Randle needs to do more than lose pro-am games

Here we are again, talking about Julius Randle and the fact that New York Knicks fans are ready to part ways with him in any way possible. The rollercoaster ride continues as Julius Randle got booed and lost a Pro-Am game on the Knicks home turf.

Randle, Jalen Brunson, and Obi Toppin all played together in a New York City Pro-Am game a couple weeks back. They all put up around 20 points each, but gave up 40 points to two separate players of the other team. While Randle was putting up bricks from three, their team also took a big ol’ L in the process.

Once upon a time, Julius Randle was leading a Knicks team that was the talk of the league. They all of a sudden made the playoffs and even grabbed a win against a better Atlanta Hawks team. People in New York were rioting, calling Trae Young all sorts of names, and had hopes and dreams of a parade much sooner than previously expected.

Ever since then, it’s all been downhill and the Knicks regressed. Randle, himself, also regressed and has heard about it from every Knicks fan around the world.

Now with talks of a Donovan Mitchell trade, the cries to trade Randle have gotten louder and louder. We can’t say that we blame those fans because Mitchell is a much more dynamic star, but Randle needs to help himself at the same time.

Playing in Pro-Am games can be a lose-lose situation, but at least go out there and beat the lesser competition!

Kevin Durant, Steve Nash, Sean Marks, Joe Tsai, Brooklyn Nets, Atlantic Files, Podcast
by Alex Fischbein

Kevin Durant issues an ultimatum to Brooklyn Nets | The Atlantic Files Ep238

On this week’s episode of The Atlantic Files, Kevin Durant issued an ultimatum to Joe Tsai and the Brooklyn Nets, tampering investigations are underway for the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks, Dejounte Murray and Paolo Banchero have beef, players standing out in pro-am’s and workouts, and we talk about our 30-team fantasy basketball league!

Another chapter in the Kevin Durant and Brooklyn Nets saga is being written before our eyes. Durant met with Nets Owner, Joe Tsai, and issued an ultimatum. He said he has to fire Steve Nash and Sean Marks if they want to keep him. The same guy that vouched for Nash in the first place now wants him fired otherwise he still wants to be traded. He really wants to make sure his legacy goes further into the dumpster now.

We joked around a few weeks back when there were tampering rumors for the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, but now these tampering investigations are actually happening. Jalen Brunson and PJ Tucker are the two signings mainly being investigated, but if only second-round picks are the only things up for grabs as punishment, then why even carry out this whole investigation? It’s all pointless in this day and age.

In case you haven’t seen it yet, Dejounte Murray and Paolo Banchero are in a full-blown beef. There seem to be some background parts of it that no one has heard or seen, but it blew up at a Seattle Pro-Am game and now Atlanta Hawks versus Orlando Magic games just got that much more entertaining. Everyone talked about the NBA being soft, now we got an up-and-coming player going right at a rookie, and people are calling him crazy. Let’s bring beef back!

Finally, Alex and Dennis are in a 30-team fantasy basketball league. It’s very involved with salary caps, and auction drafts, and it’s also a dynasty league on top of everything! They give their initial thoughts on the league and show their teams as well.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:06:10 John Collins, Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, poor showings in Pro-Ams
00:19:24 Kevin Durant gives Joe Tsai & Brooklyn Nets an ultimatum
00:33:32 Tampering investigations started on New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers
00:41:29 Dejounte Murray and Paolo Banchero already have beef!
00:48:04 30-team fantasy basketball league thoughts
01:08:49 Answering viewers questions about Kyrie Irving and the Nets
01:16:40 Outro

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant, Summer League, Atlantic Files
by Alex Fischbein

Jalen Brunson, Brooklyn Nets, & Summer League | The Atlantic Files Ep236

This week on the Atlantic Files, we’re talking Jalen Brunson to the New York Knicks and the potential tampering charge, the continuing drama surrounding the Brooklyn Nets, all of our NBA Summer League takeaways and observations, Bobby Marks suggesting the Philadelphia 76ers should be investigated, and the Phoenix Suns matching Deandre Ayton’s offer sheet.

