[FULL] NBA TODAY | Perk on NBA Open Night, J. Kuminga to Nets? – Warriors trade Butler to Giannis?
theater for the first time in league history. It’ll all tip off in Oklahoma City, the reigning champion Thunder. They’ll get their rings with that man, a familiar face across the floor, Kevin Durant, who will be debuting for his sixth franchise when he puts on a Rockets jersey. But somehow that might not even be the main event for opening night. Later on in Los Angeles, LeBron James, he will kick off his unprecedented 23rd season against his career-long foe, Steph Curry, as the Warriors visit the Lakers. That one is at 10:00 Eastern. As we welcome you to NBA today, I’m Malikica Andrew. We have so much to dive into as the NBA began to roll out the schedule this morning. Today’s show, it’s going to have a little coast to coast flavor. There’s no two people I’d rather break it all down with. An NBA champ Kendrick Perkins and the people’s champ Agum. You heard her. You heard her. I’m the people’s champ. I will take that all day every day. Stamp it. People’s champ. My champs perk. Hit me with one word. I know it’s been a while, so you probably got a few, but just one word to describe this opening night slate that we just saw. Well, before I give you the word, Malikica, I’m going to give you this word before my my word to describe. Here we go already. It’s hot. Preacher perk. Now, I know I haven’t been in the studio in a minute, but turn the damn AC on. Yeah, we have a little bit of a situation, but you should be used to this. We from the age. Come on, bro. Yeah. Yeah. But but look, I’m going I’m going with the OG’s. That’s the word to describe opening night. Right, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you went to the circus before. The greatest show on earth, right? In respect to the champs, their ring ceremony in Oklahoma City Thunder, but damn it, KD, LeBron James, Steph Curry is the attention, right? It’s still their league. They attract the eyeballs. They’re still the faces of this game. And that’s why they’re going to be on display for opening night. OG. So if you’re going to say this is a circus, my question is who’s the ring leader of that circus? Because the NBA is going to be really interesting with all the power moves. Malikica, my word is trifecta. I wish I went first because we’re on the same type of time. Those OGs, they truly are the trifecta. I mean, this is the generation that we grew up on and they’re still in top tier form. Kevin Durant going to my Houston Rockets. Steph Curry looking at his Warriors like are we going to make some moves? And LeBron James finally has a what Perk likes to say a skinny Luca a little bit. So my word is trifecta to see which you know star which ring leader will really come out on top. I like it. I thought Perk was just going to stick with hot but no that’s just to describe the studio. How about history? We get to see history in LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry all suiting up and Oklahoma City also getting their first ring in franchise history. So what do you say with that history on the line? Let’s dive a little deeper here and let’s start in Oklahoma City because Kevin Durant will be back in Oklahoma to kick off the season and a user posed a question to KD on social media. He asked this. He said, “Where will your mentals be on opening night when you watch the team that gave you everything raise a banner after you left them high and dry?” Okay, that’s direct. To which KD replied, “Well, finally it’s been 10 years. It’s about time they won one.” Perk, you played five seasons with KD in Oklahoma City. Do you think this is just going to be any other game for Durant? Do you think there’s a little something more watching OKC raise that banner? Hell yeah, it’s going to be more. And by the way, we have rubbed off. The NBA Today family have rubbed off on Adam Silva. The pettiness and I’m here for And I’m here for it. Damn it. Yeah. The pettiness. Houston Nc. KD Nc. The fan base still have yet to give him a a round of applause for returning. Now all of a sudden, you got to see the great KD has to walk into that building and watch not only the franchise he left raise their first ch raise their first banner, but also watch the best franchise player ever at SGA be able to watch and get his ring. It’s going to be smoke in the city. I wish I could be there. And if I’m KD, I go in the back. I don’t want to watch it. If I’m KD, I come with the mindset that I want to upset them and disappoint and be a spoiler on their ring ceremony night. Yeah, I’m not mad at that. Well, they can be a spoiler the season. Yeah, go ahead, Chen. You’re absolutely right. It could be a spoiler of the season. This is a team that finished, I believe, was it number two, the Houston Rockets in the West, and they got the guy that fills all of their holes. But if you think about it, Perk, one thing you, me, and Malikica, we all have in common is we were all in Oklahoma City, not just for the finals, but also the Western Conference Finals. And so I feel like we’re honorary members of the fan base