A time to reflect as the podcast turned five years old yesterday. I'll have plenty to say as I wax poetic on this journey, a puppy and all that the sports world has to offer. On deck:
(3:01) Some housekeeping is in order as I send a thank you to all that have contributed to the podcast is some way, shape or form over the last five years. I take great pride in delivering a top notch, entertaining, informative and credible program on a week in, week out basis. It goes without saying how much I appreciate everyone's support as I look forward to what this year has in store.
(7:00) This one is a little off the beaten path, but I have to share this story of a recent addition to my life. One that involves a nine week old puppy. How this little cuteness of fur, wreaked havoc last night, barely getting a wink of sleep as she's recovering from a bout of giardia. I'm sure those who have a dog or puppy can relate.
(10:05) Let's get to the reason why you're here, some sports chatter. Kicking off is the NBA. The return of Kevin Durant. Not just to the Association, but his first game in a Suns uniform. They beat the Hornets in Charlotte last night, which begs the question? Are they destined to reach the NBA Finals? My answer to that is no. I'll explain why. Also, the Lakers are going to start an early spring vacation due to the latest injuries regarding both LeBron James & Anthony Davis. They're thisclose from making the play-in tournament, but my gut tells me they'll fall short. Which leads to LeBron's tenure in LA if they do not qualify for the play-in. A potential three years in five not making the postseason. If Jeanie Buss is smart, I better not see statues and number retirements of the great King James inside and outside of Crypto.com Arena. Steph Curry will possibly return next week as the Warriors will be on the road at that time. Can they turn it on in time to defend their title? There's another anniversary to celebrate as today makes 61 years since Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points vs. the Knicks. The Bucks cannot be stopped as they've won 16 in a row. Jayson Tatum got ejected for the first time in his career. How he needs to cool it when it comes to every call not going his way? Speaking of New York, they've been playing well as they're in the midst of winning seven in a row.
(24:30) March Madness is inching close, just two weeks away from it commencing. #2 Alabama had an enormous come from behind victory at home against Auburn. Is this the type of win that ignite the Crimson Tide to a deep tournament run? How about Kentucky? They finally crack the Top 25, only to lose at HOME to Vanderbilt. And a big loss for Tennessee as they lose Zakai Ziegler to a torn ACL injury.
(28:24) Tomorrow at 3pm, the NHL Trade Deadline will be a thing of the past. A huge, yet worst kept secret deal was former Blackhawk Patrick Kane going to the Rangers in a three team deal. Will he fare well and deliver a Stanley Cup to the organization for the first time in 29 years? There was quite a bit of wheeling and dealing the past few days. Columbus acquires long time Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick from LA. The Maple Leafs add grit, toughness and Cup experience by bringing back Luke Schenn to Toronto. Colorado added some depth by trading for Lars Eller in Washington. The Oilers are adding some defense by obtaining Mattias Ekholm from Nashville to see if they can take the next step to a Cup Final. So many transactions to wrap your head around as teams will do their best to increase their chances are making a run into the playoffs and beyond. And an update on the Rangers K'Andre Miller spitting at Kings Drew Doughty and the suspension that was handed down by the league.
(41:28) As for what's happening in the MLB, there were no umpires at the conclusion of the Orioles-Pirates exhibition game the other day. Why was the the case? Plus, the Dodgers suffer a key blow to their infield, losing Gavin Lux for the year after he tore his ACL.
(45:53) The NFL has a lot of their hands as to what an owner or GM will do with #1 draft prospect out of Georgia, Jalen Carter. He was charged for reckless driving and racing where a former teammate and a staff member were killed back in January. How will the league handle this? Also, what should the rules and competition committee do in order to stop the 'quarterback push' aka The Jalen Hurts Rule, in which two or three players will assist in pushing the QB past the first down marker or the goal line to score. What about the rumors surrounding Bengals WR Tee Higgins and more so, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson? If the Baltimore front office is pining for Jackson to stay, then they must put their money where their mouths are, despite him not winning when it really counts and staying healthy when it matters.
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Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.