48 Minutes: OKC Wins Title, Durant Traded, Lakers Sold, Knicks Drama

0:00 ... Show open ... Bruce Bernstein introduces co-host Michael "World B" Freer and our special guest Dave Wohl, the former player, coach, and general manager.

0:56 ... Dave reflects on the just concluded NBA Finals series between the OKC Thunder and Indiana Pacers. Dave felt that these two teams may meet again in the Finals at some point.

2:06 ... World B points out that OKC may not even have shown the best version of what they can still become as a team. Dave praises OKC GM Sam Presti for the way he built the Thunder into a championship squad.

4:36 ... Bruce points out that NBA players voted Tyrese Haliburton the "most overrated" player in the league and silly they look now. Dave explains how Haliburton's growth whas been so much fun to watch.

5:59 ... World B asks about whether the league has to address the length of the season given the number of high profile injuries. Dave explains why that may not be feasible but suggests a lengthy break midway through the season so players can mentally and physically recharge.

8:40 ... Bruce points out the uniform numbers of the three players who suffered the achilles were all "0." Dave points out how achilles injuries can be so random.

9:53 ... Shai Gilgeous Alexander was originally drafted by the Clippers and traded to OKC in Sam Presti's greatest move. Dave goes through some of Presti's moves while also defending the trade with LA due to the wishes of owner Steve Ballmer.

12:45 ... Bruce transitions to the Kevin Durant trade where he went from the Suns to the Rockets and asks Dave if this closes the gap between the Rockets and the Thunder. Dave likes the deal for Houston but thinks they may miss Dillon Brooks and his defense.

14:59 ... Did the Rockets simply give up on Jalen Green? Dave feels Durant gets them closer to a title more quickly than Green ever could.

17:17 ... How does this deal affect the future of the Phoenix Suns franchise given their bad salary situation?

19:10 ... The New York Knicks' pursuit of the coaches from five other teams has affected their relationships with a lot of teams. How much damage was done? The Knicks didn't have a plan and now whomever they sign will be their 6th or 7th choice.

21:50 ... In spite of the Knicks mis-steps, they're still a premier eastern conference team, so is it better for the NBA to have a lot of teams that COULD win as opposed to fewer elite teams like OKC that could be a future dynasty?

24:06 ... Bruce asks Dave about Tom Thibodeau's decision to bring Josh Hart off the bench and whether the fact that Hart suggested the change might have caused Knicks management to question Thibs' leadership.

27:25 ... The Lakers will be sold for $10 billion and as a former member of the Lakers organization, Dave has some thoughts on how the "Mom and Pop" nature of the team might change under a more corporate ownership. Jeanie Buss will still represent the team as their "Governor," but her input on basketball decisions might be affected.

29:54 ... How will the price tag for the Lakers affect the entry fees for the next NBA expansion teams, which are expected to be Seattle and Las Vegas?

32:08 ... Dave sounds off on what expansion teams are like to work for since he worked for the Miami Heat when they were an expansion team. He feels that expansion teams start with a clean slate and can build their own unique culture. Dave hired Erik Spoelstra as video coordinator and explains why Spo' appealed to him as a young potential hire.

34:27 ... The NBA Draft is on Wednesday night and we discuss five "bottom feeder" teams and what their goals should be in the draft. Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz are first.

35:51 ... The Washington Wizards are next ... members of their management all worked in OKC and Dave feels they'll follow Sam Presti's model.

37:08 ... Washington is a major market while Oklahoma City is not. Does that affect the Wizards' ability to use the OKC model, which requires patience.

39:04 ... The Charlotte Hornets are picking at #4 ... and have missed the playoffs the last 9 years ... they have some talent on the roster so they'll probably draft for a position.

40:32 ... New Orleans picks at #7 but Zion Williamson's lack of reliability really hurts this franchise and also negatively affects his trade value.

42:20 ... Philadelphia is a "bottom feeder" in name only as they were devastated by injuries last season. Can they use the #3 pick wisely and get healthy in time for next season? Will they have to use the trade market more than the draft in order to improve?

44:02 ... Philly's Joel Embiid was one of several Olympians who were injured this season but Dave feels that their injuries were not the result of their Olympic obligations. Dave explains how players who work hard all summer can wear their bodies out even though they're not playing in games.

46:41 ... Bruce asks everyone for their overall thoughts on the season that just concluded. Dave felt it was a "season of change."

47:52 ... World B feels like OKC is built for a run that could result in multiple titles.

49:30 ... Bruce wants to give Pacers coach Rick Carlisle his flowers for a sensational coaching job this season and how he will end up in Springfield one day.

50:22 ... Bruce wraps it up ... thanks everyone ... teases the NBA Draft and next week's show ...

TRT 51:23

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