that you love because we all fell in love with them as well. They love you, but I think they love all of us now. But one thing I know is not only do they remember the past and they are still hurt by KD leaving, but they also remember the present, which is good. They understand that this team is built to win in the future. And KD get did get his own rings. So I feel like he’s still going to walk in there confidently. But yeah, I feel like the the smoke is there for game one. They did a great job. But I think I think with them winning the championship has closed that chapter chapter for the organization of Oklahoma City and the fan base of the Kevin Durant. So you think that they’re going to cheer and I’m not saying all that. We still may see some cupcake signs in there, but if you’re OKC, you want to come out on a mission as well, right? We haven’t had a back-to back champion since the month of February, right? So you want to come back, you want to come back. You want to come back with a certain type of hunger and you want to come out on your opening night and show that you’re not satisfied that you want more. Yeah. And Kevin Durant is coming in with a team that is fully equipped to challenge Oklahoma City in the Western Conference this year. The Houston Rockets, as you mentioned, Chana, they finished the year second overall. They they want to have something to say. They don’t get go get Kevin Durant just to be second again, right? That matchup between the last season’s top teams in the West. Maybe they’ll perk. You’re the appetizer expert. Just an appetizer for the first night of the season, right? Because anytime I’ve been eating salads anytime you get Steph versus LeBron, this is not a salad. This is the main course. No matter what year it is, it is the main event, right? They’re going to both kick off their campaigns for that elusive fifth ring with a head-to-head clash. And there’s no shortage of questions surrounding both of their teams. What is year 23 look like for LeBron? Are the Lakers officially Lucas team now? Did the Warriors put enough around Steph and the Warriors to cook up something special one last time? I get a little Hamilton in one thing right now, y’all. I mean, come on. It’s fun. We know this though, friends. These teams, they answer the bell every time. They’ve played 56 times across the regular season, the playoffs, the playin. LeBron has the regular season edge, but Steph Curry holds the lead in postseason wins, including in the NBA finals. So perk, it’s been over 10 years since the Steph LeBron rivalry really kicked off here. It feels to me though it hasn’t lost any of its seam. I think back to Christmas Day last year. Why is that? Why is it still so exciting? Because you have two alltime greats that every time they step between those lines, they want to kick each other ass. LeBron James want to give Steph that work and Steph want to give LeBron James that work. And you could go and we could look at the numbers. It speaks for itself. And so when you have these two all-time greats, and yes, they’re OG’s, but they’re actually always competing between that line to say, “This my block, homie. This is what I this is this is my turf.” And Steph, like we talk about LeBron James, and rightfully so, of being, you know, the arguably the greatest player of all time. Steph feel like he should be in that conversation. So when they step between those lines, it’s a brawl for it all. And this it’s a reason why you brought up Christmas Day, Malikica Chenet. It’s the reason that they damn near touched I believe it was nine million viewers on Christmas Day because all eyeballs was on them because they never disappoint. Yeah. And if it comes to me, I I’m looking at both of these guys. They have extended their prime in a way that they’re setting the standard for those in the future. Like now people think it’s realistic to play until you’re 40 based off of what they’ve invested in their bodies. They’ve created the blueprint. I feel like LeBron and Luca and now I guess maybe a 2.5. I don’t know if we’re not going to go there. We have to see them win and be productive. Da DeAndre Aiden becoming a a a big three. That would be the best version of the Lakers. Like that was the hole that they needed to fill. They filled it and now they have the pressure to be productive. But I feel like they have the pieces now that they went in knowing that they’re not complete. So, I’m looking at the Lakers at this point, probably being ahead of the Warriors because the Warriors still are the only team, I believe, that made minimal, if not any major moves over the last 100 or so days outside of Jimmy. No, you’re right. And it’s still gas in the tank with both of these guys. The alternator, both alternators are working. No problems with the transmission. They got the, you know what I’m saying, the brakes are changed. But when you think about the two videos Malikica Chen that I’ve been seeing over the last 24 hours I saw one of Steph Curry right looked like he was running from some damn mountain lines and I believe he got on a damn I believe he