It's our favorite holiday: the NBA trade deadline. We've got reactions to the Harden-Simmons deal and all the other transactions in this premium episode of ShotTakes.

After a brief discussion about how Andrew Wiggins' All-Star selection threatens NBA (and American) democratic legitimacy, Scott and Eric center the episode on this podcast's founding premise: basketball and the law. Which NBA players would make the best—and worst—prosecutors, litigators, legal partners, judges, and fixers? Tune in for our expert* opinions.

 

*under Frye but not Daubert

Scott and Eric run the two-man game and get literary in tonight's episode. Inspired by the release of Chris Herring's Blood In The Garden, we cover book-worthy teams, the best sports volumes we've read, debate which modern players would fit Pat Riley's 90s Knicks, and reminisce on the best teams never to win a championship. And if you haven't heard, the Lakers are a disaster—but it's not Frank Vogel's fault.

Kyrie Irving: the most skilled point guard of all-time? Klay's return: bigger than Christ's resurrection? The Grizzlies: on their way to a string of NBA titles? All possible if you allow your mind to enter the sacred Hyperbolic Chamber—a level of consciousness only brave souls (and true hoopers) have achieved. Those discussions and rank speculation about which NBA figures and organizations should be criminally investigated (looking at your draft pick laundering scheme, Sam Presti) all on tonight's enlightened episode of ShotTakes.

Happy 2022! We start off the new year by manifesting some NBA storylines we'd like to see blossom as the calendar turns. And we resolve to record *slightly* more often for the rest of the season! (low bar but the key to any good resolution is to set reasonable expectations)

Yes, you read this correctly: ShotTakes is BACK, BABY! Notes on the resolution of the 2020-21 season, critiques of the offseason, and observations on the early action since the restart. Enjoy!

Despite LeBron and Mark Cuban's doubts, the play-in tournament rocked. (Shoutout Evan Wasch, who definitely isn't getting fired.) We unpack the dynamics and future of the qualifying round before delving into the opening playoff action—apologies to the Clippers, but hey, don't let us raise your concern level above "no!"

Eric blows our minds with some previously unimaginable personal news, then after readjusting our views of the world in response, we turn to the NBA's home stretch. While there's no doubt the action has been marred by injuries, tanking, and load management in recent weeks, the seeding races in both conferences promise an intriguing finish to this unique season.

One of the most ridiculous figures in modern American history, Mr. Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez, is set to be the next owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves/Lynx, and we could not be happier about it. Scott and Eric are here with everything you need to know about A-Rod (you're welcome, Anthony Edwards), from his baseball career, scandals, improbable resurgence, and very recently terminated relationship with pop icon Jennifer Lopez. This is a new day for the NBA and we welcome A-Rod and all his absurdity to our beloved Association. Finally, we reflect on the sudden retirement of LaMarcus Aldridge and look back on his outstanding career. Tune in, and remember: you always want even leads versus odd leads. Why? The solo home run doesn't tie it, and the grand slam does not beat you. Keep it simple.