Hoop Ties

Ahmad and Theus are joined by Marcus Thompson of the Athletic to discuss his new book “Dynasties: The 10 G.O.A.T Teams That Changed the NBA Forever”

How would you define a dynasty? Winning one title is not enough, you must involve the game, and be extraordinary to do something next level. Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls are Marcus’ team, and he gets into why this is all subjective based on the era you grew up in.

Ahmad, Theus, and Marcus get into the debate of greatest dynasties of all time, starting with the hot discussion around the Golden State Warriors and their historic run. From the Bill Russell Celtics and the Michael Jordan Bulls to the Tim Duncan Spurs and the Steph Curry Warriors, each team had its own architect, star, villain, and unbelievable stats.

Marcus Thompson: https://twitter.com/ThompsonScribe

Theus McBee: https://www.instagram.com/theuselijah/

Ahmad Smith: https://www.instagram.com/akisnba_/

The Warriors have the best record in the NBA approaching the 10-game mark, is it early or are they the best team in the league right now? James Harden is coming around and regaining his form and Jalen Green is what Ahmad calls a super hooper – what would it take to get him in the dunk contest?

Can we see John Wall playing for one of these three teams: Celtics, Clippers, or Nuggets? How much longer do the Celtics continue the experiment with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown?

Miles Bridges is here, he’s arrived and Charlotte needs to PAY HIM. Will he be an All-Star within the next two years?

Theus McBee: https://www.instagram.com/theuselijah/

Ahmad Smith: https://www.instagram.com/akisnba_/

We are back and we got Warriors insider Monte Poole with us to discuss the 6-1 Golden State Warriors. What does this start mean for the team and the expectations moving forward. The growth of Jordan Poole and why it’s no surprise due to the work he puts in, Jordan is the hardest worker. Should the Warriors have drafted LaMelo Ball? People are quick to write players off instead of giving them 4-5 years to develop before they’re labelled as “busts”. James Wiseman is a special talent, and we can’t judge him off 43 games played in total since college. How promising is this young core and can we develop them with the mix of vets to win a NBA Championship?

Does Steph Curry belong at the table with LeBron and KD as the best player in the world, and if we reversed Steph and Dame’s situation would all things remain the same?

Where does Monta Ellis sit in the top Warriors of all time?

Monte Poole: https://twitter.com/montepoolenbcs?s=21

Theus McBee: https://www.instagram.com/theuselijah/

Ahmad Smith: https://www.instagram.com/akisnba_/

Rudy Gobert just won player of the week, should the league pay more attention to the Utah Jazz or are they just a regular season team? The New York Knicks are playing well, and RJ Barrett just had his coming out party, but will he be able to sustain it? We understand its early in the season, but certain teams are off to a great start; the Wizards and Warriors are both top seeds in their respective conferences and this begs the question around if Steph deserves a seat at the table?

James Harden is still adjusting to the new NBA foul changes and working his way back into game shape coming off last year’s hamstring injury. People are quick to question his play but it’s still early and the Brooklyn Nets are the villains. Why don’t people like James Harden? We don’t appreciate greatness until its gone, look at LeBron James in year 19!

Theus McBee: https://www.instagram.com/theuselijah/

Ahmad Smith: https://www.instagram.com/akisnba_/

Rashad takes us through the evolution of the game all the way back to 1946. How positions have changed and how these "5" positions are an injustice to the game and players. We are living through the most talented era by far and positions are outdated.

Rashad walks us through the new NBA and how positions should be viewed based on today's play. Comparing Chris Paul to Luka Doncic is not the same thing, Luka is a dual forward. The definition of a "four level scorer" - close, mid, three, and parking lot. Steph, Dame, and Trae are the only four level scorers in the NBA, meaning as soon as they cross half court they're in play. Rashad ranks his top players from traditional guards to dual forwards to hybrid post.

Is Julius Randle a top 25 player and will SGA be a top ten player in two years?

