Talking Hoops with Paul Flannery

Welcome to the top groups podcasts on W yeah I'd dot com on your host Paul Flannery. In as the name suggests this is the place for great basketball talk. I'll be joined by guests from around the hoops world and we'll start off our debut show with the one and only CM -- from AOL -- house. Enclose it with our very own Michael Holley. First up here's my conversation with Sam. Two when he beat out the show is seen an -- national NBA columns from AOL Santos and the first guest. On the talking hoops podcasts empower it to happy. I'm great all honored to be you're you're debut yes thank you so lecture me. Of course of course -- assistant. -- West Coast -- based on the West Coast and I'm curious. What's the reaction out there as far as what the Celtics did this offseason. Reloading the roster can't keep. Keep the same work together. To two people out there feel like or do you feel like that it that they -- enough to remain detached. I think it all up probably think that I think. You know we all almost all. I don't know we're used to it all last year -- well -- All almost all of this kind of you know -- this -- let. You know midway through lassie. Let the other spirited run. All the way to a game seven finals you know proved otherwise and and now I think I have to. You know distant that that I expected respect I guess is secure over into this year and then like you said that on top of that that. They did so some gaps that -- -- some pieces you know. Namely in the -- recorders it was that long and very deep style. It took so I think the consensus is that you know it's not that some people actually predict you know. -- Over the lakers in the finals you know you've been having the Celtics in the finals but I but I think you know regret their. -- let's -- -- I -- I I certainly didn't think that they were gonna field make that -- that it wasn't so all at which the cat the cavaliers series Russert elect's team was was back. Couple years ago and they cut McCain some some serious credibility I think currently was with the run that they're able to make. Absolutely absolutely. Not to it and obviously at this the -- -- was so this defense that we all. Here's a look at that just you know the end all the time and you almost that -- -- it. You know that there's -- long stretches last year and this and -- don't -- as soon as it was much you do but you know. Electric bills first thing I just wondered and -- what appointed to -- comedian is help and that kinda. The maker of that defense you know how much of a factor was that. But obviously you -- -- -- late certainly meant in general comments about and that these are what they're doing again. Yeah it seems like Kevin Kevin Garnett may actually be well on his way to recovery has -- for me seems to be a almost like a young -- practice these days which which I think I think erratic that's the key to it everything they do defensively. LeBron James say earlier this this in October that the road to the finals still goes to Boston in the in the east do you agree with battered you think that this is the Miami has now put itself in that in that that number one contender spot. -- bit from the standpoint that that's just that's should be I think. You know apparently. -- you can -- toward Tribune and the torch began. I'm glad that your yeah economy -- that it I think. On the -- I heights are around you. While I certainly understand. Quiet there. You know -- -- -- part of my in my mentality that says you know -- play -- game together that actually counts. And you know and they'll they are record out you know can't ultimately streaks that. Not gonna -- and it doesn't mean -- -- fully expect them you know to do just that. But I am a big believer in. Chemistry and and again. Just the one thing the other subplot -- public and it. All year long and start the race in the -- you know it is all about debates and I think that Miami. Didn't do it you know a successful -- up in the summer. And adding to their front court you know we're looking at a Joel Anthony. Hopkins tax situation. In public obviously we're very successful. I think in that regard and -- and it's you know. Yeah you know which sectional at this point Jermaine O'Neal can't think but that's and that's. Have them eat and that lakers you know on the flip -- there in the last -- the national as long as ever so that's what I'm planning. Yeah that's so that's that actually is the perfect segue Shaquille. O'Neal. Has taken. In Boston by storm it's it's it's kind of funny what you think about it he's been around for so long we. We we know so well and yet people here are still sort of kind of -- -- the fact that Shaq. Is -- Still it seems kinda strange that you haven't you you've been around him before but he is such a personas such a personality. And I'm curious. Yet you being. From Sacramento and that they had serious doubts that the kicks back -- who in Sacramento San Munich is more disliked Kobe Bryant or Shaq from the from that -- I think it's Opie I think that that I'm pretty confident candidate these Martin. Yeah I think you know there's no love lost Turco beat. You know the sense that you know in the inches -- left. You know they're the people are here see it and obviously. You know he has so what to do list. You know bashing McCain hopes dreams -- so many years ago. Oh you know Shaq at that time might have been the cat the -- that -- -- -- as we remember -- So nominal but articulate. Number to a total coal from most of that partly your -- But I -- pediatric opiate addict part of it is the the guy just can't ever completely get away from. Via the it -- but it chart and they like bet that this track created -- that it is here. He is. Almost every other cities. Just about probably the most unlike person may -- Indian yup it. I'd be interesting to see if the -- -- surpassed -- on the on the most dislike less than in the NBA. But -- -- a guy he's a survivor now at this point it's career you know he's there he is bounced around a little -- hasn't had the success has been blamed at times when things didn't go wrong. Alike in the way they brought him in for signing him to veteran minimum. And not making any of the focal point do you think that has better chance to work shack in Boston and that perhaps Phoenix Cleveland some other places he's been. I mean you know inevitably would that lowered expectations you know they. Other chances for success go up I think it -- relatively speaking. -- -- If he's getting failures that you went as far as the -- role that he's willing to play in the mentality like half. I think you did an okay job the last few years you know but to be out of sight and -- in jamarcus. Our -- too classy when when you know it took a few shots and in the last few stops you know once used dogs that he did that would let. A little bit as well so you know. I guess if you just can't let him you know played at Roland. Is that we'll let god use them how very -- Q -- -- -- complain that matter what happens on any particular. Well let's as Doc Rivers is everybody's as -- right things in the summer so yeah it's healthy cells that are. -- is that some of things there happening out west and you know that's that's something that's usually a little bit off our radar screen here boss that you've been making the rounds what are some of the things. It stood out for you guys use major weight major way to various camps. Wallets I think it's a year to date and -- note that probably just sort apartments that every year -- That's the first thing that that are scattered my regards. The long list serves -- big. We wish you know how. Slash performance you know and basically what you're gonna get out of these very big is going to be so huge and the championship race you know we're talking about Jack. But at this point -- -- that part of the Celtics go out west the lakers and undermine them once again the problem. You don't like not healthy he's back could be ready. They really are this much -- and one championship. But I know what wasn't. When docket -- comment about how you know the lakers beat the Celtics starting five. Well they obviously countered by saying -- note these are either under -- out of the big part of what we do. You've got you help me -- So shall it form. Can hear a healthy can he be honestly I'm not gonna print you know what that does the title contender for. Runner but they have you know pieces that go -- -- help Maine is that coming of old. Conducted at -- in what do you think if you because -- -- look they can be very -- An -- -- -- on they just morsel in most years you just kind of uncertainty around from the bed again and again. -- -- -- You know speaking of big -- got -- I've got alive and it just sort of really -- peace about it Monsanto's. Is DeMarcus Cousins rookie of Sacramento. -- -- That's his spirit in all it was my impression going into the draft and yet it's NBA guys we don't I don't really follow lot of college basketball I watched will be here -- there. After John Wall. I couldn't see any reason to take anybody else decides to Marcus customs and obviously he fell there's questions about his attitude -- tell it. Not a lot of questions about his talent curious your impressions of of two markets -- Well I'm -- back pretty much has never. Particular nada and Schiavo. Any shape or summer conditioning has been an issue for him. The -- everybody talked about the attitude that. The conditioning was part of you know I think the red flag with and you could only average about three minutes and college you know -- companies player -- -- -- such a low number but you know other little question about you know Kenny get he had very third by the minute and back. Charlie conditioning at bank the performances movies he's got. Right outside jumper that you know the people that reality and that's pretty impressive to you can you combine that. What appreciation you know -- and just that are really really really large presence in the big news. So on the court it looked good. And needed to balk at least he's got a great motor. So far up the court. All right well let me. It you know from Leavitt told him get your locker room utilized pleasant surprise. That this is coming from -- -- -- out and let the market so the first that -- -- in various July. And because they covered you know to be radically change for five years. Up until last year right that was dynamite show with the market statement -- to teach you used to cover the -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Dot users -- -- up to that stuff split you know in Sacramento he's been accommodating and actually pretty you know each of bigotry entertaining Newt -- on well so far. Let's get that does he have. It does have a support system in place -- -- to be able to it to survive its first couple years and and and are the kings are young team is they're good. You know system support system in place amongst the team to help all the help a lot of talent and a guy like -- -- Well. Woolsey. Back alive idol know -- -- an account in the past couple years that make it elect. Are you just organization in the league note to -- handle a personality like that. I don't really have that and and so what they have. You know like here don't like it they -- Otis purely his former Ku coach. The floor high school. How -- -- -- a guy who -- you know it sounds like it just an NBA team hiring. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- The NBA and in China and a lot of work and then worked it -- that it -- so they shot this guy's guy who -- You know street qualified as a -- in general but that would be like who could be in the market -- -- and windows and you can you know they indeed the you know what the picnic but broad. That's why I'm supporting -- -- -- Riots where it's currently mothers specifically. -- just genuinely I think she's. And intelligent -- lady and the committee that is you know he's very involved so that's a good thing. And so Woolsey you know it's the thing that it their market when it try to game that'll make so Wendell -- -- -- -- trick if you think. You know maybe you should keep should be coached differently and maybe guys should be played differently. You know I'd be active thinking through all year. Well that's speed bumps but they discuss final way to had not let anything just kind of lot of control. Right right now certainly certainly. -- terms of the -- you missed the rockets before. The lakers still the prohibitive. I -- lecture prohibitive favorite is right way to save the certainly still the favorite in the in the west until somebody knocks off but are we. We've got to see sort of transition out there are some of the team -- Dallas getting a little older Phoenix office we lost Amare Stoudemire. Did some young teams Oklahoma City Portland Houston might be getting it -- are we about to see -- A transition phase in the west from some of these teams have been contenders for the last decade or so it's these new -- -- Also there yet and and were detonator. Planet you know -- child in this -- that halted by. You know Portland. And I expected dysfunction you know. That -- account it came but they've blew up their opposition. Have auto ownership strong options issues. And eventually -- -- -- experiment Greg Oden by the way Africa dimension and it's yet another big. I don't know that should work. The -- not you know other talented. Yeah exactly coming that's you know and at -- time you know -- -- back. But like you said Oklahoma City in the big one that's the one that you know keep -- -- obviously it. You know it would you do -- -- short sometimes. That team. You know that that -- it. Ensure that it is. Outlook word and click so well -- wrote. To me. Indeed observed at all to see to have -- you know significant strides in the postseason this year I don't know that. Have to go that way OK you know per track victory won here and and get into the -- and meditation five years you really breakthrough. Really good -- blown away -- them. And the clout in art cover that lakers series that you know after question that's the one legitimate yet here and Garnett arrived yet seen. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Right right and as as we move forward the big news that keeps dominating note delete in the early part of the campus Carmelo Anthony is is is Carmelo got him. Survive the year with Denver -- To get traded before this testing results and don't it doesn't see it seems like we're heading toward. You know irreconcilable differences as word and -- just doesn't seem like Carmelo and Denver are gonna are gonna last much longer what's your what's your what's your take on the. And I got on the you know more bad news crop is that these are -- and told. That could help control this certainly visit you know he's not finished the year Icrc that he gets moved to four or. Let you know what you're go to build new here and he's still appear to have. The most an asset for the next action -- -- at least. You know outlook changed that with what's actually carry operate because cargo back next action I would -- The tree qualifier in the whole situation change. York remains the number one. Piedmont -- -- that we want to be. So again there's something leopard came and -- a couple of traffic that they don't. Lest we not pot and bring them. Yes. It's nickel -- -- -- right it's it doesn't look like they're ready to go their separate ways. You know George Karl trying to -- Convince well you know the narrative -- and never I just don't -- -- it's not rocket science you know Telecom away. -- click done. Shame -- you know a different website just click Yahoo! -- look at their salary this for the Denver Nuggets. Just stick to the situation you get the best players -- last year in the contracts not just mellow. Some volatility in the hot -- collectors net you echo true you know. Thank goodness he's healthy again on the European trip to George Karl you know -- months removed from battling cancer. And what she'd be back a minute. Really tenuous situation and outlook lateral soccer developing. Editor's -- you know another and those with front office dysfunction that's. That's the accident happened at. Under water and you know the -- you just McCarty attitude about the -- See it's got caught in Truckee which. Let's not understate that I mean I'm 32 year old man just company's thirty I cannot imagine writing a total team. Bella and telling these -- -- experienced people you know what to do illustrates domestic which has its time. Any news -- -- all judges and you aren't -- he would write your guy. But you can't think experience. And you don't have that big. True true at this video distortion. It feels. It is unfortunate you have to bring this up on the use of the season which by the way seems like it could be one of the most exciting it. NBA seasons we've had in many many years but. On the horizon. Labor trouble it seems like we have a little bit. People backed off that it -- tough speech and perhaps there's there's a new sort of opening. Maybe I don't know