got on the weight vest. Look but look this is not this is not a perk trot through the trail. This is highlevel running through through whatever he is. I don’t know what it’s at but damn it. This is a This is a guy that all of a sudden you watch LeBron, he’s dead lifting weight. These are two guys that have nothing to prove but are working probably the hardest in the league. Wait, Perk, you should know something about this. You You’ve dropped You’ve dropped some weight. I see you. Can y’all see the face? I’m waiting for I’m waiting for October. You look great. Uh I don’t know what a perk trot is, but we’re definitely going to be needing to put that to the test. Maybe get some cones out a little bit later. Hey, coming up here on NBA Today, ESPN’s opening week delivers star power. We also get a finals moments on ESPN over the years, and we’re proud to bring you the NBA for the 24th season this year, starting on Wednesday, October 22nd, and it all tips off with the premier matchup, the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers, they look to assert their Eastern supremacy against the Knicks here. Hey, Perk, can we already call this an Eastern Conference Finals preview, you think? Absolutely we can. And I believe that look, both of these teams should come out on fire. I’m looking at Carl Anthony Towns. He is going to be the deciding factor whether or not he’s in shape. Is he going to be able to slide those puppies on the perimeter and defend at a high level and be able to battle that big duo that they have down low the Cleveland Cavaliers do and Jared Allen and Evan Mo. Well, and then the second game of our Wednesday double header perk, it’ll be the first matchup between two of the best young players in the world. Victor Wimanyama faces the 2025 number one pick Cooper Flag. Chen, is Cooper going to get a welcome to the NBA moment from his fellow number one pick right out the gates here? I think everyone, no matter what year you’re playing in the NBA, has a welcome to the NBA moment when Victor Webbyama is at the rim. Let’s be real here. But Cooper Flag, that guy is no punk. He’s going to go up there. He’s going to challenge everyone. We know his work ethic is through the roof. I’m excited to see what he does in Dallas. But Victor WBY, he’s back and we are so much better for it. We missed him. We definitely did. We certainly did and we’re going back to back. Miss Agum, we’re back at it on Thursday. Another double header that starts the 2025 Finals rematch. That’s when the Thunder play the Pacers. So, Perk, the Pacers, of course, they’ll be missing Tyrese Hallebertton. He’s recovering from that torn Achilles, but what are you expecting from OKC as they start their title defense? I expect them to hit the ground running far as with the Thunder. I expect Jay Dub to come back better. I’m looking at Chad Homegr and I’m saying this is his year to come out and pick off pick up where he left off at the beginning of last season and we know SGA is not satisfied. They bought basically their entire roster back. This team is going to be locked in. This team is going to be still hungry. I’m expecting big things from OKC. Yeah, you and me both. We wrap up our Thursday double header with the Nuggets taking on the Warriors. So Chenet, this is going to be our first glimpse glimpse rather of the New Look Nuggets. What do you expect from Denver this season? I have a I have high expectations. You coming with me? Absolutely. I feel like they understand they have to maximize on the best player in the world, Nikolai Joic’s prime, because he’s someone that affects the game on all levels, especially offensively. They made some tweaks. They brought a little nostalgia back. They added some perimeter shooting, but number one, they addressed their depth. So, if they’re able to keep that in motion, this is a team that is consistent. And we should see Joic continue to average what? Another triple double. Right. Exactly. And with that, the NBA season will be in full swing. So, Perk, when you’re looking at all 30 franchises, that that team that we get the first look at, who are you going to be most excited to see to start the season here? A team that we don’t talk about enough. I know they got the number one pick, but I’m going with the Dallas Mavericks. How are we not talk about them? I’m going with the Dallas I mean, because we’re talking Excuse me. Let me say this. A player that we don’t talk about enough that’s on the Dallas Maverick. His name is Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. and we forgot about him. We’re talking about a guy that’s a top five big in the league. A guy that we could look up and he could be averaging 30 and 11 the first 20 games of the season. By the way, Luca Donic was traded for Anthony Davis. Dallas traded their allNBA player, their international superstar for Anthony Davis because he plays both ends of the floor. Without Kyrie Irving being there, I think Anthony Davis is going to be on a mission. I’m interested to see what it look like when he returns back to LA. I’m glad you brought that up the other