48 Minutes season preview with PJ Carlesimo of ESPN Radio

0:00 ... Ross welcome and introduces the panelists

0:46 ... Episode #125 honors Doc Rivers, who wore #25 during his entire NBA career

0:55 ... Bet OnLine live read

1:42 ... Bruce introduces PJ Carlesimo and points out his many attributes, including his ability to convince Italian restaurants all over the country to keep their kitchens open late when he is in town doing a game.

3:03 ... PJ on the "new look" New York Knicks and how Tom Thibodeau will deploy his new guys like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges.

5:43 ... PJ says that with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo headed to Minnesota and Towns coming to New York, this trade will be great for both teams.

7:30 ... As for the Boston Celtics, both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have chips on their shoulders heading into the season. Bruce asks PJ if Joe Mazzulla will be able to channel some of that beef into positive energy that will fuel a long playoff run and possible repeat championship. PJ feels Mazzulla is up to the challenge.

14:42 ... The 76ers are also loaded now that Paul George has joined Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey for a new "Big Three" in Philly. Ross wonders if Nick Nurse should ignore the 65 game minimum for his oft-injured stars (PG and Joel) and make sure they're well rested for the playoffs. PJ says he thinks Nurse should play them more than 65 games, which he feels is important in order for them to be ready to perform at a higher level in the postseason.

19:17 ... Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers hired Rajon Rondo as an assistant coach and Michael asks if PJ thinks he has what it takes to be a head coach in the league. PJ has a lot to say about the Bucks and how Giannis needs to step up and do a better job on the court. PJ said there was a lot of finger pointing in Milwaukee, which did not help the team last season. Health is a key for the Bucks with Giannis and Khris Middleton needing to stay on the court. PJ appreciates Rondo's hoop IQ and say he has a chance to be a great coach but there's more to being a head coach than what many people think.

25:40 ... PJ sees a dark horse team in the east and feels Indiana has been undervalued and explains that if they stay healthy, they're a dangerous team. The east is deeper than it has been in years and nobody is going to waltz through the conference this season.

28:09 ... It's now "Wemby's World" although he's still too young to drink red wine with head coach Gregg Popovich. PJ discusses the Spurs culture that Pop and RC Buford have built. Pop is great with "X's and O's," but his real strength is the relationships he builds with his players.

31:10 ... While the Spurs were lucky to get him, PJ feels that Victor Wembanyama is also lucky to be playing in San Antonio where there is less of a spotlight on his every move. PJ says he always watches Victor because you will eventually see him do something that you just can't believe. PJ shares a story about a game he did with Marc Kestecher on ESPN Radio last season where Wemby made a move that he couldn't even describe.

37:21 ... Michael asks for PJ's take on the relatively young Oklahoma City Thunder and whether they are seasoned enough to come out of the west this season. Chet Holmgren will be bolstered by Isaiah Hartenstein's presence and their rebounding will be much improved. But PJ describes the western conference as a "bloodbath" with so many strong teams competing on a nightly basis.

41:48 ... Ross asks about PJ's dark horse teams out west. Golden State isn't quite there yet but Phoenix will benefit from their new coach (Mike Budenholzer) and upgraded point guards. Kevin Durant is still the best closer in the league and never misses free throws. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal will be guys he has his eyes on.

44:52 ... Bruce wonders if Bronny James will flourish alongside LeBron. PJ feels kind of bad for Bronny because of the shadow cast by LeBron. PJ hopes he can be evaluated as a player and not as LeBron's son.

46:45 ... JJ Redick is now coaching the Lakers and the pressure in LA is always "win a title or the season is a failure." With Anthony Davis and LeBron, the rest of the guys need to really step up and that is JJ's mission.

49:04 ... PJ on Duke freshman Cooper Flagg and whether he is a "can't miss" player. PJ says he is the real thing and is totally convinced that he will live up to the hype. PJ got some Luka Doncic vibes watching him play.

52:53 ... PJ says Flagg doesn't really remind him of any other previous players. But he competed against MEN and more than held his own. The Olympics players will all say "he IS that good."

54:42 ... Ross thanks PJ for joining the show and says goodbye ...

TRT 55:32

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