Full NBA Today | 3-Team trade sends Lauri Markkanen to Lakers, Austin Reaves to Warriors – Perk

Full NBA Today | 3-Team trade sends Lauri Markkanen to Lakers, Austin Reaves to Warriors – Perk

insider Bobby Marx. Barbie, we just keep hearing about flexibility. The Hawks want flexibility. What does that mean and why is it keeping them from signing Trey to this extension, at least so far? Well, there’s a couple things here, Malikica. I think the flexibility starts with the newness of this roster. I think although it looks good on paper, we still don’t know how good this Atlanta team potentially could be. When you look at a new front office in Ance Cle their GM, Kristoff Scorzingis, Nquille Alexander Walker, Luke Canard, certainly when you integrate Trey Young into that, they also have a decision to make with Dyson Daniels who’s also rookie restriction uh rookie extension eligible. So, I think if you’re willing to commit long-term, what does this roster exactly look like? I think you want a better feel. Remember, Trey Young is extension eligible till next June 30th, four for $229 million. And then Malik, I think from Trey Young’s perspective, you’re looking at this Atlanta team that’s projected to finish fourth regard uh per ESPN bet in the Eastern Conference and you’re saying, “Wait a minute.” I’m looking at the market. We’ve got potentially 10 teams. We’ve got a third of next year’s teams that have cap space here. Am I willing to commit long-term if I’m not liking where the price is right now? So, I think this is going to be a a slow play as far as where both sides are going to go. I do I do think there’s a middle ground as far as reaching that commitment here, but I do think from Atlanta’s perspective, you’re looking, wait a minute, let’s see how this roster fits before we’re willing to commit long-term to Trey Young. Really quick, Bobby, it’s unlikely if they don’t reach an extension by the time the season starts, it’s unlikely that we’ll see this play out during the season. That would likely signify a pause button. Am I correct in thinking that? Yeah. I I mean, you never say never here, but I think what you would like from a players perspective, you want to take care of your business before the season starts. You don’t want to have negotiations. Um, a little bit different than Jimmy Butler last year in Golden State, but you don’t want extension talks during the regular season. That’s something to happen after the season concludes. Yeah, you would never want that type of extension tension. Perk, when you’re looking at this for Trey Young, do you think this is a mistake that the Hawks are making by not offering him that max extension right now? I do because I mean, what what else is out there that you’re going to get far as being an upgrade from Trey Young? You just you just highlighted what he’s been doing every year as his assist and he’s averaging 25 for his career. He’s on a he’s he’s on like one could say or argue that he’s on a he’s having a Hall of Fame type career if you look at the numbers and now you actually have the pieces around him that compliments Trey Young Jaylen Johnson who I who I’m very high on. You have pesty wing defenders with lit. You go and get Alexander Walker who could provide that scoring off the bench or in the starting lineup. You get Luke Canoyard who is a knockdown shooter. And you look at what Trey brings to the table, he makes everybody around him better. So going to get his 25 and getting about 10 to 11 assists a night. What else are you going to go out there and get at that position? I believe that the Hawks need to get this done. And peruse you said it if you look at the numbers and speaking of those assists because everyone comes in and thinks, “Oh, Trey, he’s the scoring point guard.” But with the new coach and the new players, he’s been asked to do more passing. I don’t know if we have the graphic. Here it is. Thank you so much, JJ Joe and our amazing producers here. Every year of his career, he has upped his assist numbers. So, he’s evolving his game, not just relying on the shot, the deep range, but look, starting at eight all the way up to 11.6, six, constantly pressuring the best point guards in the association when it comes to the top of the categories of leading the league in assists and also points overall generated when you add his scoring. And I believe that this is an opportunity season for the Hawks because if you look at the landscape of the East, Celtics, Bucks, Pacers, Philly, how do we feel about those squads? Maybe there’s some question marks there. You look at Detroit, Orlando, they’re on the rise, but this is a team that is led by a veteran who has experience and who has evolved this game in some ways. And it’s also like the identity of the Hawks. Like if you don’t maintain Trey, like that’s a big choice. That’s a big gamble in a year where your team if you play well, you can end up getting to the Eastern Conference Finals. So I think that guy, that guy, that man, he needs he deserves he earns his money. And and Malikica, what do I always say that the great Kevin Garnett always used to tell me? You remember the one that’s fit for TV or the one that’s not fit for TV? Anything is possible. No, no, no. Don’t worry about it. Listen, he always says he always look at young great players to see if they able to go out there and get theirs and make others around them better. Chay highlighting