Rashad Phillips: https://twitter.com/RP3natural

Theus McBee: https://www.instagram.com/theuselijah/

Ahmad Smith: https://www.instagram.com/akisnba_/

Fresh off a 30-point performance Jalen Green is already breaking records in Houston, it’s his Rookie of the Year to lose. Ja Morant has what it takes to be the best player in the world if he can develop a jump shot, Ja is cooking after three games averaging 35 points per game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are real and Anthony Edwards has arrived, the playoffs are a realistic goal for this Timberwolves squad. The Chicago Bulls are undefeated and leading the Eastern Conference, will they win the East? Lonzo Ball will finish his career as one of the most underrated players of all time.

The Boston Celtics don’t look great, and fans are overreacting, does Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown fit?  Lastly, we give our 5-best three level scorers of all time.

Theus McBee: https://www.instagram.com/theuselijah/

Ahmad Smith: https://www.instagram.com/akisnba_/

This week Theus and Ahmad are joined by Will Guillory; New Orleans Pelicans beat writer of The Athletic, to discuss the tip-off of the 75th NBA season and the state of the Pelicans.

When it comes down to clutch time who takes the last shot? Do you prioritize your best player even if they’re having a rough game?

Why didn’t the Pelicans pay Lonzo Ball? Did they make a mistake and is Zion Williamson the number one option over Brandon Ingram? What will Zion have to do to join the elite group of young talent in the NBA?

How special is Nickeil Alexander-Walker? Does he have the upside to win MIP? Who are some of the big names they can make a trade for with all the assets they have? Finally, will Zion be a Pelican in five years?

Will Guillory: https://twitter.com/WillGuillory

Theus McBee: https://www.instagram.com/theuselijah/

Ahmad Smith: https://www.instagram.com/akisnba_/

Congratulations to the Chicago Sky on their first WNBA Championship! Candace Parker delivered on going home!

The NBA kicks-off this week and were ready for it. Covering our Eastern Conference Preview -from Philly, Brooklyn, and Milwaukee fighting for the top seed to the Charlotte Hornets playing for that final seed where will the Chicago Bulls finish with their new and improved roster. Bright future for the Atlanta Hawks what will they accomplish this season? The Knicks will need Kemba to be their closer. Will the Boston Celtics continue to be “The Future of the NBA” and finish with subpar results.

Finally, we close with our 2021-2022 awards preview

NBA Awards
Most Valuable Player - KD or Giannis
Defensive Player of the Year - Anthony Davis
Sixth Man of the Year - Tyler Herro or Montrezl Harrell
Rookie of the Year - Cade Cunningham
Most Improved Player of the Year – Kevin Porter Jr. or Markelle Fultz
Coach of the Year – Tyronn Lue or Monty Williams

No Pump Fakes Awards
Offensive Player of the Year – Steph Curry or Jayson Tatum
Defensive Rookie of the Year – Scottie Barnes or Davion Mitchell
Defensive Anchor of the Year – Draymond Green or Patrick Beverley
Upcoming Star – Jordan Poole or RJ Barrett

**The Los Angeles Lakers will be your 2022 NBA Champions

The NBA just turned 75 years old, and we’ve brought in Kendrick Perkins to break down his top 75 NBA players of all-time.

Ahmad and Theus get into it with Perk surrounding some of his questionable picks including the likes of Kobe Bryant, Ben Wallace, and Steph Curry over Kevin Durant.

How will Perk’s list match up to our very own SLAM list?

The Utah Jazz are going to be one of the best “regular season” teams this year, can Donovan Mitchell get some MVP love? Do we pay enough respect to the Utah Jazz, are they a real team in the media world?

MPJ got the bag, it's now his time to step up, and get this Denver Nuggets team to the post season.

How does the Mavs offense look with a healthy Porzingis and if they level up is the MVP a lock for Luka? The continued debate between who gets more love with Trae and Luka.

The Portland Trailblazers are going to struggle this year. The 6th seed will be a miracle for them. It will be another grind of year for C.J and Dame just to get disappointed, how much longer does Dame stick around?

LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook will be a top 3 seed regardless of the obstacles. They will need homecourt advantage in the playoffs. Lakers coaching staff will have a busy year with load management.

Are the Warriors going to be a playoff team? The key is Jordan Poole, if he can be a sixth man of the year candidate that will determine a lot.

Dejounte Murray has a breakout season, BI and Zion make the playoffs, Kings will be your league pass team, the Timberwolves have the talent, and the Rockets will be a contender in 3 years!