Howard Beck on ‘Real Ones,’ Celtics Taking Game 2 of the Finals, and MVP Predictions. Plus, Live Updates on Dan Hurley’s $70 Million Offer From the Lakers. | Real Ones
Digest
Logan Murdock and Howard Beck discuss the Boston Celtics' 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals, highlighting the Celtics' defensive dominance and the struggles of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. They also analyze the Celtics' two-star system, with Jalen Brown emerging as a potential Finals MVP. The conversation then shifts to the Lakers' coaching search, which has been a chaotic and embarrassing process, with Dan Hurley turning down a massive offer. The episode concludes with a discussion about Victor Wembanyama's potential to become a top-five player of all time, with both hosts acknowledging his incredible talent and potential but cautioning against making predictions too early in his career.
Outlines
The Boston Celtics' Dominance in the NBA Finals
This Chapter discusses the Boston Celtics' 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals, highlighting their defensive dominance and the struggles of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The hosts analyze the Celtics' two-star system, with Jalen Brown emerging as a potential Finals MVP. They also discuss the Celtics' ability to switch everything defensively and the lack of offensive dynamism from the Mavericks.
The Lakers' Coaching Search Chaos
This Chapter dives into the Lakers' coaching search, which has been a chaotic and embarrassing process. The hosts discuss the Lakers' pursuit of JJ Reddick and Dan Hurley, and the eventual rejection of Hurley's massive offer. They analyze the implications of this situation for the Lakers' future and the potential impact on the team's chemistry and morale.
Victor Wembanyama's All-Time Potential
This Chapter focuses on Victor Wembanyama's potential to become a top-five player of all time. The hosts acknowledge his incredible talent and potential but caution against making predictions too early in his career. They discuss the importance of a supporting cast, staying healthy, and developing the intangible qualities necessary for greatness.
Keywords
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a professional basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They are one of the most successful teams in NBA history, having won 17 championships. The Celtics are known for their rich history, passionate fan base, and iconic green uniforms. They are currently led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and are considered one of the top contenders in the NBA.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is a Slovenian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks. He is widely considered one of the best players in the NBA, known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, scoring ability, and playmaking. Doncic is a two-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2019. He is a key player for the Mavericks and is a major force in the NBA.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is an American professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks. He is a seven-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA Finals MVP in 2016. Irving is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, scoring ability, and clutch play. He is a controversial figure in the NBA, but his talent and skill are undeniable. He is a key player for the Mavericks and is a major force in the NBA.
Jalen Brown
Jalen Brown is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics. He is a four-time NBA All-Star and is known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess. Brown has emerged as a key player for the Celtics and is a major force in the NBA. He is considered one of the best young players in the league and is a potential future MVP.
Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama is a French professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs. He is widely considered to be the top prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft, known for his exceptional height, length, skillset, and potential. Wembanyama is a unique player with a combination of size, athleticism, and skill that is rarely seen in basketball. He is expected to be a transformative player in the NBA and is a potential future superstar.
NBA Finals
The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA). It is a best-of-seven series played between the champions of the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. The NBA Finals is the culmination of the NBA season and is one of the most watched sporting events in the world. The winner of the NBA Finals is crowned the NBA champion.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They are one of the most successful teams in NBA history, having won 17 championships. The Lakers are known for their rich history, star players, and passionate fan base. They are currently led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and are considered one of the top contenders in the NBA.
Dan Hurley
Dan Hurley is an American college basketball coach who is currently the head coach of the University of Connecticut Huskies. He is a successful coach with a proven track record of winning. Hurley was recently approached by the Los Angeles Lakers with a massive offer to become their head coach, but he ultimately decided to stay at Connecticut. Hurley is a highly sought-after coach and is considered one of the top coaches in college basketball.
JJ Reddick
JJ Reddick is a former American professional basketball player who is now a basketball analyst. He is a former NBA player who played for several teams, including the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, and New Orleans Pelicans. Reddick is known for his exceptional shooting ability and was a key player for several teams during his career. He is now a respected analyst and is known for his insightful commentary.
Q&A
What are the key factors contributing to the Celtics' dominance in the NBA Finals?
The Celtics' defensive dominance is a major factor, with their ability to switch everything and guard multiple positions effectively. They've also been able to limit the offensive production of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, forcing the Mavericks to rely heavily on isolation plays.
What are the potential implications of the Lakers' coaching search chaos?
The Lakers' coaching search has been a public spectacle, with their pursuit of Dan Hurley and the eventual rejection of his offer raising questions about the organization's direction and decision-making. This could impact the team's chemistry and morale, as well as their ability to attract top talent in the future.
What makes Victor Wembanyama such a unique prospect?
Wembanyama's combination of size, athleticism, and skill is rare in basketball. He possesses exceptional height and length, allowing him to dominate on both ends of the court. His ball-handling skills, shooting ability, and defensive prowess make him a truly unique player with the potential to be a transformative force in the NBA.
What are the challenges and opportunities for JJ Reddick if he becomes the Lakers' head coach?
Reddick will face the challenge of stepping into a high-pressure situation with a team that has high expectations. He will also have to deal with the scrutiny of the media and the expectations of LeBron James. However, he also has the opportunity to prove himself as a coach and lead the Lakers to success.
Show Notes
Logan is joined by The Ringer’s Howard Beck to discuss another Celtics victory in Game 2 of the Finals, the Mavs having no solution for the Celtic’s defense, and Jalen Brown playing like an MVP (12:16 ). Howard rants about Mav's expectations of coming back to win the series and shares stats on teams who win the first two games of the series (25:04 ). Later, they share live updates and reactions to Dan Hurley’s decision to stay at UConn after the Lakers courted him with a six year, $70 million deal (31:30 ). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (40:25 ).
Host: Logan Murdock
Guest: Howard Beck
Producer: Jonathan Kermah
Production Assistants: Kai Grady and Olivia Crerie
Video: John Richter and Victoria Valencia
Social: Keith Fujimoto
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