that choice. He’s getting his and making guys around him better. This feels like a a roster when you look at stars around the league right now that this is tailorade for their star in Trey Young more so than a lot of them that we’re seeing. And we actually got to see a a glimpse of Chris Staps Porzingis Trey Young’s new teammate here as he preps for Euro Basket. this one against Italy here. So this is Italy versus Latafia Chenet. Chris Steph Porzingis. That’s the hard screen. We know this is what he does. That’s a layup to him. This is just Stephanie. This is why they call him the uniform. And then also these are the plays that I love. Just attacking the rim coast to coast. I mean analytic dream. A three and a dunk. And then he’s got a nice passing touch here too. Okay. Looking nice double pass. That’s nice. 14 points in this one. Italy does get the win, but again, we’re just looking for glimpses of what we could be seeing here from in Atlanta for the Atlanta Hawks. So, this one here, Chenet, you just got to listen to the announcer because I think he he sums it up best for the former MVA MVP. He’s way stronger than Costas. He’ll turn and score. Too easy again. Yic. Too easy. Danovic to Yic. There’s no one to bother him there. It’s too easy for him. It’s too easy. It’s too easy. I think there should be a setting to be able to listen to games more like this. Just tell me how it is. No one can stop there. That’s his game. No fluff. Exactly. No fluff. How about Lowry Markin also getting some runin with the Finnish national team taking on Belgian here in this one. Chenet, he went crazy. I have a feeling that like maybe 29 teams are like, hm, this is someone that can separate us. Yeah, this maybe is a sevenfooter that can shoot and also do that handed jam. Yeah, certainly someone who could help us. Going ahead to the fourth quarter here. Markin cutting to the basket and then gets a nice little layup to go mobile. I mean, come on. Chen, he finished with 48 points in 25 minutes in this contest area. He followed that up this today with a 31 point performance. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. This was not a mirage. Larry Markin is on his third team with the Utah Jazz and that has Utah has been really his most productive when you look at his numbers. He won most improved in 2023. He was an all-star. But the Jazz, they have firmly said, “Nope, right now even though we’re in the midst of a rebuild, we don’t have the right offer on the table.” So Bobby Markin has been a bit of a topic as Chana has been really really um covert in alluding to over the last couple of minutes. What kind of market is actually out there for a player of his skill set? Seven foot can shoot. What are we talking about here? Yeah, it’s amazing how things kind of changed a year ago. Remember we were talking about Larry Mark and that date we had circled as far as to renegotiate and extend as far as when he could become trade eligible and he was not trade eligible last year. He’s entering year one of this max contract right now here. I think from Utah’s perspective, yes, there is a market for him, but I do think when you look at this roster, and it is extremely young as far as what the Jazz are going to do, they need good players, right? They need to eventually turn the script a little bit as far as how they start building this roster out, collecting draft picks, which they have 11 first in the next seven years. That is great. But I do think marketing can be a building block to build this around moving forward. I don’t disagree. He’s talented, but also like this is a long game type of situation. We’ll see how long. It’s hard to keep players happy when they’re in that type of circumstance year and year and year. I believe Austin is going to hold on to him like a conversation. I really do. I agree with Bobby and Cha, but I do but but Bobby, let me ask you this. Could it be a possibility that he end up in Boston? Maybe Boston take a look at him. They lost Christopheris. They lost Al Horford. I mean, you know, Perk, Boston is interesting to me, and I know we’ve talked a lot about it, how much money they’ve saved, over $300 million, but eventually they they have to start adding pieces and look at that 2026 season. They’ve got that Anthony Simon um expiring contract, which is roughly 27 million. They’ve got a a six first round pick. Certainly, they can include this year’s pick. That’s the type of player that fits if you’re trying to take that gap year. and then also add a piece for next off for next off seasonason when Jason Tatum gets back. This sounds like a challenge that the Utah Jazz are going to have to try to figure out here over the next couple of months. They are seeing Larry Markin is entering the first of a four-year deal where he’s making nearly 50 million a year. So, it’s not exactly like it would be cheap to be able to move him. Uh, but speaking of issues of problems of challenges that players around the league have had to face, did y’all see this? Tyrese Maxi, we’re with you. And normally chef helps me use the can opener for my dogs. [Music] Tell me what I need to do. Somebody on here help me out. Show me how to work this thing. There needs to be some pressure when you when you tension. Yeah. You got to just snap it onto the side of the can and crank. Although some are more difficult than others. It’s true. Could you have handled that one? Absolutely. But