I know when we were out Las Vegas he talks a lot of people in Alton. Owners and and the like what's what's your take on the on the on the whole on the whole labor situation. And where things are -- -- it's. Let it benefit a month or so you're right that happens. Some time that you know specifically the -- they're the ones are hard cap. -- -- -- -- dosage. It wizards owner you know kind of partly confirmed publicly what is spent. Yeah pretty much out there is that they want to go that route. Not a great -- by the way for a new owner to say hey that we're gonna go with a heart cap. And I don't wash heavy you know come on Ted that's. Little little little off the charts there. That the car that's -- equivalent as a player. What would these players like I used except Rogers Nocioni honest you know toxic and of reporters and in -- campaign aimed at. Can I do think that nobody in the translates here. Yeah house around this you see shut up and public meeting with forget it it was seem to get older they're gonna. That you felt like he was then protected environment you know bring your -- we've been publicly that. You know that you know it -- Real secret would just tablet and some you know quite a big -- because if you let it out but it -- They our government to her heart out -- not only Turkey lock that it guarantees long locked out. BR I've talked to. July certainly. That that's exactly what they wanted to do. I shouldn't have gotten some security news on. The -- of the stamps. Some sentiment. That. It's going into what appears to be perhaps what the -- -- -- BAC and a long long time probably patient in Jordan era. Sorry it. A little bit because it Shapiro mentioned up a good thing you know Patricio. Idea to think about slamming the doors you know right after you know Wiki -- right after the lakers and -- Given assuming it files -- -- -- right. You know that's that's a pretty tough concept to grasp. Shall see having. Actually it maybe that sentiment in the moment. -- owners should absolutely hate the structure. Currently in the NBA they think they're getting. For lack of better -- -- -- -- and they need to pick it so you're up. Yeah that's it is to be fascinated they had no -- of an offense or team now whenever you start technically departed agreements but it's a it's vastly important for the for the rest of the lead going forward and -- arc -- delegate and Freddy Thompson had to have a story of the other day I mean this could conceivably wipe out what Miami did it you know that there -- all kinds of things can happen if we go to -- -- that are really important for our. Lieutenant Gary. After -- yeah absolutely you know back in July. I've written about well in the BR Susie and ideas stolen. You know particular caller who said -- my enemies over their party and celebrate their victory. You know you realize what can happen. That art can get to certain number will let it might be true. You know. On the flip side of that it's fascinating news. -- teams that are. Is structured it away. That they can really can edit it that it could be in the structure you can you know quite the the attorney general's stars. Hartley goes and there's some changes up the subtitle -- -- -- network packet source. That's you know they've if you got a lot of cap room and alike I hear and then -- -- navigation at players. You know then you can literally sit there. It's well true he could well be a public street -- that it you know that's better let you know you never know. You have enough -- As we what to get thanks so much effort for joining me. -- always pleasures octaves as as as we as we go away let me just -- -- sense to -- And NBA finals prediction can put you on the spot little bit was coming out east coming out west and who's your favorite for the MVP. Yeah final prediction -- at last we have the lakers. Cavities. And here boys because output on KG because they got as far as it last year and never quite like himself. Help us here credible report -- think -- -- -- -- think he's looking good. Yeah that's on top of that that's -- -- on everybody's okay. But that is really big. I'll say that I think I -- just in well greatest you don't know of the apartment maybe -- figured out well maybe that'll play out -- what about. And that you could do you know what matters most. I want it you know switch up will it give that give natural this topic but I'll -- -- and just good repeating action pictures like it went again. Kobe dynamic -- off but yeah home court advantage -- to be a huge a huge thing. I believe in the photos here the Celtics are to get there and I can't see them getting the top record in the league in getting that home court advantage. Yeah bakery and and also you know on the flip side of the KG. Factor. I think the Kobe should should they is that will be my only disclaimers. -- -- you know my prediction doesn't hold true oh that'll on the lakers side of things. It'll be because of Kobe his help as always is going to be a question mark just happen -- think that. That you really really really wants to. Match you know get up and Jerry on the and it I think she's not I think you know he's aware legacy and those that. Well -- lesnar alternate career and could even more horrible yet know. And let's make a pact if we meet again in the NBA finals you denied every other reportable let Kobe pretend that he doesn't because we're about his legacy this time. It at. The BP you liked it looks to stay with abroad may be -- Now. -- -- outlaw it would be impressed and not totally shocked. Look brought all the opera all scrutiny. I didn't Rosen like so other folks. Certainly down exactly. And let either in the belly play here and I wouldn't be shocked