day, Malikica, because we haven’t talked about Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. one time on this show since the off season. We’ll be talking about him very, very soon. But I’m going to actually pick things up where you dropped them because you did drop the ball talking about a team we didn’t talk about. I’m going to actually answer that question part. Okay. The Orlando Magic, they made a huge well. The Orlando Magic is a team that I feel like with the East wide open, given the injury concerns, whether it is uh in Milwaukee or Indiana or now the Celtics, there’s an opportunity for them to really climb up the standings. We already knew defensively they’re solid. They’re a top five defense, but did you know that this has been a top a bottom 10 offensive team every year since they traded Dwight Howard? Like, that is wild. Now you insert Desmond Bane, a certified three-point shooter, someone that averages 19 points, and shoots nearly 40% from three. They’re making the moves to win right now and fix that offense. And I love it. And I feel like we’re going to be talking about them more and we will be seeing them more, especially later in the season. Perk. Yeah. Well, not to mention, we get to see them early on in the scene. And Desmond Bane maybe exact some revenge in those international games that they’re playing against the Memphis Grizzlies here. Chen, I got to ask you, my good sis, from New York to Los Angeles, are we going to do it again? Are we going to do it again? I know what you’re talking about because I’m just saying opening when we get to see Chris Paul back in a Clippers uniform. Kawawaii Leonard, where we saw him end last season, you and I both know that we are going to be pulling up to Into It Dome because this team is utterly fascinating. They played an intriguing first round series. You could have said, “Okay, yeah, we understand the matchup against Denver. We understand how hard of a time Denver gave OKC. Why why couldn’t that be the Los Angeles Clippers?” And here’s what I’m curious about, Big Perk. Is this Clippers team that we see on opening night with all the promise and excitement that is going to get Shane Gumay and I into the building, is that the same team, knock on wood, that we’re going to see finish the season, my friend? I don’t know. But I’m not banking on a bunch of senior citizens. And I keep telling you that Malikica, they’re too old. As the league was going in the as the league is going in a different direction and getting younger, we’re seeing a lot of title contenders got they got younger this off seasonason. The Clippers, they got older. Yes, they got Derek Jones Jr. Yes, they did pick up John Collins. And I respect CP3. I’m not going to get into the alltime rankings. He is an all-time great. I just don’t know when it matters the most health and what are they their their their ability to defend the wing position in the postseason with all this youth. I just don’t know. Malikica, we’re going to do it. We always do. We’re going to do and this is why we’re excited to see the beginning of the season. Perk, this is why it’s the first game out of the gate because that’s when health should be at its peak. Hey Park, are you ready for it? Coming up on NBA today, holiday weather that are as synonymous for the NBA as LeBron James and Christmas Day because just look at the categories he leads on the day. The most games played, wins, points, you name it. He leads the category and he gets to add to that again in 2025. Now, the Christmas Day slate, it does start at the world’s most famous arena with the Knicks taking on Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers. This will be Cleveland’s first Christmas Day game without LeBron since 1989. And no, that’s not just a Taylor Swift reference. And in the second game of the slate, we get Victor Webbyama and the Spurs taking on the reigning champion Thunder. Oklahoma City will be making their first Christmas Day appearance since 2018. Now, the midway point of the slate, you get a quick cup of coffee before this one. That’s where you see Cooper Flag making his Christmas debut against Steph Curry and the Warriors. Flag will be the first number one pick to play on Christmas Day as a rookie since LeBron did it in 2003. So that brings us to the fourth game of the day. That’s where Chennai, yes, you get your rockets. Kevin Durant and LeBron James. This will be the fifth time that LeBron and KD will meet on Christmas and the first time since 2018. That was when Durant was a warrior. And that brings us to our night cap. That’s when we’ll see Anthony Edwards and the Wolves head to Denver to face Nicola Joic’s Nuggets. Jookic is one of two players to ever have a 40point triple double on Christmas. That was back in 2022. So, all in all, the five games on Christmas Day. They will feature 17 allstars from last season. This is a real treat. All starting with Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers taking on the Knicks in the Garden. And it’ll be the first Cavs Christmas Day game, as we mentioned, since 2018. And y’all, I just love this. This