WEBVTT 1 00:00:01.520 --> 00:00:08.160 This is the baseline, discussing the hot button topics of the NBA. Welcome 2 00:00:08.160 --> 00:00:12.160 everybody, your tune to the baseline. Cali Warrenshaw discussing the hot button topics 3 00:00:12.199 --> 00:00:17.519 of the NBA that time of the year. Other than the fact that we 4 00:00:17.640 --> 00:00:23.000 are literally a few weeks away before we end off the regular season, no, 5 00:00:22.879 --> 00:00:25.399 no, no, no, it's our favorite time of the year. 6 00:00:26.359 --> 00:00:31.640 It's time for my man and I to throw on the white coats. Time 7 00:00:31.679 --> 00:00:37.320 for us to get ready to body up these teams that are no longer realistically 8 00:00:37.520 --> 00:00:42.640 in the NBA playoff chase. It's time for us to do our coveted autopsy 9 00:00:42.719 --> 00:00:47.000 reports. The most wonderful time of the year next to Christmas, and so 10 00:00:47.119 --> 00:00:53.920 as always ready to put on his Santa hat, come sliding down some of 11 00:00:53.960 --> 00:01:02.320 these teams chimneys bearing gifts of insight. WHOA, all right, all right, 12 00:01:02.719 --> 00:01:07.599 let me take over it. It's definitely it's definitely an exciting time, 13 00:01:07.680 --> 00:01:10.439 I think for us, not exciting for the teams that we need to discuss 14 00:01:10.640 --> 00:01:14.560 getting getting started a little bit early this year on the autopsy segment. Got 15 00:01:14.640 --> 00:01:15.599 yeah, Well, I mean it's not like I was saying that you were 16 00:01:15.680 --> 00:01:23.200 sliding into into d MS and stuff like that where I'm signing down nothing all 17 00:01:23.280 --> 00:01:27.760 right, creeping down chimneys is that that's not no, that's put it in 18 00:01:27.799 --> 00:01:32.079 your back back anyway, man, what's going on with your house? Everything? 19 00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:34.200 It's good to be here, man, it's a little to It's just 20 00:01:34.239 --> 00:01:38.959 it's just fun. It's it's fun. And uh, we just we never 21 00:01:38.959 --> 00:01:42.000 get to finish our autopsy series, you know, because we try to be 22 00:01:42.079 --> 00:01:46.439 as fair as we possibly can. Uh So we never actually go through all 23 00:01:46.480 --> 00:01:49.400 the teams. We get through about half or maybe just maybe two thirds. 24 00:01:49.439 --> 00:01:52.040 But we're gonna start earlier this year and maybe for something it's like, well, 25 00:01:52.040 --> 00:01:55.079 the season's not over. No season is over for these teams, and 26 00:01:55.519 --> 00:01:59.959 ironically a couple of significant changes have already happened one way or another for them, 27 00:02:00.439 --> 00:02:02.959 so we can actually talk about them in a way that makes sense comprehensibly, 28 00:02:04.319 --> 00:02:06.719 understanding that things are going to change as we get into the summer as 29 00:02:06.760 --> 00:02:09.240 well too. But I think the bulk of the things that could impact them 30 00:02:09.280 --> 00:02:13.000 probably have already happened. And that's how we're going to start this a little 31 00:02:13.000 --> 00:02:15.919 bit earlier than we usually. Absolutely, I mean, and obviously we want 32 00:02:15.919 --> 00:02:17.639 to be fair and killing teams off right like we want to. I want 33 00:02:17.639 --> 00:02:23.639 to make sure that we have covered the gambit sort of speak. So if 34 00:02:23.680 --> 00:02:27.520 it requires us to move a little bit up that time zone, that timetable, 35 00:02:27.560 --> 00:02:30.800 excuse me, then you know, then we'll do what's necessary, right, 36 00:02:30.840 --> 00:02:32.879 I mean, it's only fair. You know. We can't only only 37 00:02:32.919 --> 00:02:36.759 talk about, you know, the teams that we want to kill off. 38 00:02:37.560 --> 00:02:42.039 So you know, obviously we're being benevolent in our abilities to make sure that 39 00:02:42.120 --> 00:02:46.120 we cover these teams and give them their just due because I think a good 40 00:02:46.199 --> 00:02:53.400 death serves everybody. Well, so it's funny, how you know, So 41 00:02:53.520 --> 00:02:57.080 I took that there anyway. Anyway, we appreciate you and yours hop noble 42 00:02:57.159 --> 00:02:59.960 with this this week as always, get them my man show Astra Sports NBA 43 00:02:59.840 --> 00:03:01.560 Game at me again, Face Lee, The show's turning hand on NBA Basline. 44 00:03:01.560 --> 00:03:05.439 Available on all the major platforms you know where to find us. Just 45 00:03:05.439 --> 00:03:08.919 go to www. Dot the Baseline NBA dot com to catch our show this 46 00:03:08.960 --> 00:03:12.520 episode, in all of the previous episodes that we got going on, and 47 00:03:12.560 --> 00:03:15.759 we have some really really great shows over the last few weeks, so definitely 48 00:03:15.840 --> 00:03:19.520 check that out. Also, if you catch us on YouTube and you see 49 00:03:19.599 --> 00:03:23.199 us with the blue and white logo, that means that you're rocking with the 50 00:03:23.280 --> 00:03:28.680 nineteen Media Group family. So be sure to go to www Dot nineteenmediagroup dot 51 00:03:28.680 --> 00:03:30.680 com not just to check out our show, but the family of great shows 52 00:03:30.719 --> 00:03:35.680 and content creators that are out there producing some really really good stuff out there 53 00:03:35.680 --> 00:03:38.280 for you guys to listen to. It's a great time of the year, 54 00:03:38.319 --> 00:03:42.159 man, time for you to get outside. Spring is in. It is 55 00:03:42.400 --> 00:03:45.520 very close by, so I'm sure you want to get out, do a 56 00:03:45.520 --> 00:03:47.000 little power walking, maybe do some running, and while you're doing it, 57 00:03:47.319 --> 00:03:54.199 listen to the nineteen Media Group shows that's available and get yourself tuned in with 58 00:03:54.319 --> 00:03:58.840 everything that's going on. And also, we just have some great people out 59 00:03:58.840 --> 00:04:00.439 there putting out some awesome content, so be sure to check that out, 60 00:04:01.039 --> 00:04:04.599 all right, Shaw, So you know, listen. In most cases when 61 00:04:04.599 --> 00:04:09.479 we typically try to do our autopsy reports, we probably put some nice little 62 00:04:09.479 --> 00:04:13.520 theme music in there. You know. I think in the past, I 63 00:04:13.560 --> 00:04:19.600 had our man Tom Cruise jump on board and set the tone of us introducing 64 00:04:19.639 --> 00:04:24.279 the autopsy reports. I think this time, man, it's it's you know, 65 00:04:24.360 --> 00:04:28.480 we're we're gonna We're gonna basically, we're gonna go bare bones basic. 