Phil and Joel discuss their most improved teams from the offseason. Then, they are joined by ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz for a wide ranging discussion on organizational culture in the NBA, the sustainability of isolation play, Mike Budenholzer's expected impact on the Bucks, and which young players are best positioned to be franchise altering talents.

 

Links and notes:

Arnovitz on the Hawks (http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12740922/how-mike-budenholzer-system-turned-atlanta-hawks-one-nba-elite)

Arnovitz on the Bucks (http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/enterpriseBucks/how-giannis-antetokounmpo-bucks-plan-take-warriors)

NBA Nerd Night on Twitter (https://twitter.com/nbanerdnight)

Phil and Joel connect for a short, weekend episode to talk through the Kawhi Leonard - DeMar DeRonzan trade after having a few days to digest. Also, the Lakers are fun.

Phil and Joel are joined by Politico's Jason Schwartz to discuss politics in the NBA, how it differs from the NFL, and the implications of politics mixing with professional sports. Then, they chat about the Celtics and if Boston fans underrate other foes in the Eastern Conference.

Notes:

Follow Jason on Twitter (https://twitter.com/JasonSchwartz)

Read his work on Politico (https://www.politico.com/staff/jason-schwartz)

Phil and Joel continue to analyze NBA free agency by ranking their best and worst signings so far.

Phil and Joel discuss LeBron's move to the Lakers, Paul George's decision to stay in OKC, and much more from the first weekend in NBA free agency.

Phil and Joel discuss LeBron's move to the Lakers, Paul George's decision to stay in OKC, and much more from the first weekend in NBA free agency.

Phil and Joel recap the NBA Draft, discuss drafting for fit or upside, and debate if the Lakers location still presents a sizable competitive advantage.

Phil and Joel take a quick look at the upcoming NBA Draft before touching on Kawhi Leonard's trade request. They spend the rest of the episode discussing a question from a listener on the rise and impact of isolation play in the NBA.

With the Finals expected outcome in the books, Phil and Joel take a look at the Sixers front office situation in the wake of Bryan Colangelo's resignation, and take questions from listeners.

Phil and Joel look back on the Celtics and Rockets and the future impact of their Game 7 losses. Plus they touch on the semi-interesting NBA Finals and talk about Kevin Durant's impact on the Warriors. Also, some Earl Boykins and Phoenix Suns chatter!