Digest

The Midnight Boys podcast continues its discussion about the NBA, focusing on the Philadelphia 76ers' potential with Paul George, acknowledging the team's chemistry concerns but recognizing the potential for a contender in the East. The conversation then shifts to Klay Thompson's future with the Golden State Warriors, exploring the factors influencing his decision, including respect, economics, and the desire to compete at a high level. The hosts also touch upon the possibility of a salary cap for coaches, debating its feasibility and the potential impact on team spending. The podcast concludes with a discussion about LeBron James' legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers, debating whether playing with his son Bronnie would enhance his legacy. The hosts acknowledge that LeBron's time with the Lakers has been marked by an arranged marriage-like relationship, with LeBron trying to force his way into the organization and the city. They question whether this approach will ultimately be successful and whether LeBron will be regarded as a true Laker legend.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Bear Returns

This Chapter begins with the hosts announcing the return of "The Bear" on Hulu, expressing their excitement for the new season and highlighting the show's prestige in the television landscape.

00:00:52

Roger's Initiation Ritual

This Chapter focuses on Roger Bell's unique method of hazing new producers, which involves acting like a diva for a few weeks before revealing his true, kind nature. The hosts discuss the dynamics of the podcast and the importance of team work.

00:04:30

Lessons from the Last TV Deal

This Chapter delves into the NBA's upcoming TV deal, with Howard Beck and Logan Murdock exploring the lessons learned from the previous deal, particularly the cap spike that allowed Kevin Durant to join the Golden State Warriors. They discuss the league's efforts to prevent super teams and the impact of the new deal on player salaries.

00:15:20

The Sixers' Potential with Paul George

This Chapter engages in a lively debate about the potential of the Philadelphia Sixers to become a contender if they acquire Paul George, considering the team's chemistry and the Celtics' established dominance.

00:30:15

Klay Thompson's Future

This Chapter explores the factors influencing Klay Thompson's decision about his future with the Golden State Warriors, including respect, economics, and the desire to compete at a high level.

00:45:27

The Case for a Coach Salary Cap

This Chapter delves into the possibility of a salary cap for coaches, debating its feasibility and the potential impact on team spending.

00:45:54

Michael Jordan's Defensive Legacy

This Chapter discusses Michael Jordan's defensive player of the year award, questioning the accuracy of the stats and the impact on his legacy. The hosts also reflect on the evolution of the NBA and the increasing emphasis on analytics and statistical analysis.

01:08:42

The 76ers' Identity

This Chapter discusses the Philadelphia 76ers' lack of a defined identity and the need for them to establish clear roles before making drastic deals. The hosts debate whether the team has a clear best player or second-best player, but acknowledge their hard work and well-coached nature.

01:11:04

LeBron's Legacy in L.A.

This Chapter explores the potential impact of JJ Reddick's hiring as the Lakers' coach and the possibility of LeBron playing with his son Bronnie on LeBron's legacy. The hosts debate whether playing with Bronnie would enhance LeBron's legacy, considering the unique aspect of playing with his son, but also acknowledge that LeBron's legacy in L.A. is complex and may not be as positive as he hopes.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the key lessons the NBA can learn from its last TV deal to prevent the formation of super teams?

  The NBA has historically tried to prevent super teams through various measures in its collective bargaining agreements. However, the 2016 cap spike, fueled by a new media rights deal and the players' union rejecting cap smoothing, allowed Kevin Durant to join the Golden State Warriors, a team already stacked with stars. The league has learned from this and implemented measures to smooth out future cap increases, preventing another drastic spike like in 2016.

• How might the acquisition of Paul George impact the Philadelphia Sixers' chances of becoming a contender in the Eastern Conference?

  The addition of Paul George to the Sixers would give them another reliable scorer and defender, potentially putting them in the mix with the Celtics and other top teams in the East. However, there are concerns about the team's chemistry and the time it would take for George to integrate into the offense. The hosts acknowledge that the East is wide open, but ultimately believe that the Sixers would need to avoid the Celtics in the playoffs to have a real chance at a championship.

• What factors are influencing Klay Thompson's decision about his future with the Golden State Warriors?

  Klay Thompson's decision is a complex one, involving a balance of respect, economics, and the desire to compete at a high level. While he could potentially earn more money elsewhere, Thompson has a strong connection to the Warriors and a desire to finish his career with the team. However, there are also concerns about the Warriors' ability to remain competitive and the respect he feels he deserves after his contributions to the team's success.

• Is there a realistic possibility of a salary cap for coaches in the NBA?

  The hosts believe that a salary cap for coaches is highly unlikely, both legally and practically. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement only applies to players, and coaches are not unionized. Additionally, the hosts argue that there hasn't been a significant issue with coaches' salaries exceeding those of players, making a cap unnecessary.

• How might the revelation about Michael Jordan's defensive player of the year award impact his legacy?

  The hosts believe that the revelation about the potentially inflated stats for Jordan's defensive player of the year award is unlikely to have a significant impact on his legacy. They argue that his six championships and overall dominance are far more important factors in his status as a basketball legend. The hosts also acknowledge that the emphasis on statistical analysis and debate in the modern era has led to a greater focus on individual awards, which may not have been as important in the past.

• How might playing with his son Bronnie impact LeBron James' legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers?

  The hosts believe that playing with Bronnie would add a unique and cool element to LeBron's legacy, making him the first NBA player to play with his son. However, they also acknowledge that LeBron's legacy in L.A. is complex and may not be as positive as he hopes, due to his perceived attempts to force his way into the organization and the city. They question whether LeBron will be regarded as a true Laker legend, considering his relatively short tenure and lack of longevity compared to other Laker greats.

Show Notes