is what Donovan Mitchell posted last year on social media. He said Christmas game soon. Fast forward one year and the Cavaliers, they will be be in New York on the holiday and Donovan Mitchell posted celebrating that full circle moment here. So the Cavaliers and Knicks far and away the favorites to win the East. That’s according to ESPN Bet. They are also the only two Eastern Conference teams, friends, that play on the first ESPN double header and on Christmas Day. So of all the teams, we just get two in the Eastern Conference, which says a lot about the state of the conference right now. perk. When you look at these two teams, which has more pressure, do you think to come out of the East? Because it better be one of them, right? Yeah, absolutely. It’s the I mean, it’s the Cavs when you think when you’re talking about overall team because they did win 64 games last last season and then they got spanked by the Indiana Pacers. So, unfortunately, no one’s going to give a damn what they do in the regular season. Now, when you talk about players, which players under the most pressure to deliver, that’s called Anthony Towns. Like, it’s time for him to deliver. It’s been a lot of criticism when it comes down to, you know, uh, Luca Donic and what he did defensively and being in shape. Well, Cat falls in that category. Cat is a walking bucket. He’s one of one. Arguably the best shooting big we’ve ever seen. He’s really, really skilled. But that’s not what he needs to correct. He needs to correct his ability to get up and down the floor, be able to slide those puppies because he was getting cooked in the pick and roll. Now you have a new coach. You went on the podcast. You say you and Mike Brown met for about two hours. Y’all on the same page. Damn it. All eyes are on you. You in America. You got to deliver. I would say it’s not just Cat. Yes. As a player being the X factor. Cat. Absolutely. And I believe this new coach will have, you know, make a system where he’s more comfortable shooting threes because we saw him move away from that, especially in the playoffs. But I think there there’s pressure on everybody in New York, especially when you make a move losing coach Thibido and then now adding a new coach and then there’s questions about the usage and there’s questions about okay, supporting cast, where did OG go, where did male go when they needed them the most because Brunson, we know what we’re going to get from him, but now it’s about designing a new system that works for everybody and just not one player, you you know, so I feel like there’s a lot of pressure on New York overall knowing that the East is wide open once again. The Cavs, in my opinion, are the favorites and they should be the favorites. You have the coach of the year, 64 wins. You retain Dawn, you extend uh, you know, extend Dawn a year ago. Now you have Evan Mobley who got the bag, especially after getting the award. They have the supporting cast. I mean, they the problem with the Cavs was that they were not healthy at the right time, which was the end of the season. A couple players being out during the postseason mess up their rhythm. If they’re healthy, this is the team to beat. And they were designed. I mean, you said something crazy last year, but wasn’t that crazy? You said, “Hey, they they’re so good. They make you forget about the past because you feel like the present they can win and turn that page away from the Cavs of the past, which they’ve been living in for almost a decade now. 2016, that championship. They have an opportunity to really do that this year as favorites when a a number of the teams they thought would be good actually are a little bit down. No. And they should be the favorites, right? And that’s why I said unfortunately what whatever they do in the regular season, they could win 70 games. No one’s going to give a damn. They’re going to be like we’re going to we’re going to evaluate them what they do in the postseason because again a Donovan Mitchell le team has never been to a conference finals. Call Anthony Towns. Also, we just saw Mikuel Bridges, didn’t he get an extension? Oanna Noi, he’s locked in. He got his extension last off season. Jaylen Bronson as well. So, when you think about Cat, you think about moving him for Julius Randall, you got him to move the needle. Not saying that he didn’t cuz they had a successful season this year, but if you’re trying to take that jump, it’s going to be on the back of Carl Anthony Towns because we know what Big Body Bronson gonna do. Where your buzz at? You don’t have your little thing in there. Big Body Bronson. What about Big Body Brunson? You That was a perfect perfect Carter Perkins impression. What about Big Body Brunson? What I did like that the Knicks did this off season, friends, though, and everyone, by the way, I’m sitting here in the studio here in New York. Everyone just perked up a little bit when we said, “What I like about what the Knicks did.” Everyone here in New York, the expectations are skyhigh. It doesn’t matter if it hasn’t done this since been 25 years, this, that, and the