66 00:04:28.560 --> 00:04:31.079 We're just gonna ride into it right like. And I think it's only fitting 67 00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:34.639 because we do want to spend a little bit of time on these teams. 68 00:04:35.120 --> 00:04:40.560 This week, we're gonna be talking about the Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons. 69 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:43.480 Typically, seaw when we try to do this in the past, we 70 00:04:43.560 --> 00:04:46.920 try to do a team that's in the Eastern Conference and the team and it's 71 00:04:46.920 --> 00:04:53.519 in the Western Conference. But being that both the Wizards and the Pistons have 72 00:04:53.680 --> 00:04:57.519 been so bad, I mean, I don't know who is trying to do 73 00:04:57.600 --> 00:05:02.160 it the fastest the quickest, but you know, if they did everything they 74 00:05:02.199 --> 00:05:06.439 possibly could to off themselves at the earliest time possible. So I think it's 75 00:05:06.439 --> 00:05:12.560 only fitting that we make time for the Wizards and for the Pistons. So 76 00:05:12.639 --> 00:05:15.519 let's get right into it. Let's start talking about the Washington Wizards. Shop 77 00:05:15.319 --> 00:05:21.399 as we speak, they continue to rack up l's. They've shown some signs 78 00:05:21.439 --> 00:05:26.800 you know that they are obviously a competitive basketball team. But I think with 79 00:05:26.920 --> 00:05:30.680 the moves that they made in the off season, and I guess maybe the 80 00:05:30.839 --> 00:05:40.000 idea in fantasy sounded really promising, but the execution and what the final product 81 00:05:40.040 --> 00:05:44.240 has been reflective of through the course of this year for the Washington Wizards is 82 00:05:44.319 --> 00:05:47.839 one that really leaves you scratching your heads. And they've made their bed with 83 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:51.560 the roster moves that they've made, and so it's going to be interesting to 84 00:05:51.600 --> 00:05:57.240 see what their plans are going to be once this regular season is said and 85 00:05:57.360 --> 00:06:00.800 done, because I can't imagine they're going to try to roll out the same 86 00:06:00.879 --> 00:06:03.360 version of this Wizard's team that they've imagined. I know that they've done a 87 00:06:03.360 --> 00:06:08.240 little bit of offloading a little bit in the during the trade deadline as well 88 00:06:08.279 --> 00:06:12.800 too, but this team can't come back looking the way that it's presented itself 89 00:06:13.319 --> 00:06:19.399 this season. I don't think there's any true redeeming qualities about this ross tracks 90 00:06:19.480 --> 00:06:23.759 currently constructive. They should not be tied to any single player, and that's 91 00:06:23.800 --> 00:06:27.759 not to be disparaging. I think of Kyle Kuzmo, who's done about as 92 00:06:27.800 --> 00:06:30.480 good as he possibly can, but you know, it was on the trading 93 00:06:30.480 --> 00:06:32.680 block and they ultimately didn't move him at the deadline. The Jordan Poole think 94 00:06:32.680 --> 00:06:35.480 has been a disaster, which we've talked about. I think at length on 95 00:06:35.519 --> 00:06:40.120 the show. The one surprise or positive thing I think for the season has 96 00:06:40.160 --> 00:06:44.480 been Denny Abdiya. He's played well, getting you know, extended minutes. 97 00:06:44.800 --> 00:06:48.160 But even Tyas Jones, who's on an expiring deal this year anyway, So 98 00:06:48.800 --> 00:06:51.079 I think in that regard, they probably did themselves a diservice. We're not 99 00:06:51.120 --> 00:06:54.399 get rid of him, we're not getting rid of but trading him at the 100 00:06:54.399 --> 00:06:57.720 deadline because now they can potentially lose him for nothing as well, and I 101 00:06:57.759 --> 00:07:00.759 think he would have garnered some capital for them, you know, around the 102 00:07:00.759 --> 00:07:05.399 course of the trade deadline. Everybody else going into next year has team options. 103 00:07:06.040 --> 00:07:09.879 Corek Chrispert, Patrick Baldwin, Johnny Davis, like all these guys. 104 00:07:10.800 --> 00:07:13.399 I mean, if you need a fellow the roster, sure you can pick 105 00:07:13.439 --> 00:07:15.480 up those options, because those are mostly more or less rookie scales, so 106 00:07:15.600 --> 00:07:19.360 they're not tend they're not huge, huge contracts. But I don't think any 107 00:07:19.360 --> 00:07:23.879 of them have shown any real signs of long term value for this team. 108 00:07:24.040 --> 00:07:27.079 Maybe you can kind of squange your eyes and see Kispurt. So to me, 109 00:07:27.399 --> 00:07:29.639 they already fired their coach and have a new coach in there, and 110 00:07:29.680 --> 00:07:30.959 that's going to be to figure out if they want to keep Rian Keith there 111 00:07:31.319 --> 00:07:34.399 moving into next season. That's one decision that needs to be made as well 112 00:07:34.439 --> 00:07:39.199 too, should they. I mean, he's actually trending worse than West un 113 00:07:39.279 --> 00:07:43.399 Soil Junior, right, And I don't know what the plan is going to 114 00:07:43.399 --> 00:07:46.120 be there too, But I think the first order of businesses who are we 115 00:07:46.199 --> 00:07:48.240 keeping on the roster first and foremost. Then you have the whole thing that 116 00:07:48.279 --> 00:07:51.040 they might be moving, you know, out of the DC area into I 117 00:07:51.040 --> 00:07:55.000 guess Virginia or whatever the case it be. Like there's a lot of just 118 00:07:55.199 --> 00:07:59.120 stuff surrounding this organization, But first and foremost, who are keepers on this 119 00:07:59.199 --> 00:08:01.639 team? And to me, I don't see anybody. I think you move 120 00:08:01.720 --> 00:08:05.079 Kuzma, You're probably stuck with Jordan Poole at least for another the year to 121 00:08:05.079 --> 00:08:07.920 see you can build up a trade value. But i'd move Kuzma over the 122 00:08:07.959 --> 00:08:11.439 course of the season, and then everybody else. I don't know, brother, 123 00:08:11.480 --> 00:08:13.439 I just kind of shake, shrug my shoulders eye. I mean, 124 00:08:13.439 --> 00:08:16.959 there's a bunch of ways we can go about having this kind of conversation. 