On this week's episode, the starting five takes a look back on the season so far and focuses on some things we think are both real and important. Focus is on:

• Rockets
• 76ers
• NBA Cup as a real thing
• Memphis Grizzlies

We also take an opportunity to give flowers to guys that we've really enjoyed watching so far this year.

Brian gets on the first ever recurring "get on his soapbox" segment of the week and gives another deep dive on defense

We end with a draft of bench guys and put together our starting fives that we'd like to see mix it up for the king of the bench. Draft results:

• Brian: Scottie Pippen Jr., Onyeka Okungwu, Malik Monk, Kris Middleton, TJ Mcconell,
• Jacob: Prichard, Tari, Deni, Vassell, Jay Huff
• Ian: Amen Thompson, Bobby Portis, Naz Reid, Jonathan Kuminga, Russell Westbrook,
• Michael: Ayo Dosunmu, De’Andre Hunter, Gerschon Yabusele (the tushy), Jonas Valacunius, Jordan Clarkson,
• Alex: Alex Caruso, Jared McCain, Santi Aldama, Buddy Hield, Daniel Gafford,