Digest

The episode delves into the upcoming NBA draft, focusing on the unpredictable nature of the top picks. The hosts express skepticism about Scoot Henderson's lack of desire to be the number one pick and Rayan Rupert's inconsistent performance. They discuss Rob Dillingham's potential as a high-scoring spark plug but acknowledge concerns about his size and passing ability. Zach Edie is praised for his physicality and potential as a valuable role player, while Baylor Shireman is suggested as a solid pick for the Celtics at number 30 due to his experience and shooting ability. The hosts also discuss other prospects, including Ron Holland, Cason Wallace, and Jared McCain, and debate their potential fit with various teams. The conversation then shifts to the UFC, with the hosts discussing the upcoming UFC 303 event and the potential for Conor McGregor's return. They analyze the current state of the heavyweight division, with Tom Aspenall emerging as a potential champion. The hosts also discuss the upcoming fights on the UFC 303 card, including the main event between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya, and the potential for a breakout performance from Peyton Talbot. They also delve into the unique business model of the UFC, highlighting its ability to create new stars and maintain a constant flow of exciting fights.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the topic of the upcoming NBA draft and the hosts' excitement for the uncertainty surrounding the top picks.

00:02:07

Draft Uncertainty and Player Analysis

This Chapter delves into the hosts' analysis of various draft prospects, including Scoot Henderson, Rayan Rupert, and Rob Dillingham, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit with different teams.

00:43:42

Zach Edie's Potential

This Chapter focuses on the hosts' strong belief in Zach Edie's ability to be a valuable role player in the NBA and their prediction that he should be a top 15 pick.

00:51:10

Evaluating Prospects with Injuries

This Chapter discusses the challenges of evaluating prospects with injuries, specifically focusing on Keyonte George's potential despite his recent ACL tear.

00:54:10

Celtics Draft Picks

This Chapter explores the hosts' draft picks for the Celtics, with Baylor Shireman being their top choice at number 30, highlighting their preference for older, more experienced players.

00:57:19

Alternative Draft Picks

This Chapter discusses the hosts' alternative draft picks for the Celtics, including the potential for a younger prospect like Pecoma, the DA, and their continued support for Jared McCain.

01:01:36

UFC 303 Preview

This Chapter transitions to a discussion about the upcoming UFC 303 event and the potential for Conor McGregor's return to the octagon. The hosts analyze the current state of the heavyweight division, with Tom Aspenall emerging as a potential champion. They also discuss the upcoming fights on the UFC 303 card, including the main event between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya, and the potential for a breakout performance from Peyton Talbot.

01:31:02

UFC 303 Fight Analysis

This Chapter delves into a detailed analysis of the UFC 303 fight card, with the hosts discussing the main event between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya, the potential for a breakout performance from Peyton Talbot, and the unique business model of the UFC, highlighting its ability to create new stars and maintain a constant flow of exciting fights.

01:41:09

UFC 303: Holloway's Impact

This Chapter focuses on the significance of Max Holloway's victory over Arnold Allen at UFC 300, highlighting its impact on the featherweight division and the potential for Holloway to become a champion again.

01:43:42

UFC's Hot Streak

This Chapter discusses the current hot streak of the UFC, with the hosts noting the frequency of pay-per-view events and the abundance of talent in the organization. They also discuss the impact of sports gambling on the popularity of MMA and boxing.

01:46:25

UFC 303: Ringer Coverage

This Chapter concludes with a reminder of the Ringer's coverage of UFC 303, including the preview show and post-show analysis.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the key uncertainties surrounding the top picks in the 2023 NBA Draft?

  The hosts discuss the lack of a clear-cut consensus number one pick, with skepticism surrounding Scoot Henderson's desire to be selected first and Rayan Rupert's inconsistent performance. They also highlight the unpredictable nature of the draft, with many prospects' potential remaining uncertain.

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Rob Dillingham as a draft prospect?

  Dillingham is praised for his exceptional scoring ability, ball-handling skills, and shot creation. However, concerns about his size, passing ability, and defensive capabilities have led to some uncertainty about his draft position. The hosts believe he could be a valuable spark plug off the bench but acknowledge his limitations.

• Why do the hosts believe Zach Edie could be a valuable role player in the NBA?

  Edie is praised for his physicality, ability to score in the paint, and potential as a rim protector. They believe his size and defensive presence could make him a valuable asset in playoff series, particularly against smaller teams.

• What are the hosts' draft picks for the Celtics at number 30, and why?

  The hosts favor Baylor Shireman, an experienced shooter, due to their preference for older players who can contribute immediately. They believe Shireman's shooting ability and experience could make him a valuable asset to the Celtics.

• What are some of the alternative draft picks the hosts consider for the Celtics?

  The hosts discuss the potential for a younger prospect like Pecoma, the DA, and their continued support for Jared McCain. They believe these players could be valuable assets to the Celtics in the future.

• How do the hosts approach evaluating prospects with injuries, like Keyonte George?

  The hosts acknowledge the challenges of evaluating prospects with injuries, particularly those who may miss a significant amount of time. They weigh the potential upside against the risk of losing a player for an extended period.

• What are the hosts' thoughts on the potential for a trade involving Marcus Smart and the Memphis Grizzlies?

  The hosts believe the rumored trade involving Marcus Smart and the Memphis Grizzlies is unlikely, as it would be a poor decision for both teams. They believe Memphis would be better off keeping Smart and using their other assets to move up in the draft.

• What are the hosts' predictions for the draft, particularly regarding potential slide candidates?

  The hosts believe Rob Dillingham and Ron Holland could slide down the draft board, potentially making them available to teams later in the first round. They also believe players like Cason Wallace and Keyonte George could fall due to concerns about their shooting ability or injuries.

• What are the hosts' overall impressions of the 2023 NBA Draft?

  The hosts believe the 2023 NBA Draft is a unique and unpredictable one, with a lack of a clear-cut top pick and a wide range of potential outcomes. They are excited to see how the draft unfolds and which players will ultimately find success in the NBA.

• What is the current state of the UFC heavyweight division, and who do the hosts believe is the best fighter in the division?

  The hosts discuss the ambiguity surrounding the heavyweight champion, with John Jones having won the title but not having defended it yet. They believe Tom Aspenall is the best heavyweight on the planet, based on his recent performances and his impressive skillset.

Show Notes