125 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:18.079 But I'll keep it. I'll keep it. I'll try to keep it to 126 00:08:18.160 --> 00:08:22.160 these couple of points as it pertains to the Wizards. First of all, 127 00:08:22.920 --> 00:08:26.480 you know, if you're a Washington Wizards fan, you just just feel some 128 00:08:26.680 --> 00:08:30.639 kind of way knowing that right up the road, you know, Magic Johnson 129 00:08:30.680 --> 00:08:35.440 and his team have taken over the Washington Commanders, which I would think at 130 00:08:35.440 --> 00:08:41.919 some point that name is gonna obviously change you. But maybe Magic Johnson just 131 00:08:43.279 --> 00:08:46.799 hates every every team except the Los Angeles Lakers that he won't touch a basketball 132 00:08:46.879 --> 00:08:52.399 franchise with a ten foot pall. But could you imagine if a a an 133 00:08:52.519 --> 00:08:58.279 ownership group led by Magic Johnson had actually taken over the Washington Wizards team, 134 00:08:58.759 --> 00:09:01.440 right like what that could probably look like. And look, I'm not saying 135 00:09:01.480 --> 00:09:07.159 this to you know, to be dismissive and diss Michael Winger and what he's 136 00:09:07.200 --> 00:09:11.200 been trying to do with the efforts, but you can clearly tell that like 137 00:09:11.360 --> 00:09:16.679 there is a disconnect from what the organization is trying to do and with the 138 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:22.399 personnel of whom they're bringing in to execute to achieve these things, like they're 139 00:09:22.480 --> 00:09:26.399 so far apart from each other. And I think it just speaks to exactly 140 00:09:26.440 --> 00:09:30.679 what this season has been a reflection of I got a question to ask you 141 00:09:30.720 --> 00:09:37.039 about Shaw and it's pertaining to what you just said earlier about Kyle Kuzma. 142 00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:43.000 What do you think that it says about the Washington Wizards and what they their 143 00:09:43.120 --> 00:09:50.919 overall scheme was what they were plotting to do in being able to you know, 144 00:09:50.960 --> 00:09:52.919 to me, it just didn't feel like the intent was is that they 145 00:09:52.960 --> 00:09:56.399 wanted to build around Kyle Kuzma. I think maybe they wanted to like wish 146 00:09:56.519 --> 00:10:00.120 him to go away or something like that, because to your point, to 147 00:10:00.120 --> 00:10:01.759 me, Kyle Kuzma seems to be like, hey, man, I want 148 00:10:01.759 --> 00:10:05.559 to play for this team. I want to see this team succeed. But 149 00:10:05.720 --> 00:10:11.399 everything about what the Wizards did doesn't depict the confidence level that they had about 150 00:10:11.440 --> 00:10:15.519 Oh. I appreciate that this guy wants to be on board, you know, 151 00:10:15.559 --> 00:10:18.120 because he's seen the good and the bad, and obviously we're still trying 152 00:10:18.120 --> 00:10:22.799 to work things out. We want to make things happen. Well, I 153 00:10:22.799 --> 00:10:28.720 think with Kuzma, it's just about the overall leadership capabilities and at the talent 154 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:31.320 level. So I'll take you back. This isn't a one from one comparison, 155 00:10:31.480 --> 00:10:37.240 but I think in size and maybe even en role, I think about 156 00:10:37.279 --> 00:10:41.080 Aaron Gordon back in Orlando and just again not the same skill sets here too. 157 00:10:41.159 --> 00:10:43.360 But Aaron Gordon, they were trying to make him a number one option 158 00:10:43.440 --> 00:10:48.679 of make him the guy. Kuzma has a better offensive skill set then than 159 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:52.440 Aaron Gordon, did I think you know at that time, But at the 160 00:10:52.519 --> 00:10:56.799 same time is miscast as a lead guy for your organization. Kuzma is a 161 00:10:56.879 --> 00:11:01.759 nice number two and probably a great number three. So and then you pair 162 00:11:01.799 --> 00:11:05.600 that alongside whatever the hell has happened with Jordan Poole, and you've never seen 163 00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:09.919 him to be a number one, right, like not even I want to 164 00:11:09.919 --> 00:11:11.919 say true number one. Let's say one B. I'll even like you know 165 00:11:11.960 --> 00:11:15.440 what I'm saying, like you, but you you don't see him being a 166 00:11:15.600 --> 00:11:20.919 complementary one B player if even if if that, Yeah, So I think 167 00:11:20.919 --> 00:11:24.679 it's an interesting question because for me, Kuzma is not somebody who I think 168 00:11:24.759 --> 00:11:28.679 is void of talent. But I think again, I'm going to compare it 169 00:11:28.720 --> 00:11:33.600 to Aaron Gordon Orlando days, and Aaron Gordon was somebody who, yeah, 170 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:37.519 as a number one, he can only take you so far, maybe even 171 00:11:37.519 --> 00:11:39.840 get to the bottom of the playoffs. But ultimately we're going to have first 172 00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:43.120 