I’m just trying to figure out what kind of dog do we have, right? What happened to the dry dog food that come in the bag that you She’s been A1 since day top tier. But she was on a whole different level while making WNBA history last night against the Sun. We’ll show you exactly how this one went down. First quarter here. Chenet. This is the opening possession. Wilson misses the layup, but don’t worry, sticks with it. If it’s going to be one thing, Chelsea Gray is going to find her girl, especially when she’s cutting to her strong hand the left side here. Chelsea Gray though with the miss. And then Wilson, the offensive rebound. Another chance. My favorite words and one son gets that one to go. The Aces would enter the half with all this tied up at 45. So to the third quarter we go here. Under seven minutes left in the third. Aces up one. This ain’t fair right here. Gets it at the top of the arc. How does she do it? Well, you should know the left hand is her strong side, but especially when she’s going downhill and when you’re not all up in her space, she’s going to make you cook. Let her cook. Let her cook. A few minutes later, the ace is up too. Wilson, this is a theme with the miss and then sticks with it. What I love is that she’s playing with reckless abandon. Usually, we know her for being perfect. You know, perfect. That’s the type of thing she aspires to. Now, she’s going to show her teammates, we’ve got to scrap and claw, and she’s really held it down. What do you say about that Gray Wilson connection? It’s unreal. Come on now. Less than three minutes left. The Aces up seven. Wilson catches it, drives, gets the floater to go. 32 points, 20 rebounds. The first player to do that. Here she is after the win. It’s huge. Actually, Caroline was telling me that walking here. I didn’t even know. Um because, you know, as many graces as we have in this league, that’s kind of a shocker uh that it’s just not happening now. But, you know, it’s it’s a blessing. I love what I do. I love what I do. I love it so much. Um, so anytime that I could come out and and just play the basketball the way that I love it and in the team and we’re all getting involved, I’m happy with that. So, it’s pretty cool to have my name in the record books when it comes to that. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a lot following up. So, yeah, it’s pretty cool to kind of be the first one. It’s kind of unbelievable. She was the unanimous MVP and she’s still playing at a level that is almost exceeding that. She’s the first player with a 3020 game and she now has six games with 30 and 15 tying a W record and is top five in points in rebounds and blocks this season. Chana, even by Asia’s standard, this is incredible. How is she reaching new heights? We are back. The gang is back together. And in the words of Kendrick Perkins, hello world. Let me talk nerdy to you. It’s Asia’s world and we just living in it. The first ever 3020 game in W history. The Connecticut Sun had 23 rebounds. That woman right there with a good old hair. She had 20 on her own. The pink is always cute. I love what she does on media days. Uh let me show you. Let me break it down because to me it was her effort off the dribble that separated. She’s an excellent screener. They reject the screen. Look at the handle crossover. She’s sizing. Tina Charles, a legend of the game. Tough fade away. Gets that one to go. I saw m multiple possessions where she was going one-on-one and just cooking. You got to send the help. Send the double team. But then she can also do bad all by herself. Watch this. How many people are in front of her? The whole entire squad. It’s not just the Sun. The entire universe that’s trying to slow down Asia Wilson instead. She gets to her strong hand. Tough finish. So many and ones. She just plays fierce, ferocious. You see that left? She’s showing it off. The last 12 games, they’ve won nine of them. So, they are heating up at the right time. Malikica and Asia Wilson, she’s going to be a player. And also, this team that no matter what their record in the standings is, you don’t want to see them come postseason time. Yeah, it’s kind of wild. It felt like we were talking about whether they were even going to make the playoffs or not. No, I’m a far cry from that. It was the performance of the night in Vegas. Last night was the game of the night in LA. Our girl had a front row seat. We’re going to pick it up here. Neca Gumay in the paint. I was talking to sis after the game. I was like, that left was clean, sis. Y I was in my feelings and my emotions. What a what a great game. So, it’s all tied up here at 89. The final seconds here. D’Aka Hami with the right hand layup. Yeah, that’s her go-to getting down to the right. Dominique Milongas, come on strong. Britney Sykes. This move had me out of my seat. Slim, what a great addition for the Storm to try to give them a boost. Got him. Slim finished with a game high 27. The Storm tie it at 91. But watch Hami here though. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. My girl loves driving right. That’s against a long defender. And this is what the Sparks have been. Literally sparking their good resurgence in the second second half of the season. Hamby would sink the free throw. So LA up by three. You bet that LA gets the win in this one. a real thriller. And with all of that, this is where the WNBA standings are coming off of the weekend. Let’s just take some inventory here. The Lynx way out in front. The Aces, they’re on a heater. Their latest run here has them running up the standings. The Sparks, they’re now a half game back of eight. Remember, the top eight teams, they all go on to make the playoffs here. But it wasn’t in LA. We didn’t get our first look at another guy who who plays here in Los Angeles. Skinny Luca on the floor. Luca 2.0. He debuted for Slovenia in an exhibition game. This is a Euro basket tuneup here, Chenet. But we got to see what what new look Luca is capable of. Connects on three. That’s something we’re we’re used to seeing. Yeah, I was saying those shots ain’t new. The floaters, the off the glass, the finesse. I do think he’s going to have to deal with like maybe a little bit more muscle cuz you know when you’re lighter, you move a little different. But right here, those moves are timeless. Timeless step through. I believe that Perk would call that the slippery eel right there as he makes his way inside with a nice finish there. Crafty from Luca and then again out in transition here. Luca pulls up for three. Just checking that range. That’s not fair. You just got to guard him after half court. But it’s all good. He’s just getting warmed up. He’s just getting warmed up. And then Donic gets it again here. Gets this one to go. Sylvania would lose, but Donic, he had 19 points, five assists in just 24 minutes in this game. So yeah, I I think that Luca is going to be just fine. Again, this was just a tuneup here for Slovenia. As we say hello to our resident big man, Kendrick Perkins. Parker, were you impressed by our first look at Luca? This new look, Luca. I don’t want to be that guy today. You know what I mean? Y’all bringing positive energy. Y’all bringing positive energy. Look, do is Luca in shape? Absolutely. But we know Luca out of shape is a walking bucket. I’m sorry. I just don’t want to see the the offensive highlights. I need to see a Luca Donic that’s sprinting up the floor. I need to see a Luca Donic that’s sliding those puppies at a high level. I got a little breakdown right here, Chen. Malikica, y’all can see it right here. Here it go. Yeah, I got a little breakdown for y’all. Here it go. Right here. This is the stuff that I’m talking about that the people, the fans, us are going to be watching again. the second effort, the third effort, the first effort, getting over the screen, lack of communication defensively. Like this the Luke I want to see. Okay, after a turnover happens right here, he drives the ball, they turn it over. I want to see a Luca on his high horse spreading back on defense. That’s the Luca I want to see. We know he can score buckets. He averaged 28 and he was fat and out of shape last year. in shape. We know he go he’s going to score the ball at the high level, but damn it, we need to see it in other areas, especially the areas that don’t show up in the stat sheet. I don’t want to knock him for summer hoops right now. Exhibition summer exhibition. He knows he’s going to have to be fresh in November, in January, and hopefully in June. I think it’s good, Perk, because first you got to know you have a problem. And when you have a problem, you’re like, “Okay, I probably need to get in shape.” And all of a sudden, he’s a cover guy, right? like men’s health. That’s great. He’s trimmed down and now he’s going to refine the pieces because if you see right there, that shine ain’t going nowhere. But now figuring out like I watched the the plays and yeah, his passing was elite. That’s what I’m talking about right here. That vision, you can’t teach that. You can’t teach transforming your body overnight when you’re in an NBA postseason run. And so the steps, we’re starting to see the steps that he’s starting to understand the criticism. We knew when he lost in the NBA finals, this would be the opportunity for him to sort of bounce back. Now you have the magnifier of being in Los Angeles and now we’re starting to see the progress. Park, respectfully, let’s chill. Let’s keep a cool booty. Let’s keep a cool booty. He going to get dirt. I apologize first. I said I didn’t want to be that guy. Cuz that’s how apologies work. You preemptively apologized. Perk, weren’t you the one who said that you think that this is the MVP year for Luca Donic. I’m not saying he needs to win that in one exhibition game for Slovenia. But did you see maybe some of the the the beginnings, the very very base groundwork here? I I do. And and the fact that he’s even playing basketball at this moment, you got to give him a nod, right? I always say in order to get in basketball shape, you should play a lot of basketball. Luca said it himself that this was the first time that he actually put down the basketball and actually got in the weight room. So again, Chen Malikica, y’all right. He is just scratching the surface. I believe come training camp time, we’re going to see the best version of Luca. We’re going to see a locked in Luca. Because in Luca words when he came down and signed his contract extension, he said he wants to win it all in a Laker uniform, but he wants to win it now. Can I tell you two things I do love about this though, Perk? One is that Greg St. Gene, who is currently an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s coaching in Slovenia now for their team. So, they have that on the ground presence from the Lakers, making sure to help Luca