other. That’s the feeling around the city. What they did is they went out and addressed their bench scoring. That is a huge part of having this durability that the Cavaliers didn’t seem to have even though they’re incredibly deep over the course of an 82 game season. But Perk, if you are looking for maybe uh something to point to about Christmas Day and Madison Square Garden and big men going crazy since that’s what you’re calling for, right, from Carl Anthony Towns, you remember this Victor Wmanyama? He made history. He finished with 42 points, 18 rebounds in the three-point loss to the Knicks in his Christmas debut. This year, he’ll be in Oklahoma City taking on Cet Homegrren in the defending champs. So, I ask you, Perk, Chené, do you think it’s time we go a little shot for shot on the battle of the big men? Yes, it has been a minute, big bro. Little sis, time to go shop. We got to work on our like handshake, right? Because when it comes to these two players, baby, now we got a little bad blood. I’m going to take Victor Webbyama. Perk is going to take Chad Homegrren. And I’ll show you why. Because we already know offensively, these guys are growing and improving. They’re rising stars, but defensively, they’re both rim protectors. They’re shot blockers, and they are X factors for their team to take the next step. I’m going to start with Victor Webbyama. What is he going to bring defensively, especially when it comes going up against his rivals since back in those U16 days, this is not they’re not new to this, they’re true to this. Watch him in the words of Perk, play the passing lane, but most importantly, slide those puppies. Victor Webbyama the last two seasons led the NBA in blocks. He missed 36 games. Last year he still led the NBA with 176 blocks especially right there. You see that beautiful one on his rival. Now I know Victor doesn’t have the championship but he is probably the guy of the future. And then here comes Slim that done it on the big stage but when he match up against Wimby it’s personal. He’s guarding Chris Paul but at the same time he’s watching Victor. Don’t want him to get nothing. Look at the elevation on this 75 alien and then turns to get back to the plate with verticality to me so at the at the rim and all of a sudden you going the other way. Talk about taking it personal. You talk about moving your sliding those puppies. Look at Chad Homegr right there. No one else in the league probably maybe Giannis could slide and get a contest on Victor like Chad Homegr. And it is personal. You’re right. It is personal cuz right now Chad has more wins than Victor in this head-to-head matchup. They’re pretty the same when it comes to points per game, but rebounding is where Victor separates and of course block shots. Nonetheless, every time these guys suit up, it’s always cinema popcorn because we know they’re going to bring it. Victor will have one soon, but yeah, he’s got some work to do to catch up with Chat and Company. Malikica, yeah, around NBA today, we do make sure to to note rings as well. We mentioned this the rest of the Christmas Day slate. It will feature six Western Conference teams who should be right in the thick of things come December. The Mavs, the Warriors, the Rockets, the Lakers, the Nuggets, and the Timberwolves closing out the holiday. But the great thing about Christmas Day, we already we always get excellent highlights here. We’ve had the pleasure of broadcasting 23 straight Christmas Day games here on ESPN and ABC. So, as we go into year 24, let’s take a little look at the top of the top here today. Let’s go. Ooh, come on. Okay, do you guys remember the jerseys? This is top gift wrap. Okay, top gift wrap. You remember those? The t-shirt jerseys. And that was for They’re seared into our memory. Oh man, that was clean with the left. And then is that where he ripped it afterward? I’m not sure. It was probably muscles. Like you’re going to have it too, Perk. You’re going to have those problems soon. Chen, we love a sweet treat. We do love a sweet treat. And I love Tracy McGrady as well, even though he’s in a different uniform. The magic finger roll. Nice finger roll, Perk. Walking bucket. Oh, split the D. Oh my gosh. Come on. Unfair. Can we go ahead and give that to John Wall? His signature lay. I feel like he got a 360 and the best intro ever with the Oh, Jamal Crawford. Did you see it man? And he could have kept playing. Let’s be real here, right? Yeah. He’s still the crossover. All right. Stocking stuffers coming through. Oh, Dwight off the vert. Yeah. Hey, love. Watch your head. Nice assist. Nice assist right there with the miss because that was a perfect bounce. Oh, it’s your friend. I see you are jizzle. Sorry, Clay, but Clay’s winning these days, so it’s all good. Did you say our jizzle? You’re gizzle. My Oh, I was going to say something. Aaron Gordon. Oh, man. Did we decide this is Air Gordon? Is that what we’ve decided this is being dubbed? Absolutely. 2022. Yes, for sure. We needed it. Mary Mamba needed its own category. Absolutely. 