round exits, So what are the case to be? And I think with 173 00:11:43.240 --> 00:11:46.879 Jordan Poole being his running mate in case of Kyle Kuzma, that right now 174 00:11:46.960 --> 00:11:50.679 is sitting up for a recipe for disaster. So Kuzma to me is somebody 175 00:11:50.679 --> 00:11:52.840 who makes a lot more sense on another team as a number two, number 176 00:11:52.840 --> 00:11:56.080 three. He can be one of your lead scorers per se. But I 177 00:11:56.120 --> 00:11:58.440 don't think he could be your lead guy. And I know he wants to 178 00:11:58.480 --> 00:12:01.200 be, so I don't want to take that away from him. And I 179 00:12:01.240 --> 00:12:05.320 think guys can grow, But where Washington is right now, he hasn't. 180 00:12:05.559 --> 00:12:07.720 I don't think he's seen enough to be able to lead them out of where 181 00:12:07.759 --> 00:12:11.960 they are and where they're ultimately going to go. I think with the current 182 00:12:11.039 --> 00:12:15.840 roster construction, So to me, that's why I don't think Kuzma should be 183 00:12:15.879 --> 00:12:18.720 a part of this for the long term right now? Can counter I want 184 00:12:18.720 --> 00:12:22.919 to counter your argument real quick on this because I agree with you, and 185 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:28.240 I think Aaron Gordon was a very good analogy to what I think I was 186 00:12:28.320 --> 00:12:31.480 asking you. But I liken this a little bit too when we take it 187 00:12:31.480 --> 00:12:37.360 when we bringing close to home when the Celtics brought Gordon Hayward from the Utah 188 00:12:37.480 --> 00:12:43.440 Jazz. I never thought Gordon Hayward was a number one guy, but I 189 00:12:43.480 --> 00:12:48.679 thought he was a building block. I thought that having a guy with some 190 00:12:48.720 --> 00:12:54.399 sense of professionalism and knows how to you know, execute score to basketball play 191 00:12:54.440 --> 00:12:58.039 within a particular system, I think was great for Brad Stevens and what needed 192 00:12:58.080 --> 00:13:03.039 to happen as they started to draft the younger talent. And I wonder if 193 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:09.080 do we think like it's easy when organizations kind of lay out exactly what they're 194 00:13:09.120 --> 00:13:11.679 trying to do here and you can follow along with it. But it always 195 00:13:11.679 --> 00:13:15.879 feels like we're trying to figure it out a whole lot more for the Washington 196 00:13:15.960 --> 00:13:20.480 Wizards than the Wizards actually figuring it out and presenting it to us. And 197 00:13:20.519 --> 00:13:22.799 I'm just wondering that when I think about a guy like Kyle Kuzma, while 198 00:13:22.840 --> 00:13:28.200 he is not particularly a number one guy to elevate, I think if he 199 00:13:28.320 --> 00:13:35.600 is a positive person that can elevate an organization's you know, front facing of 200 00:13:35.639 --> 00:13:39.159 what they're trying to do, it surprises me that they have not leaned more 201 00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:43.200 into doing that. It almost seems like they've been hedging on this and then 202 00:13:43.240 --> 00:13:48.519 everything else is just throwing spaghetti to the wall to see what sticks. My 203 00:13:48.600 --> 00:13:52.320 only and not counterpoint, but I think my point of that too is, 204 00:13:52.840 --> 00:13:56.639 well, how how close you think Washington is to needing a guy like Hale 205 00:13:56.720 --> 00:13:58.840 Kuzma to put him in the role that he probably should be in because he 206 00:13:58.879 --> 00:14:01.919 is twenty eight after you've played all four years or whatever the case may be. 207 00:14:03.440 --> 00:14:07.720 So in general, how close are they to getting that right? And 208 00:14:07.799 --> 00:14:09.279 I think if you are looking at where you are are going to be a 209 00:14:09.320 --> 00:14:16.039 team that doesn't even amassed close to twenty wins this season, then you're probably 210 00:14:16.080 --> 00:14:20.000 significantly far far apart. Even if Jordan Poole were to find himself next year, 211 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:24.080 what is a max case of capability with this team? And then it 212 00:14:24.080 --> 00:14:28.000 doesn't predict as a terribly strong draft. So I think, again, if 213 00:14:28.000 --> 00:14:31.360 you're looking it's not like we'll talk about the Spurs in another week or so, 214 00:14:31.559 --> 00:14:35.200 but it's not like they have Wemby all right, and you can see 215 00:14:35.200 --> 00:14:37.360 where they're ready to run with that guy in tow and Kuzma can just be 216 00:14:37.720 --> 00:14:41.480 the accelerant to that aspect. If Kuzma's kind of the lead guy, or 217 00:14:41.519 --> 00:14:45.320 you're looking to find or bring in a lead guy from somewhere else and you 218 00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:48.440 don't know where that is. That puts me in a that makes me very 219 00:14:48.519 --> 00:14:50.679 uncomfortable if I'm a Wizards fan. It's all right, I don't want to 220 00:14:52.320 --> 00:14:54.960 I want to make sure I'm not believering the point. It was one other 221 00:14:54.960 --> 00:14:58.120 thing I wanted to ask you real quick before we kind of you know, 222 00:14:58.519 --> 00:15:01.919 provide a proper eulogy for for the Wizards here. But the only reason why 223 00:15:01.960 --> 00:15:07.399 I don't really agree with that is because Victor Winmbanyama has a very sound system, 224 00:15:09.080 --> 00:15:13.639 you know, even with his upside potential. He's got Popovich, He's 225 00:15:13.679 --> 00:15:22.679 got Popovich's you know, tree line of infinite coaching acumen around him. He's 226 00:15:22.679 --> 00:15:24.559 got Tim Duncan, he's got manager. I mean, seriously, what do 227 00:15:24.559 --> 00:15:31.639 the Washington Wizards have West Unseld right, the west Unseld family, like you 228 00:15:31.679 --> 00:15:35.480 know again like it. I'm not saying that your point isn't isn't isn't valid. 