To start everything off, it was more than necessary to talk about the NBA Summer League and all the prospects trying to show why they deserve a shot in the NBA. Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero had such a great showing that the teams felt comfortable shutting them down early. Outside of the top three, there were a lot of surprises both good and bad.

Brigining it back to the players who are already established, the New York Knicks seem to have a tampering charge on the way. If the whole hiring of his father to the coaching staff didn’t raise a red flag in the first place, then I’m not sure what else to say. The Knicks seem to have a need to tamper to really get bigger names to come there, so it was only inevitable!

Then, the Philadelphia 76ers get roped into all the tampering talk. Mark Stein wrote about how the Sixers will likely be investigated for the PJ Tucker signing, and Bobby Marks proclaimed that they should be investigated for James Harden taking less money on his contract. If this is really all about just the Tucker signing… Well, there should be better ways to waste the NBA’s time and money. As far as the Harden paycut goes, it sounds as though Marks is more salty than anything else.

Switching back to New York, we have the Brooklyn Nets drama series continuing with a looming future of running it back with the same core. Kevin Durant’s trade options are drying out, Kyrie Irving’s only option so far has been the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Nets haven’t seen anything that they actually like. I guess it comes down to playing with whatever they already have on the team.

Finally, the Phoenix Suns matched the offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers to keep Deandre Ayton around for much longer and for much more money than previously expected. This is part of the reason why it looks like Durant isn’t going to be traded, but now the Suns have some decisions to make. Where do they go now to try to get back to the NBA Finals?

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:11 2022 NBA Summer League analysis
00:27:42 Sixers and PJ Tucker investigated for tampering
00:34:50 New York Knicks and Jalen Brunson also tampering
00:43:36 Brooklyn Nets running it back now?
00:55:13 Phoenix Suns match Deandre Ayton’s offer sheet
01:00:27 NBA Play-in games are here to stay
01:04:05 What’s for dinner?

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

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

Boston Celtics, NBA Playoffs 2022, Atlantic Files
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

Nikola Jokic, NBA MVP, Atlantic Files, Podcast
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

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, NBA Playoffs 2022, Atlantic Files
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?

brooklyn nets, boston celtics, kevin durant, kyrie irving, ben simmons, atlantic files
by Alex Fischbein

Brooklyn Nets get swept | The Atlantic Files Ep225

This week on the Atlantic Files podcast, the Brooklyn Nets officially get swept out of the first round by the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers are starting to look like the first team that will blow a 3-0 lead, Luka Doncic comes back and dominates, and the NBA playoffs roll on!

The biggest topic, especially for our podcast, is the Brooklyn Nets getting swept right out of the first round by the Boston Celtics. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving looked like deer in headlights and the Celtics now all of a sudden look like they’re championship bound. Ime Udoka has the boys in green playing like a superstar-level squad.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have the Philadelphia 76ers on the verge of making a bad kind of history. They went up 3-0 on the Toronto Raptors and the entire city of Philadelphia started talking their trash. Now, Joel Embiid is hurt and Toronto has won two straight. Scary times for the Philly fans.

Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry are hurt yet again, but the Miami Heat won their matchup with the Atlanta Hawks anyway. Are the Hawks that bad or are the Heat actually a championship-level team?

Chronicles of the Utah Jazz is taking place as they tank their series against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks as well. It’s time for a blow up and rebuild job in the Salt Lake City!

All of that and more NBA Playoffs topics!

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
2:30 – Can the Toronto Raptors make history?
17:10 – Brooklyn Nets are a mess and Ben Simmons is still missing
28:39 – Are the Boston Celtics championship level?
32:42 – Are the Miami Heat that good or Atlanta Hawks that bad
37:08 – Thoughts on the Ben Simmons James Harden trade now
45:45 – Minnesota Timberwolves blowing leads and KAT fake tough
50:33 – New Orleans Pelicans are looking good!
57:50 – Golden State Warriors back in the title picture