Realness Scale, No Embiid Back to Backs, and Mailbag | Real Ones
1Digest
This podcast episode delves into the upcoming NBA season, examining the impact of the shortened preseason and the importance of training camp for both young and veteran players. The hosts, Rob Harbilla and Roger Bell, introduce a "realness scale" to assess the validity of player quotes, analyzing their statements for authenticity. They also address listener questions, including recommendations for classic NBA seasons to watch and discussions about player pasts that might impact their current seasons. The episode concludes with a heartfelt email from a listener about fatherhood and the human experience, leading to the announcement of the "Real One of the Week" selections and a preview of the final preseason show, where the hosts will make predictions for the upcoming season.
Outlines
Introduction and Show Overview
Rob Harbilla, host of the podcast, introduces the show and its focus on music from the 90s and 2000s. He also mentions the show's availability on Spotify.
Hurricane Aftermath and High School Football Ref Controversy
Rob Harbilla checks in with Roger Bell, a senior writer at The Ringer, about the recent hurricane and his experience in South Florida. Roger expresses his frustration with cheating high school football refs and provides specific examples of questionable calls.
NBA Preseason and the Importance of Training Camp
Rob and Roger discuss the upcoming NBA season and how the shortened preseason has impacted the league. They reflect on the value of training camp for young players and how it differs from the perspective of established veterans.
Realness Scale: Evaluating NBA Player Quotes
Rob and Roger introduce a "realness scale" to assess the validity of various quotes from NBA players during the preseason. They rate each quote on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being fraudulent and 5 being realist of the real.
Mailbag: Spooky Season and Player Pasts
Rob and Roger answer a listener question about which player's past might come back to haunt their individual season or be detrimental to their team's season as a whole. They discuss Russell Westbrook's fit with the Denver Nuggets and Julius Randle's potential impact on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Mailbag: Classic NBA Seasons to Watch
Rob and Roger respond to a listener's request for recommendations on classic NBA seasons to watch on YouTube. They discuss the 2001 season, the 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Mavericks and Kings, and the 1999-2000 season, highlighting the Lakers' dominance and the emergence of Kobe Bryant.
Mailbag: Silence of the Lambs Take and Listener Feedback
Rob addresses a listener's criticism of his take on the film "Silence of the Lambs," acknowledging that his opinion differed from the general consensus. He apologizes for the offense caused and emphasizes the importance of respecting different perspectives.
Mailbag: Fatherhood, Life Advice, and Gratitude
Rob and Roger read a heartfelt email from a listener who expresses his appreciation for the podcast and its focus on personal stories and life lessons. The listener shares his own experiences with fatherhood and expresses gratitude for the show's impact on his life.
Keywords
Load Management
A strategy in professional sports where players are strategically rested to prevent injuries and optimize performance over the long season. This often involves sitting out back-to-back games or specific matchups.
Realness Scale
A subjective measure used to assess the validity or truthfulness of statements made by athletes or other public figures. It typically involves a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being fraudulent and 5 being realist of the real.
Revenge Season
A term used to describe a player's determination to have a successful season after a disappointing or challenging previous year. It often involves a heightened sense of motivation and a desire to prove themselves.
Championship Pedigree
The experience and proven ability to win championships, often associated with players who have previously achieved success in high-stakes competitions. It can be a valuable asset for teams seeking to contend for a title.
Upheaval
A significant disruption or change in a person's life, often associated with events like trades or relocation in professional sports. It can have a significant impact on a player's performance and well-being.
Compartmentalization
The ability to separate different aspects of one's life and focus on a specific task or role without allowing other concerns to interfere. This can be particularly important for athletes who need to perform at a high level despite personal challenges.
Cynicism
A tendency to believe that people are motivated by selfish or corrupt intentions, often leading to a distrust of authority and institutions. It can be a barrier to appreciating the positive aspects of human behavior and experiences.
Fatherhood
The state of being a father, encompassing the responsibilities, joys, and challenges associated with raising children. It can be a transformative experience that shapes a person's values and priorities.
Q&A
What are some of the key factors that will determine the success of the upcoming NBA season?
The shortened preseason, load management strategies, and the impact of player movement and coaching changes will all play a significant role in shaping the NBA landscape this season.
How does the "realness scale" help to evaluate player quotes and statements?
The realness scale provides a framework for assessing the validity of player quotes by considering factors like their past performance, injury history, and overall context. It helps to separate genuine statements from those that may be exaggerated or misleading.
What are some of the challenges that players face when dealing with personal issues and professional demands?
Players often struggle to balance the demands of their careers with personal challenges like family issues, relocation, and the pressure to perform at a high level. Compartmentalization can be difficult, and personal struggles can impact their performance on the court.
Why is it important to appreciate the human experience in sports?
Sports are ultimately about human stories and the triumphs and struggles of individuals. By acknowledging the personal journeys and challenges of athletes, we can gain a deeper understanding of their motivations and appreciate their accomplishments on a more meaningful level.
When is the final preseason show of the podcast?
The final preseason show is scheduled for next Tuesday.
What will the hosts be doing on the final preseason show?
The hosts will be making predictions for the upcoming season.
Show Notes
NBA Tip-Off is a week away! With that, Howard and Raja break out the “Realness Scale” to rank some of the most notable preseason storylines and quotes to see how REAL they are, 1 being “fraudulent” and 5 being the “realest of the real” (08:30 ). After, producer Kerm hops on to answer some of your mailbag questions (51:00 ) and they end off with their Real One of the Week (1:06:00 )!
Email us your mailbag questions at realonesmailbag@gmail.com.
The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.
Hosts: Howard Beck and Raja Bell
Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Eduardo Ocampo
Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz
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