229 00:15:35.519 --> 00:15:39.639 It is absolutely valid. But we can honestly say the Washington Wizards have 230 00:15:39.679 --> 00:15:45.159 not done themselves favors, have not done themselves a proper service to the type 231 00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:48.759 of athletes that have come through the ranks. You know, it's not like 232 00:15:48.840 --> 00:15:52.639 they stay in close ties with Antoine Jamison and Gilbert Aarenus and in the likely 233 00:15:52.759 --> 00:15:56.320 and the likelihood of guys that have come through there that have actually been good 234 00:15:56.360 --> 00:16:02.559 players, solid players and probably would be you know, proud alumnus sort of 235 00:16:02.600 --> 00:16:06.799 speak as to say, we used to play for the Washington Wizards. Yeah, 236 00:16:06.840 --> 00:16:08.000 I mean, but I think you're making my point. It's just the 237 00:16:08.039 --> 00:16:14.519 Wizards don't have anything to build around so structurally, team roster wise, as 238 00:16:14.519 --> 00:16:18.200 a teen culture, none of those things make sense. So to even coin 239 00:16:18.200 --> 00:16:21.120 the phrase that you utilize a lot is more bites out the apple. So 240 00:16:21.200 --> 00:16:23.879 to me, Kuzma at least gets you assets potentially to give you more bites 241 00:16:23.879 --> 00:16:26.960 out the apple to get there faster. I think again, at age twenty 242 00:16:26.960 --> 00:16:30.200 eight, twenty nine, whatever it is, he's not going to be like 243 00:16:30.240 --> 00:16:33.840 you bring in some nineteen twenty year old. I just again, you're so 244 00:16:34.039 --> 00:16:40.240 far away from doing anything of any real substance that Kuzma doesn't really serve you 245 00:16:40.279 --> 00:16:41.480 a whole lot of purpose right now than the fact that yeah he gets a 246 00:16:41.480 --> 00:16:45.320 stat pad and yeah he's got to know, three four years left on his 247 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:48.840 deal. So there's that security if you think if you feel like you're going 248 00:16:48.879 --> 00:16:52.840 to make a move that gets you somewhere closer fast than you keep them. 249 00:16:52.840 --> 00:16:55.480 But to me, I don't see that happening right now. It's a little 250 00:16:55.519 --> 00:16:59.639 bit darker for me in my eyes and where the Wizards currently are and I 251 00:16:59.720 --> 00:17:02.879 just don't know, based on even their ownership, what level of competency they're 252 00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:06.079 going to show in essence to make it go faster than than it currently is. 253 00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:08.160 And to me, again I am harping on it, but this pool 254 00:17:08.160 --> 00:17:14.440 contract is a complete albatross right now. It's just you can't have that there, 255 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:15.559 have that there, And yes, if you put him in as a 256 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:18.880 sixth man or where the case b, you can just do a lot of 257 00:17:18.880 --> 00:17:19.759 what you say as well too, like you don't just kind of wallow in 258 00:17:19.799 --> 00:17:22.640 the in the in the misery if you will, like, oh, we 259 00:17:22.680 --> 00:17:25.160 pay this guy, so you have to plan them this minis and he has 260 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:27.279 to start. They're saying, no, f that you suck or you haven't 261 00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:30.720 been good, you're gonna come out the bench, or you're better suited for 262 00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:33.160 this role. And maybe that will continue going into next year. But there's 263 00:17:33.200 --> 00:17:37.759 a lot of moving parts. I think with Washington and the roster is the 264 00:17:37.759 --> 00:17:41.319 biggest part of their concern and addition to their overall culture and coaching in general 265 00:17:41.400 --> 00:17:47.000 management. My final thoughts about the Washington Wizard is this, They're going to 266 00:17:47.079 --> 00:17:51.720 have to be committed to something right, whether it's player, whether it's organization. 267 00:17:52.359 --> 00:17:56.039 Even if they if you choose to move to an arena, be committed 268 00:17:56.079 --> 00:18:03.759 to that and really start an investing wholeheartedly in what you want people to perceive 269 00:18:03.880 --> 00:18:07.960 or believe as the Washington Wizards need to be do. I think that Kyle 270 00:18:07.039 --> 00:18:12.240 Kusma is a number one guy, Absolutely not, But I think his commitment 271 00:18:12.680 --> 00:18:18.559 to be a part of this organization through the bad which is by many many 272 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:22.519 parts on the on the own of the Wizards like this, that's that's their 273 00:18:22.519 --> 00:18:25.920 own doing. But to still be committed to that, I think that if 274 00:18:25.920 --> 00:18:29.200 you're the Wizards, if there's one bright spot of that, you really build 275 00:18:29.319 --> 00:18:32.960 from that right Because to me, what you're saying Shaw is is that they 276 00:18:32.960 --> 00:18:34.759 are gonna have to have a wink and a prayer. They're gonna have to 277 00:18:34.839 --> 00:18:41.599 luck themselves possibly to a lottery pick for us to really start believing that somewhere 278 00:18:41.640 --> 00:18:45.680 down the road, this is a well, I'm just saying, like, 279 00:18:45.960 --> 00:18:48.880 win the lottery pick, like, in other words, their position to get 280 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:53.079 arguably a generational player or the number one player or the guy, because that's 281 00:18:53.079 --> 00:18:56.119 what everyone has painted him to be, not someone that's gonna grow into it, 282 00:18:56.200 --> 00:18:59.960 not someone that says when I come to Washington, I'm gonna do that. 