that he is it is little you know built here in the world when it repeat when he steps to -- -- way Chris Bosh. That would be really hard to do. Are targeted to correct -- on that bandwagon at the moment you know going back -- the first trap. Play cops and seeing what he did it should be left to. And the culture they've created Oklahoma City centrist on now. You know they've got a really really good thing going at it you know it wouldn't be all dark and when it it it. Dad got it seems like this seems like the year to rent it certainly doesn't and he's such an exciting player to watch -- and he sees it. The -- that they're really can be a standard bearer for the -- that most people appreciate lots of people actually like which which would be sort of you know. And he gets it gets it and and you know. Another huge factor viewer and of that interview with under coach Bennett -- not so long ago and what you -- At -- about Durant and it. His willingness to play defense which is huge factor in his cattle a couple of years to lead you past that point where he's. It never was scoring and CNN your point five or six or seven. You game. The fact regarding Richard. Last you know what most young scorers kind of get hung up on that. Right for awhile before they start and attention that -- this I want to us now and he lost a bit too -- players so I think that's why ahead of the curve. Well -- can be fun and -- and hopefully we can catch up at some point during the season but thanks once again for coming on the show and best of luck as the season goes. Of the -- They call every trick -- sent thank you. Joining me now WB. WEEI's. Own Michael Holley. The best person talk basketball with in the city in my opinion Michael. Let's get right into this. Celtics I get the sense. Your little bit of a skeptic on this team. I'm very much just kept to themselves well first book I'm glad to on this podcast. I'm excited -- you -- your true professional. And you know talking about but yet some a skeptic on the Celtics just because. Agent we saw some slippers last year. We saw the pitching Kevin Garnett we -- slippage -- Ray Allen. We saw it and while peers. And in Cleveland we saw it in Shaquille O'Neal when you look at them all but up pretty good numbers but can all of these old guys get together. -- by there will in in their in their basketball and select. Can they get it together. And make a run in the playoffs. And get themselves -- championship. I don't think so. I in the second round was never ever since right now never -- -- cavaliers. LeBron is a great player but that team was never great MP equipment were delusional thinking that they were championship team with a lot about LeBron greatness. They were able to win sixty games a couple of times sixty plus. But they were really a legitimate championship contender and I think the window world and it wasn't. The lakers and Celtics were about -- here's our problem this year with. They're older than they were last year which -- talked about. But not laboring at Miami and it's fashionable. On LeBron James for going to play with the -- somebody else's team. But in the NBA. Unless the coach is an absolute more. Talent does away. You don't necessarily say that while it is yet -- guys. -- in the special teams so many things go wrong. You reduce those numbers you have five to eight guys play regularly. And I out of those five to eight guys got three of the best players in the NBA you really have to be dumb. Not -- pitino had to think. Only thing we can hope for with the Miami. Is make it either. Britain and a girl -- girl fight over. Brick -- Tony Braxton bringing -- that's right bring and a woman. Brit have those guys to have major major legal problems and injury other than that. I gotta say -- paper and championship because you do or here's my other option that day. If if Chris Bosh is the movement. Which I don't think. You know you think that guys I didn't pronto for a long time. Maybe if they haven't always had great teams maybe he's a guy who's put up great numbers on on mediocre to bad basketball team. Then you say what they got two great players -- we know LeBron is great we -- And bosses -- of the wild card but other than that you gotta say that the best humility. You know and I'm with you and I Erik Spoelstra from a limited time in Iran does not strict music as a stupid coach. I think he's gonna figure this out here here's telltale sign if he doesn't get it. If they are having a traditional point guard running that team instead of LeBron or Dwyane -- is they don't need. Right and people talk about the bronze legacy to you know what kind of legacy. -- have mean can he went it was somebody else's team well. Let's say they go to the finals. You know three times in the next five years. Saves he's the finals MVP three -- For two out of three. Nobody's gonna talk about his legacy. In the decision. If he proved himself to be. Transcended basketball player when games matter most I think I think some of the old guys. And tomorrow Larry Bird and magic. And and Scottie Pippen all these guys Charles Barkley or criticize the by the old guys. Are just deal with a different paradigm -- than a whole new animal that's the whole new. AAU. FaceBook. Twitter. High speed Internet animal debated had to -- -- in 19820. It's a podcast world. You know what it puts up all rhetoric podcast world that up there with the Mac will talk to any time it's hours of talk about. Our -- without -- thank you so much my neighbor. Isn't there -- -- thank you Michael thanks for joining us from talking who was podcast that's all for this week my guest next time will be Kevin Pelton from basketball prospectus. We'll see --