Digest

The Who Collective Podcast dives into the news surrounding Team USA's roster ahead of the Olympics. Kawhi Leonard's withdrawal due to a knee injury is discussed, with speculation about whether he should have tried to play. Kevin Durant's calf injury is also addressed, with the expectation that he will be ready for the games in Abu Dhabi. The podcast then explores the selection of Derek White as Leonard's replacement, highlighting the reaction from Jalen Brown and the potential roster fit. The episode concludes with a discussion about the upcoming NBA Cup, now rebranded as the Emirates Cup, and the changes to the schedule and format.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Team USA News

This Chapter introduces the hosts and discusses the latest news surrounding Team USA, including Kawhi Leonard's withdrawal from the team due to a knee injury. The hosts debate whether Leonard should have tried to play, considering his injury history and the team's need for his talent. They also discuss Kevin Durant's calf injury and the expectation that he will be ready for the games in Abu Dhabi.

00:16:04

Team USA's First Scrimmage and Dominance

This Chapter analyzes Team USA's first scrimmage against Canada, highlighting their initial struggles and eventual dominance. The hosts discuss the team's lack of cohesion and chemistry, which is a common issue for Team USA in the early stages of tournaments. Despite a rough start, the team ultimately showcased their talent and potential, winning by a comfortable margin.

00:31:28

Summer League Debuts and Key Games

This Chapter focuses on the upcoming Summer League, specifically the debuts of the Rockets and Lakers. The hosts discuss the significance of these games, particularly the Lakers' fan base and the presence of Victor Wembanyama, a highly anticipated prospect. They also highlight the importance of Summer League for evaluating players and identifying potential breakout stars.

00:38:38

Donovan Mitchell's Contract Extension and its Impact on the Cavaliers

This Chapter delves into Donovan Mitchell's contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The hosts discuss the significance of this signing for the team and the city of Cleveland. They also analyze the potential impact of Mitchell's extension on the Cavaliers' roster and their future prospects.

00:45:13

The Cavaliers' Roster and Future Outlook

This Chapter examines the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster and their future outlook. The hosts discuss the potential for the team to make changes, particularly regarding the fit of their four stars. They also analyze the impact of new coach Kenny Atkinson and his potential to develop Evan Mobley into a more dynamic offensive player.

00:48:22

The Atlanta Hawks and the Easiest Bet Ever

This Chapter revisits a previous bet made by the hosts regarding the Atlanta Hawks' performance. The hosts discuss the Hawks' potential for the upcoming season and the outcome of the bet, which was based on the Hawks' ability to be a top five team in the Eastern Conference.

00:49:21

Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

This Chapter concludes the episode with a recap of the key topics discussed and a preview of upcoming episodes. The hosts discuss their plans for covering Team USA in Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Summer League games. They also mention the possibility of a live show in the near future.

Keywords

Q&A

• Why did Kawhi Leonard withdraw from Team USA?

  Kawhi Leonard withdrew from Team USA due to a knee injury that he sustained during the playoffs. He was initially optimistic about playing, but ultimately decided to prioritize his health and recovery.

• What is the status of Kevin Durant's calf injury?

  Kevin Durant suffered a calf strain a couple of weeks before training camp started. He has not practiced or played in any games yet, but the expectation is that he will be ready for the games in Abu Dhabi.

• Who was selected as Kawhi Leonard's replacement on Team USA?

  Derek White was selected as Kawhi Leonard's replacement on Team USA. He is a skilled point guard known for his defense and playmaking ability.

• What are the key changes to the NBA Cup, now known as the Emirates Cup?

  The NBA Cup, now known as the Emirates Cup, has undergone some schedule changes. The quarterfinals will now be played at team sites on December 10th and 11th, and the semifinals and finals will be held in Las Vegas on a Saturday and Tuesday, respectively. These changes are designed to highlight the tournament and provide fans with more flexibility.

• What is the significance of Donovan Mitchell's contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers?

  Donovan Mitchell's contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers is a significant moment for the team and the city. It signifies their commitment to building a contender around Mitchell and provides stability for the franchise.

• What are the potential changes to the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster?

  The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing questions about the fit of their four stars. There is speculation that they may make changes to the roster, potentially trading either Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen. However, the team has indicated that they are not actively looking to trade either player.

• What is the importance of Summer League for evaluating players?

  Summer League is an important opportunity for evaluating players, particularly rookies and second-year players. While strong performances in Summer League do not guarantee success in the regular season, poor performances can be an indicator of potential struggles.

• What are the key games to watch in the upcoming Summer League?

  The key games to watch in the upcoming Summer League include the Rockets vs. Lakers and the Hawks vs. Wizards. These games feature highly anticipated prospects and potential breakout stars.

• What is the impact of the new CBA on player movement?

  The new CBA has led to increased player movement, with several star players changing teams this summer. This is a result of the league's desire to create more parity and excitement.

• What is the outlook for the Eastern Conference in the upcoming season?

  The Eastern Conference is shaping up to be highly competitive, with several teams making significant moves. The Celtics, Knicks, Sixers, Cavaliers, Magic, Bucks, Pacers, and Heat are all expected to be contenders.

Show Notes