283 00:19:00.359 --> 00:19:03.920 Like it's the idea that he's the unicorn and he was there to save 284 00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:07.759 any bad team that during that year of the draft. And I'm just saying 285 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:11.720 that that's what it feels like the trend is leading to. If we're ever 286 00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:15.240 to believe that the Washington Wizards is going to elevate themselves out of where they 287 00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:18.480 have basically been over the last few years. Yeah, and I think that 288 00:19:18.680 --> 00:19:22.400 is what it's going to take. And so and by that I'm realtering my 289 00:19:22.400 --> 00:19:26.119 point. I think they need multiple chances in essence to get there. They 290 00:19:26.160 --> 00:19:27.799 lost to Bradley bal deal because the should have traded him two years ago, 291 00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:32.000 so that's you know, didn't turn over to the assets that they would have 292 00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:36.000 proverbly hold for a person of his talent and skill level. And then now 293 00:19:36.240 --> 00:19:38.200 Kuzma is the next best thing. I think that can get you again, 294 00:19:38.240 --> 00:19:42.640 not necessarily multiple first round picks, but more picks potentially, and maybe a 295 00:19:42.680 --> 00:19:47.440 young guy or two or the case he b that that can get you there 296 00:19:47.559 --> 00:19:49.680 faster, and then maybe you cobble that together and another deal. To me, 297 00:19:49.759 --> 00:19:53.160 where they're at right now is really really a destitute. And I'm not 298 00:19:53.160 --> 00:19:56.720 trying to just be all doom in gloom, but you know, other than 299 00:19:56.759 --> 00:20:00.440 blah Colobally, who I think is a nice nineteen year old rookie, there's 300 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:03.000 not a lot to build off of here too, and so I don't think 301 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:04.839 the Wizards should be married to anybody in this roster. And as nice as 302 00:20:04.880 --> 00:20:08.440 Kuzma is, you know, I think again he could offer he could offer 303 00:20:08.559 --> 00:20:11.599 more for them as a part of a deal as opposed to being part of 304 00:20:11.599 --> 00:20:17.200 the future. Absolutely your tune to the baseline. Cali warren Shaw discussing the 305 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:21.240 hot button topics of the NBA and our coveted autopsy report. Just finished discussing 306 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:25.400 the Washington Wizards. Coming up, we will focus our attention on the Detroit 307 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:30.279 Pistons, a team that, by all accounts I thought had an opportunity to 308 00:20:30.359 --> 00:20:34.720 show some growth. But this season has been nothing but struggle and hurt for 309 00:20:34.799 --> 00:20:37.759 this basketball team. So we're definitely going to talk about what it's going to 310 00:20:37.839 --> 00:20:41.079 take for them to turn around what has been an abysmal season. But first, 311 00:20:41.319 --> 00:20:45.200 did you know there's a whole collection of black lid products that fit into 312 00:20:45.200 --> 00:20:48.400 your daily routine and lifestyle that you can get at Walmart. And it's so 313 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:52.000 important that we show Black founders some love, not just during Black History Month, 314 00:20:52.079 --> 00:20:55.160 but all year long, because every time we buy a black lid brand, 315 00:20:55.160 --> 00:20:59.200 we're making room or creating demand for another black led brand, black Founders 316 00:20:59.240 --> 00:21:02.039 and the products they bring to the table, or creating a whole new world 317 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:03.960 of choices at Walmart. Some of the products I want to check out our 318 00:21:04.039 --> 00:21:08.200 Natural Avert Granola, Zach and Zoe, Honey, Scotch, Porter Beard Palm, 319 00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:12.440 and Partakecookies. Go to walmart dot com, Slash Black and Unlimited to 320 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:17.680 discover all the amazing black owned products that you can add to your daily routine. 321 00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:22.079 Coming up, Cali warrenshout we talking Detroit Pistons here in the autopsy report. 322 00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:30.400 Do you want to miss out here? On the baseline, Toyota is 323 00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:34.839 doing big things helping grassroots community organizations across the country with this Nudge campaign. 324 00:21:36.119 --> 00:21:40.440 The Nudge campaign reflects Toyota's commitment to supporting and furthering the success of those who 325 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:44.000 need it most. A few months ago, Toyota debuted the After the Nudge 326 00:21:44.000 --> 00:21:48.559 Podcast. The podcast is a seven episode limited series hosted by acclaimed journalist Sola 327 00:21:48.599 --> 00:21:52.279 Dad O'Brien and former NBA All Star j R. Smith. It features conversations 328 00:21:52.279 --> 00:21:57.240 with community organizations at Toyota Nudge. Via ten thousand dollars micro grants, we 329 00:21:57.279 --> 00:22:02.039 get to find out what happened after the Nudge. On the After the Nudge 330 00:22:02.039 --> 00:22:06.039 Podcast, you'll hear from the founders and leaders like Paulina La Monnier from Black 331 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:10.480 People Will Swim, doctor Khalid El Hakim from the Black History Mobile Museum, 332 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:15.400 Demetrius Harris from Fly Compton