Hoops Before Homework

Host of Fixing Basketball, Ben Mastin, joins Balta to discuss the return of the NBA and if they got it right. The two debate KD's decision to not return for a playoff run. The Celtics a title contender?? Does Jayson Tatum deserve to be mentioned with the likes of Lebron, Kawhi, AD... Ben believes so! MJ's whopping 100 MILLION dollar commitment to fight racial injustices over the next decade is discussed and whether or not this makes up for his silence throughout the years. Drew Brees on an NBA podcast? YOU BETCHA! And how we believe players will protest/honor racial injustices and the memories of the victims upon the return. 

Former LSU and NC State standout Ralston Turner joins the show to talk about everything from pickup ball's unwritten rules to LeBron James to the recent deaths of unarmed African Americans. Is doubling in pickup okay? Should NC State's coaching staff have laid off of BeeJay Anya's lefty hooks shot? Is the G-League better or worse than power 5 college basketball? You can find all the answers in this episode. Ralston and the guys cap the episode off by getting serious and discussing the tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. 

The guys talk about the proposed 1-16 seeded playoff format, and how it will affect each team. Leander thinks Paul Pierce has a beef with LeBron and is allowing it to cloud his judgment, and both hosts believe Kendrick Perkins is flat out wrong about the Harden vs Steph debate. History class is in session as Tommy Kearns is the subject of today's lesson. 

Balta and Leander close out The Last Dance, and each give their thoughts on Jordan's place all-time. Leander reminds everyone just how bad the 98-99 season truly was once it resumed. Jordan and LeBron's accomplishments and place in all-time debates are discussed, and Balta tells you why Draymond Green is nothing more than a 3-Musketeers Bar (yes, you read that correctly). Leander tells you why the Memphis Grizzlies will be NBA champs within three years.

Links:

Jack McCallum article: https://vault.si.com/vault/1997/03/10/a-cut-above-more-than-ever-it-seems-no-team-can-catch-the-bulls-is-that-good-for-the-nba

90's Reunion Video: https://youtu.be/yy3S4vBu18U

In this episode, your hosts are joined by three members of the much talked about BRC fantasy league. The guys discuss the beginnings of the league and how it transformed into a full-fledged imitation of the real NBA collective bargaining agreement. Each member discusses their thoughts on this year's NBA draft as well as LaMelo. Jon tells why the Nets bleak history will soon change, Dylan says LeBron James is reason enough to believe the Lakers will win the title, and Ed lays out his 6-step plan for the Knicks to win it all in 2023!

The guys wonder if James Harden's feelings are hurt by not being included in the superstar phone call. Both Leander and Balta have a problem with George Mikan being included in ESPN's top 40 players of all time, and class is in session as today's content is History 101 and a rule that we bet you didn't know about! George Karl gets hammered for making two major errors in the '96 Finals. 

On this episode of Hoops Before Homework Balta tells of the tragedies of being a Hornets fan, the guys discuss the sham that is MVP voting, and the biggest takeaways from The Last Dance episodes 5-6. Leander tells the world why the Brooklyn Nets can win a championship in another edition of "Hear Me Out."

On episode two of the Hoops Before Homework podcast Kane Pitman joins the show to discuss his journey from the oil refineries of Australia to covering the MVP of the NBA. Also, Balta lays out the reasons the Atlanta Hawks (yes those Hawks) can win a championship in the next three years. 

Your hosts introduce themselves and jump straight into their takeaways from "The Last Dance."