through this transition. And secondly, Luca was asked about they don’t have right making sure that they have somebody there. And then Luca also said they don’t necessarily have all of their best complement of players out there right now because there’s some other guys who were supposed to be playing for Slovenia who aren’t because of some stuff that’s going on with their their regular teams. And Lucas said, “Well, if I play for the Lakers and they’re letting me be out here, then maybe everyone else should be allowed to, too.” So, it does seem like there’s a slight psyche change here. This I also loved. In case you all missed this, Luca, he got himself some new wheels. I got a new car recently, Chen. Remember, we went through this for a couple of months and now I drive a new one. And when you get a new car, you got to be real careful about where you park it because it’s a little difficult. You can’t control who parks next to your $2 million vehicle or you know, he can’t get in. He can’t get in. Oh, and that and that’s a Mayback look like that’s blocking them. But honestly, isn’t that that car that has the like the doors that open up? Like, should it be? You know what I mean? Yeah. This is a little summer vacation check-in. First, our congratulations to Alex Caruso. Picked up two rings this summer. He married his wife, Haley Caruso, this weekend. His Thunder teammate showed up. But wait for it. Wait for it. We got some questions. Chat standing out. The white, the red, the gold chains. Scarface vibes. Perk. Would you wear this, sir? Absolutely. And that’s how you step out in great fashion. And look, when it comes to sevenfooters, check Wimpby and uh Triple Jarn Jackson Jr., they’re on the top of the list when it comes down to making fashion statements. I love sevenfooters who got swag. I just wonder if you’re not the groom, if you Is it like a bride wearing white? I just don’t know if there’s a rule or not. But you know what? Whatever it is, he is fully fully doing it. Next up, this isn’t a fashion statement, but we do have his teammate, the finals MVP, celebrating back in his hometown. Check this out. The Hamilton Tiger Cats of the CFL, the Canadian Football League. They honored Shay Gildas Alexander at their last game, and he brought the Larry O’Brien trophy. He was also given a key to the City Chenet. Last year, he took just about every basketball award there is over the last three months. What can he possibly do to top that now? I don’t know, honestly. maybe come out with a song cuz I know his IG posts are straight up lyrics. So like the victory lap type of situation, but what we’re living in his world right now. Yeah, maybe that’s what he’s going to have to get a doctorate like honorary doctor. Dr. SG, right? Dr. SGA. Next, the Clippers. They added some big pieces this off seasonason. We mean that literally. Including John Collins. He got a first look at his new locker room. And you can check out, we see the highlights here, but I’m hoping we can show you that his next door neighbor, it’s going to be Derrick Jones Jr. aka Airplane Mode. Two of the best lob threats in the league. Collins dubbed them as the Bounce Bros. Park, do we like the nickname Bounce Bros? There they are in the locker room. I’m all in on it. I’m all in on it. You know why? That means they have turned the page and they have moved on from Lob City and now you have the Bounce Bros. Because with James Harden, CP3, and those two brothers right there, John Collins and Derek Jones Jr. is going to be a lot of alley oops and a lot of dunks. All right, the Bounce Bros is here to stay for now. Next up, Lakers forward Rui Hachimura. He was testing out a a unique training style this summer. He’s back in his home country of Japan and he was working out with some sumo wrestlers. Chana, will this translate to the basketball court and should you and I add this to our workout routine? Absolutely not. Is the answer for us. And yeah, I mean, these guys are having a good time trying to train in unique ways. I see a lot of people doing Pilates. We’ve seen what Victor Webbyama has been doing, visiting the monks and also Kevin Garnett. And I guess we just have to add this to the list. Stay low. That’s good. Defensive stance. Yeah. Look at that stance. I mean, clearly perk. Perk. Would Perk, would you do this? Do you think you could take it down a super sumo wrestling? Can we get Perk out? I’m working on that stance. I got to get in this. I got to work to get in that stance. Give me another M. We need to get you one of the outfits, Perk. All right, let’s check in on number one pick, Cooper Flag. What’s he up to with his summer? Well, his summer camp is underway. The University of Maine. Age, height, no issue. He’s throwing down poster dunks on literally everybody. Oh my gosh. B, do you expect more of this from Flag when the opponents are maybe a little bigger? No, he’s a competitor. If you step on the floor, this is what he’s going to do to you. It’s just in his blood. Sorry, young man. That’s what I did to my campus. You got to get them while they down, while they young. Take advantage of That’s what I did, too. Right. No shot is safe. I block and swap everybody’s shots for the young kids. They love it. or could they get you back for that? Uh, you may have noticed a western theme here as we ran through some players summer vacation. So, let’s play a little elevator pitch. We’re going to take