Foundation, and others. Learn how a simple nudge 333 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:18.880 from Toyota help boost their momentum, amplify their movements, and or propel them 334 00:22:18.960 --> 00:22:23.000 to greater heights. Look for the Toyota After the Nudge Podcast on toyota dot 335 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:32.839 com or wherever you listen to podcasts. This segment of the baseline is brought 336 00:22:32.839 --> 00:22:36.200 to you by Wick Donald's. Imagine if we were to live in a world 337 00:22:36.240 --> 00:22:40.440 where the most iconic creators of anime merge powers with the most iconic creators of 338 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:45.119 the Golden Archers, creating a universe of limitless possibilities, taking our imagination and 339 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:49.039 taste buds to levels unimaginable. Welcome to wick Donald's. That's right, not 340 00:22:49.160 --> 00:22:52.519 McDonald's, my friend, this is Wick Donald's. For a limited time, 341 00:22:52.759 --> 00:22:56.920 anime fans and lovers of the Chicken mc nuggets will have a chance to immerse 342 00:22:56.960 --> 00:23:00.319 themselves into their favorite fictional restaurant. And what better way for these iconic tenements 343 00:23:00.319 --> 00:23:06.079 of taste to be appreciated and by introducing the bold new Wick Donald's Savory Chili 344 00:23:06.119 --> 00:23:10.559 Sauce. When you combine your chicken McNuggets with Wig Donald's Bold Savory Chili sauce 345 00:23:10.880 --> 00:23:14.359 along with those iconic fries in a sprite, your taste buds will go super 346 00:23:14.400 --> 00:23:17.640 saying in a hurry, but are you ready? You better be, because 347 00:23:17.640 --> 00:23:21.200 this flavorful sauce will only be around till March twenty fifth. To go along 348 00:23:21.240 --> 00:23:23.839 with your ten piece McNuggets, head to your nearest Wick Donald's and try the 349 00:23:23.880 --> 00:23:32.039 bold new Savory Chili sauce while supplies last Cali warren Shaw Baseline NBA podcast and 350 00:23:32.160 --> 00:23:36.839 we are doing our autopsy report and dime now for us to discuss the Detroit 351 00:23:36.880 --> 00:23:44.000 Pistons. Sean Detroit Pistons is a second worst team in the Eastern Conference, 352 00:23:44.359 --> 00:23:48.559 only a game behind a game ahead of excuse me the watchto Wizards, who 353 00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:52.359 we just finished discussing. And I guess, to me, I'm more shocked 354 00:23:52.480 --> 00:24:00.119 when I think about this that you know, when they brought in, you 355 00:24:00.119 --> 00:24:06.000 know, Manti Williams is to coach this basketball team, I probably, maybe 356 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:07.720 you know, had pie in the sky thinking that, like, Okay, 357 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:14.519 he's gonna instantly get these guys at least four or five additional wins just from 358 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:18.160 his coaching alone. And I know the sentiment is that, hey, they 359 00:24:18.160 --> 00:24:23.519 didn't have Kay Cunningham because he was injured multiple times this season and he was 360 00:24:23.559 --> 00:24:27.599 gone for an extended period of time. But I still looked at this team 361 00:24:27.640 --> 00:24:33.680 and I said to myself, there's still something else here and if mine, 362 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:37.279 Williams is not the person to fix it. And I understand that, you 363 00:24:37.279 --> 00:24:40.119 know, they've moved some pieces, you know, from the trade deadline as 364 00:24:40.119 --> 00:24:48.039 well too, it just feels like this team just genuinely does not know how 365 00:24:48.039 --> 00:24:52.799 to win, and anybody who's coming into this situation has lost themselves into the 366 00:24:52.880 --> 00:24:57.680 disciplines of what showed their success prior to coming to the Detroit Pistons. In 367 00:24:57.680 --> 00:25:03.000 other words, it's not translated to what Detroit Pistons fans are been praying for 368 00:25:03.359 --> 00:25:10.160 to see is a competitively competitive basketball team, which usually translates to success if 369 00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:14.640 you're talking about the Detroit Pistons. I think a lot of people are unhappy 370 00:25:14.880 --> 00:25:18.160 with the job money Willins has done, to be honest, and has it 371 00:25:18.200 --> 00:25:21.240 gotten a little bit better since the beginning of the season, You know, 372 00:25:21.359 --> 00:25:25.279 probably, but I think you know, you can't lose twenty eight games in 373 00:25:25.359 --> 00:25:27.920 a row and I think have any way to salvage you know, what's happened. 374 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:33.160 There's been some just malpractice people, I think in terms of understanding what 375 00:25:33.319 --> 00:25:37.599 roster and the roster construction would be ultimately at the front office level, and 376 00:25:37.640 --> 00:25:41.839 then him implementing guys at the rotation level on a nine to night, in 377 00:25:41.839 --> 00:25:45.440 game to game basis too. There's just been some really big misses I think 378 00:25:45.480 --> 00:25:52.519 on all sides there this Pistons roster is similar in regards to a record obviously 379 00:25:52.519 --> 00:25:56.720 as Washington Wizards we just spoke about. But I think Kade tracks as somebody 380 00:25:57.079 --> 00:26:00.359 who's more likely to be able to lead the team. I don't know stillp 381 00:26:00.440 --> 00:26:04.640 he's a true true number one guy, but I think because he's younger, 382 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:08.200 he's gonna have a little bit more runway to kind of figure that out. 383 00:26:08.839 --> 00:26:12.920 Jayleen Duran, I think is a nice big making you know, acceptable strive 384 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:15.480 