Rusty Team USA Wins, White Replaces Kawhi
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers. He is a two-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Leonard is known for his exceptional defensive skills, scoring ability, and clutch performances. He is considered one of the best players in the NBA and has been a key figure in the Clippers' recent success.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns. He is a two-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and two-time NBA scoring champion. Durant is widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history and is known for his smooth shooting stroke, versatility, and athleticism. He has been a dominant force in the league for over a decade and is a perennial MVP candidate.
Team USA
Team USA is the national basketball team of the United States. The team has dominated international basketball for decades, winning numerous Olympic gold medals and World Championships. Team USA is known for its star-studded rosters, featuring some of the best players in the NBA. The team's success is a testament to the strength and depth of American basketball.
Derek White
Derek White is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics. He is a skilled point guard known for his defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and shooting touch. White has been a valuable contributor to the Celtics' recent success and is a key part of their backcourt rotation.
NBA Cup
The NBA Cup is a new in-season tournament for NBA teams. The tournament was first held in 2022 and features a group stage, quarterfinals, semifinals, and a championship game. The NBA Cup is designed to add excitement and intrigue to the regular season and provide a platform for teams to compete for a new trophy.
Emirates Cup
The Emirates Cup is the new name for the NBA Cup, a new in-season tournament for NBA teams. The tournament is sponsored by Emirates, an airline based in the United Arab Emirates. The Emirates Cup is designed to add excitement and intrigue to the regular season and provide a platform for teams to compete for a new trophy.
Summer League
The NBA Summer League is a series of exhibition games played in Las Vegas, Nevada, featuring NBA rookies, second-year players, and free agents. The Summer League is an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and compete for a spot on an NBA roster. It is also a chance for fans to get a glimpse of the future of the NBA.
Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama is a French professional basketball player for the Metropolitans 92 in the LNB Pro A. He is considered one of the most highly anticipated prospects in recent NBA history, known for his exceptional size, skillset, and potential. Wembanyama is a dominant force on both ends of the court and is expected to be a top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is a three-time NBA All-Star and is known for his explosive scoring ability, athleticism, and clutch performances. Mitchell has been a key figure in the Cavaliers' recent resurgence and is a fan favorite in Cleveland.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are an American professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers are a member of the Eastern Conference in the NBA. The team has won one NBA championship, in 2016, led by LeBron James. The Cavaliers have a rich history and a passionate fan base.
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
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk Kawhi withdrawing from Team USA, Derrick White replacing Kawhi, Jaylen Brown’s reaction to the selection, react to Team USA’s first scrimmage against Canada, give updates on the NBA Cup and a much anticipated Cavs Corner.
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