a deeper dive into the conference. So, this is last year’s standings. For the purpose of this discussion, we’re going to zoom in on the teams that were left out of the playoffs. Maybe Sacramento, Dallas, Phoenix, Portland, San Antonio, New Orleans, and Utah. That’s where we’ll start the discussion at least. Perk, who do you believe is going to elevate into the playoffs this season when you look at their offseason moves? Y’all know sometimes a lot of times I ease drop and listen to vanity conversation when she on the phone with her friends and and it and it say and she be saying stuff like baby honey child listen y’all listen to this. Here’s the thing. I’m looking at the Spurs. I’m looking at the Spurs and I’m looking at Victor Win beyond. It is time. We’re talking about when you start comparing them and saying the greatest prospect since LeBron James was Victor third year. LeBron James third year, they he took that leap and gotten into the postseason. And when you look at what the Spurs have has done, they have surrounded him with some nice pieces. You look at a De’Arren Fox who just signed a contract extension. We know what he could bring to the table. Allstar level type play. Harrison Bores, a three and D guy at the wing position. They did really well in the draft. You got some nice young pieces with a evil genius in their new head coach. I’m looking at the Spurs to and Wimby to go out here and make some noise and move up in this Western Conference and for them to get in the postseason. Perk, it’s always a good day when you mention your better half, Queen Vanity. And by the way, congratulations. I saw all the pictures time. Happy anniversary to you guys. Uh my squad, you know where we’re from. You, me, Van, from Texas. And I’m going to stay there and stand on it. We already know stay in Texas. Yeah. Yeah, that’s the point. Like we’re keeping it in the family here. We’re keeping in the family and everyone knows that I’m going to pick the Rockets naturally, but I want to pivot actually to Dallas because I feel like some people might be looking past them, especially given Kyrie Irving, his lack of availability due to injury. But still, their starting lineup is going to be solid. I mean adding DLO there who’s a professional point guard. You’ve got Cooper freaking Flag joining which is going to help bring that positivity back to the city. And then has anyone had a better summer maybe than Klay Thompson? Spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, all that type of stuff going back out there knocking down shots. You have Gaffford and Lively Maintain. This is going to be one of the biggest groups. And of course helming it on the interior is Anthony Davis. And so I’m looking at the Mavs. You know, they they were not good last year. obviously fizzled out, but then maybe finding that continu continuity, especially as they try to buy time until Kyrie comes back. One of the games that I’m definitely going to have circled when the schedule comes out later this week is when Anthony Davis returns to Los Angeles because we still haven’t gotten to see that game yet. He was hurt the last time around, so we didn’t get to see him play. I know I gave the stipulation of teams that didn’t make the playoffs, but I think you guys have that covered. I think that a team that was already great last year that I think has the potential to get even better, go with me here, guys. What about the Denver Nuggets? I really, really like bringing in Cam Johnson here for Michael Porter Jr. They have a true backup center in Valenunis. You’re bringing Bruce Brown back. Their first round pick from 2024 is actually going to be able to play. Remember, he was out all of last year. And this is the team that took the defending champs to seven games. And Isaiah Hartinstein said this was the most difficult, as you see him there trying to guard Nicola Joic, the most difficult, the scariest series they ever faced. If we’re looking at teams that aren’t just going to make the playoffs, but have the ability to maybe even take it to OKC. I’m looking at Denver as that group. The West though, Shane, I think you got a super. It’s rivals week across the W. So, let’s start off with the finals rematch that we just saw between the Lyns and the Liberty here, Chenet. We’re going to pick this one up in the third quarter. Of course, remember short-handed for both of these teams. Yeah, my good sis Kathy the commissioner, please let’s get these games earlier so we can give the people what they want. But KAC, oh my gosh, in a blender. Sorry, Sab. Tough finish. Beautiful crossover there. And then two minutes later, John Jones finds Natasha Cloud. Look, I’m just going to give a little personal information. Natasha Cloud is one of Malikica’s favorite players in the association. Okay, it is. is but DJ Ker I’ve been liking her little new look with the and when she’s giving you offense like that plus lock down defense and a dog this is a team that’s looking to write their wrongs from that court right there in Barklays and then less than a minute later here yep go ahead big T go into the fourth quarter here less than a minute into the fourth the links lead 6657 McBride she doesn’t just cross you over she can hit the big three too yeah it’s really great because each player knows her role specifically fee obviously having a tremendous season but out but For them to be able to compete at a high level at this