1999. Oh my god. Oh, and that’s that’s the elder of Mr. Jackson, not the younger. Kobe, we love you. And this one on the Suns. Oh man, that’s tough. Come on. Look at that about her progress. Take a listen. No return to practice. um she’s been able to get um a little bit more in her fullcourt running, you know, with her her all of her body weight. It’s really building up from doing minimal to to then building some some endurance um to do longer periods of time. She’s been able to do a little bit more on the court in terms of how she moves um but not into practice yet. No. All right, so that’s the latest on Caitlyn Clark. Remember, she’s missed 19 games this season, and that’s the most she’s missed in her career at any level we’re talking. And Indie is just 10 and nine in those games. They’ve seen their scoring output go down by over five points. So hopefully we get to see Caitlyn Clark back on the floor here soon. We’ll certainly keep you updated as she continues to progress. But don’t miss that matchup. It’s tonight. It’s on ESPN 7:30 Eastern. Paige Beckers in the Wings taking on Aaliyah Boston and the Fever Coverage Tips with Countdown. That’s at 7:00. So, speaking of rookie of the year favorites, we found out the Cooper Flag will make his NBA debut on ESPN. It’s October 22nd against the Spurs. He will also play on Christmas Day when the Mavs face off against the Golden State Warriors. Now, it’s a rarity for the number one pick to play on the NBA’s marquee day, but Flag, he will not be the first to do it. So, let’s just flash back here to the last time a number one pick played on Christmas the same year they were drafted. We have to go back to LeBron’s. He had 34 points in an overtime loss against T-Mac and the Magic. If you are keeping track, he’ll be playing in his 20th Christmas Day game this December, which is pretty incredible. But Chen Perk, my friends, I’ve been looking forward to this all show. Are you ready for a little Christmas Day trivia? I feel like I’m coming in all great and powerful Oz style here. I am the powerful. No, today I’m just the trivia master. So, we’re going to stick with the rookie theme here. Chen, are you ready? I’m born ready. Let’s do this thing. I knew that part. All right, let’s do it. So, we showed you LeBron. Over the last 40 years, only one other number one pick has played on Christmas Day in the year they were drafted. Was it Yao Ming? Was it Derek Rose, Patrick Ewing, or Shaquille O’Neal? Oo, this is tough. Do you want to go, Per? Yeah, I’ll go. I know the answer. Y’all mean. Put it up there. Y’all mean and I’m surprised you didn’t know. No, I just want to see it. He said it with his chest. He said it confidently. It’s okay. I’ll redeem yourself. I I love the confidence you had. And I love how you always go with Shane was about to say Patrick Euing. All right. This one’s for you. Actually, both. Perk. We We’ll let you get back in here, but be careful with him. Got you. I will. What rookie scored the most points in a Christmas game? Was it Kevin Durant, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, or was it Pete Maravic? So, I’m gonna go with I’m probably going to be wrong for sure. How’s my guy? How’s my guy? Say his name. We’re going to We’re going to work on this. We need to get NECA back into trivia. We know this man wins almost every category he’s in. So what Chamberlain I should have gone there on and off the floor. We’re all right. Let’s try for We’re 0 for two. Let’s try for number three. And everybody at home, I hope you’re doing better than my friends here. Only nine rookies have you guys. We’re in full offseason form. Only nine rookies ever scored 30 or more points on Christmas. Who was the last it the last recently? Jason Tatum. Jonathan Dominguez. Think about this or Kime is ready to make it. Ain’t nothing to think about. It’s this young right here. Skinn brother with the clean face. What? No, I’m wrong again. It’s Kime Hawk. We have remember our researcher. We have to remember his fandom. He’s a Miami Heat fan. We got to think deeper. Guys, let’s all take a deep breath. Really, bro? It is our our pride on the line. We can do this and this is the last question. Everybody at home, help them out. Tweet them, slack them, call them. What team is a rookie when it comes to playing on Christmas? This team has never played on Christmas. Really think through this. You know, John played on Christmas. Okay. The Grizzlies. The Pelicans that played on Christmas is either them and them. Which one you think? Raptors or Hornets? Well, the Raptors are the defending champs. Did they play on Christmas? We’re going to stand on business right here. Stand on business. Put it up there. I told you. I told you. I knew we would get it. I knew we would get it. Ladies and gentlemen, purge free throw percentage. Um, we’re going to need to work on this trivia. But if you like Christmas moments, uh, Wednesday night on ESPN, uh, we got another good one for you. We’re going to do better at the WNBA trivia here. used to breeding a neescue in
[FULL] NBA TODAY | Perk on NBA Open Night, Jonathan Kuminga to Nets? – Warriors trade Jimmy Butler to Giannis?