level is great. Alana Smith takes it away, finds Heidi. Nice easy layup. The Lyns do win this one 8371. And what do you say, Chen? Should we check in on the Mystics here and the Wings? The clash between the number four overall pick Kiki and number one pick Paige Beckers. This is actually really cool because this was Jaci Sheldon after getting traded her first game. Uh there were a lot of transactions, but Paige Beckers is a professional bucket. knocks down the three early there and then Enrique Agumbali finds page backers again. Three plus the foul and one son. She’s been on a different level transition has been smooth. Another rookie we should mention rookie sensation Sonia Citron Allstar just cool, calm, collected, a great three and D player. Look at her. She’s got that dog in her as well. This is a matchup that people wanted to see. But look running the floor. My other good sis finished with 18 points. Fen recorded a career-high 23 points in this one as the Yeah, KES, you know what school she went to? Stanford and then USC. All good. Who else went to Stanford? Anyone else in here go to Stanford? I think I think maybe Ch. As rivals week continues, our next ESPN WNBA game. It’s Tuesday night, 7:30 Eastern, 6:30 in Dallas. That’s when Paige Beckers in the Wings taking on Kelsey Mitchell, Aaliyah Boston, and the Fever. Coverage tips with the Countdown crew. That’s at 7:00. And we got more for you, don’t worry. Wednesday night on ESPN, another good one. The Liberty, their three-game road trip rolls on in Vegas against Asia Wilson and the Aces. 9:30 Eastern, 6:30 Pacific with Countdown at 9:00. But we have to bring in someone. No, no, that’s not a rival of our friend Chana Agum, a sister of our friend Chen Agum. Neca Agum, thank you as always for stopping by. The 10time all-star and champion herself. We really appreciate the time. Thanks for having me. You know, I love spending time with you guys. I love it too. But Chana like ran off to go prepare something. She’s going to be back in just a second. But NECA, you moved up to sixth all time, which is pretty incredible on the all-time scoring list. Plenty of spots still within reach. How does that feel to know that you’re continuing to climb that ladder? I mean, it feels like I’ve been playing a long time, that’s for sure. But, um, I’m very grateful and, uh, of course, incredibly so to be able to do it in a storm jersey. Well, let’s talk about the storm then because your Stormer are in the midst of a little bit of a tough skid, but you all added Britney Sykes, Slim to the squad, dropped 27 last night here in LA. What are you guys focusing on as you’re trying to to get prepared for the playoffs? Because I think this is sort of the best time of the regular season right now. No, I mean, I can’t disagree with you on that. This is the best time. Everyone’s trying to of course punch their ticket, but then also find momentum going into the playoff standings. Um, right now I think of course adding Slim was amazing and um, understanding what we can uh, do make sure that we make the small plays. I think right now we’ve had a stretch of games where we’re making really big plays, but keeping those small plays in perspective for us to come out on top is what we’re trying to focus on, right? Those daily habits, those daily vitamins and deposits that you’re trying to just make sure that you’re zeroing in on and that’ll translate again to wins. NECA, you impress me for so many different reasons, but one of them is the many, many hats that you wear. And I’m hoping that you can put on your WNBA PA president’s hat for just a moment here because there’s been so much conversation, right, about this bargaining agreement and and what your priorities are? And I would love to just hear directly from you, the players. What are you all looking to accomplish here between now and the end of October? I mean, one, we’re looking to have another successful season, you know, including the playoffs and using that momentum and um a lot of the progress and growth that we’ve seen, of course, with the biggest help of our fans to be able to come out and negotiate an agreement that reflects our value. And NECA, when you look at these talks, if they land in the right place, where do you see the WNBA and players in the next 5 years? Because really, that’s what all this is about. It’s about continuing to grow the game and making sure that players get a piece of that. Absolutely. I mean, I see um the player share growing with uh the growth of this league. You know, we’re seeing I mean, exponential growth at the team level, at the league level, of course, with the fan um the fan support, and that’s all that’s all kind of heading in the direction that we’ve seen the future of this league growing. And uh there’s no better way than to have that represented in the foundation of this league, which are the players. And I see that happening um not just in the next 5 years, but in the very near future, especially coming out of the CBA negotiation. Well, NECA, I I think I speak for many when I say I don’t know that there’s anyone better to be at the helm of these conversations than you. I really appreciate that insight. So, when we were prepping for the segment, Neca Chen said, “Well, why don’t you take like the the serious stuff and then I got some stuff for NECA.” So, Chené, are you gonna make an entrance back there? What’s going on? cuz we are family. I got my sister with me and I am so proud of her. You guys know I can’t keep a serious face when I’m talking to my big sis. So, she did the heavy lifting. It’s time to have some fun because NECA, you know, I have this segment called Chenise Challenge because you have been balling. People call you Madame President because you are the president of the players association. You’re averaging 1872 and 50% shooting, which they try to stress me out because you know, NECA, I don’t like to mention these things to you cuz we don’t want to jinx them. I’m literally going to knock on some wood real quick to keep it going, sis. 14 years strong. But this is today’s challenge sibling edition. Neca, I’m going to ask you some basketball trivia. I might have a little personal trudge and you’ve got to answer. I believe in you. You ready? You ready? Okay. All right. Necati NECA, you are the sixth player to join the 7K club. Who was the player directly ahead of you? Now, here is the hint. She also formerly is called Madame President as well. Oh, is it catching ding ding ding ding? Tama catchings. Absolutely. 7,380. You just crossed over and have 7,000 and 75. Malikica. Yes. Score. We undefeated so far. All right. Neca, you also recently became number seven on the alltime rebounding list. Who is number one? Now, she is currently in the league and was traded, which cleared the path for someone that might look like you and have your last name to go to Connecticut in 2014. Oh, this is this is Big T, right? Big T name. Government name, please. Oh, Tina Charles. We’re two for two. We’re two. I think you’re going to like this one. Best for last. Okay. And I love this cuz I was there working the All-Star game. Nobody has made more shots than you, my sis, in Allstar game history. Who did you pass? Now, I infamously guarded her my freshman year at Stanford. You didn’t need to give me these hints. That’s my You you want to give more context to that freshman match up at Stanford next? I mean, yeah. You know, we were playing at Stanford and um we wanted to continue our home stand of winning at Maples. Chen had the incredibly seemingly impossible task of guarding my um and when I tell you Chen knew my was going to tie her shoe. It was that crazy. But, um we came out with the win. But of course, you know, it didn’t come without the challenge of guarding one of the greatest of all time in women’s sport. We’re gonna need to be pulling that footage. You, Necco, went three for three in the sisters challenge. That can only mean one thing. Wait, virtual high are at the top of the leaderboard. Virtual high five. Other hand, sis. There it is. Bam. Neca’s at the top of the leaderboard. The Aguma are at the top of the leaderboard. That can only mean one. We’re going to start with game five. This is the 2015 NBA finals. Steph, ridiculous shot. Sorry, Deli. Yeah, I think these are great because these are singular games of a series, but like when you’re going for the goal in route for his first championship, though. That’s true. I mean, that’s a heck of a shot. I mean, they’re they’re unfair. Toying with him on that. Hey, what’s up, Sean? Telling Trump he needs to bring back the flat top. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Number four, this is last season. Steph’s first time going up against his splash brother, Klay Thompson. And anyone who said that this didn’t mean more didn’t have 2020 vision. Isn’t this where he was talking to the camera after the game? Say like, “This is my house or maybe not.” Lip readers are unclear on what was said, but there was pointing to the floor and there was a confirmed night celebration and he was fired out. This is what we’re talking about right here. You know, is that what he was saying? That’s what I love. Lip bleeders, please confirm. Is it October yet? Number three, back to the finals. Game six, 2022 against Boston. He pulls from deep this game six the shot, but it was game four, right? No, game three. game four that was Steph was just incredible and he said yeah add another ring. Yeah because this is when people were like is the dynasty over and they just really pushed and got this through. So yeah. And then if this is number three that was one of the best Steph performances I’ve ever seen was in I think it was game four of that series. Number two, the famous double bang. Yeah. Steph Curry. Bang. Bang. Oh, what a shot from Curry. I’m no Mike Brain. I am I am no Mike Brain. But what a moment there. Yeah, this is what I think of honestly. So Chenet then we will put it number one after seeing all those. You’re thinking the golden dagger still number one. It’s the circumstance trying to go for gold maintain the top spot. Big shot goes on a heater and then it’s the Katie behind saying what’s is that going to help you when you have to guard Steph Curry and then you get this iconic shot heard around the world. Night night was translated in into French. I need to go back to French class. Steph clinches the gold medal with team USA against France. Perk, that performance was insane. That’s all you need. Just a little smile for it. Hey, for the rest of the week, we’re going to get to reveal the NBA schedule here. Coming up starting tomorrow, tune in to Good Morning America and then NBA today. We got it. Oh, that was a break. I’m in summer for this.

Full NBA Today | 3-Team trade sends Lauri Markkanen to Lakers, Austin Reaves to Warriors – Perk