to think on the rebounding side, is filing a little bit less here towards 385 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:18.359 the latter part of the season, and it's learning how to command his position 386 00:26:18.400 --> 00:26:22.640 a little bit better. The caveat to me here is are two is really 387 00:26:22.839 --> 00:26:29.279 is Jaden Ivy and Thompson Aziir Thompson and those two young guys. What roles 388 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:33.039 will they play in the rotation not only now but more into the future, 389 00:26:33.079 --> 00:26:36.799 And what does the development look like if Cunningham and Durham are kind of like 390 00:26:36.839 --> 00:26:41.119 the lynchpin pieces around this roster. Thompson I think started off really hot and 391 00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:44.599 really well and then got lost in the rotation a little bit, and then 392 00:26:44.640 --> 00:26:47.440 Ivy was out of the rotation and then got put into the rotation and was 393 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:49.400 playing well. So to me, those are two guys and two pieces that 394 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:53.359 they still need to figure out exactly who they are and how they compliment I 395 00:26:53.400 --> 00:26:57.160 think Durant and more importantly Kid cunning It's interesting that they have the luxury of 396 00:26:57.160 --> 00:27:03.240 trying to figure out those pieces because it's obvious that neither of those pieces compliment. 397 00:27:03.640 --> 00:27:07.400 You know, Kay Cunningham, I'm gonna I'm gonna go out on a 398 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:11.279 limb Sewan, I'm gonna say that I believe that Kate Cunningham can be a 399 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:14.119 number one. Now, whether that's a one, A one B, or 400 00:27:14.160 --> 00:27:18.920 just like a loan number one. I think the jury is still out on 401 00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:22.039 that. But I feel like the space that the Detroit Pistons could possibly be 402 00:27:22.119 --> 00:27:30.279 in, barring that many Williams kind of, you know, does a true 403 00:27:30.319 --> 00:27:36.599 reassessment of where he did not succeed in in in in at least his execution 404 00:27:36.839 --> 00:27:41.039 of changing that culture, of elevating the culture of the Detroit Pistons with the 405 00:27:41.119 --> 00:27:44.359 roster that he that he had. And I know part of it is politics 406 00:27:44.400 --> 00:27:48.319 by you know, having like Alec Berkson, boy you know, Boydanovitch, 407 00:27:48.680 --> 00:27:52.400 which I never felt like we're complimentary guys, you know, to to what 408 00:27:52.519 --> 00:27:56.599 I've seen in Amani Williams type system, but you still make make it work 409 00:27:57.519 --> 00:28:03.160 however you need to. But for me, I really think that they are 410 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:07.759 structured in a way very similar to what we see with the Houston Rockets, 411 00:28:07.839 --> 00:28:15.039 in the sense that you got a guy now where you have belief that there's 412 00:28:15.160 --> 00:28:19.279 upside, there's potential. Maybe he doesn't have the maturity to compete hard. 413 00:28:19.480 --> 00:28:22.720 So you go out and you get like if you're the Houston Rockets, you 414 00:28:22.759 --> 00:28:25.559 get like a Van Fleet, and you get like a Dylan Brooks. But 415 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:29.960 you know with Sengoon right what you have. I think the Pistons know what 416 00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:32.640 they have with Kate Cunningham, and I think there's an opportunity for them to 417 00:28:32.640 --> 00:28:34.279 know what they have with Durant, and I think they can figure those things 418 00:28:34.279 --> 00:28:41.079 out with Thompson and with Ivy a lot sooner than later. But man, 419 00:28:41.160 --> 00:28:45.079 it really has to come down to whether or not the head coach is buying 420 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:48.279 into what he has to work with. And if you're the Pistons, you 421 00:28:48.319 --> 00:28:53.440 can't afford to let the length of his contract determine whether or not you're gonna 422 00:28:53.519 --> 00:28:57.240 see if that all comes to fruition because I think if like you're the Rockets, 423 00:28:57.319 --> 00:29:00.480 right after you got Udoka, you immediately go out and you get free 424 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:06.279 agent guys that Udoka can work with or that's gonna work with Udoka. I 425 00:29:06.759 --> 00:29:08.559 want to see if whether or not the Pistons have that same kind of mentality 426 00:29:08.599 --> 00:29:12.079 when it comes to Williams, because I think if everything is being predicated on 427 00:29:12.119 --> 00:29:17.640 his contract, I think that that is a recipe for disaster with the talent 428 00:29:17.680 --> 00:29:21.200 that they already have amassed and they need to figure out what they're gonna do 429 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:25.920 with. It's interesting you to bring up the free agency because there's not a 430 00:29:25.920 --> 00:29:29.640 lot of great free agents coming into this year, so I think it gives 431 00:29:29.640 --> 00:29:33.079 them in some ways some runway to allow the younger guys to continue to develop, 432 00:29:33.559 --> 00:29:37.400 further flesh that out, to see what they what they have. I 433 00:29:37.400 --> 00:29:40.519 don't think there's a big trade for them to swing as of right now yet 434 00:29:40.559 --> 00:29:42.880 either, you know, to add some accelerant to this current roster. So 435 00:29:44.400 --> 00:29:48.079 while I'd rather be the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards because I think the 436 00:29:48.160 --> 00:29:52.759 young guys track better in terms of talent and just have a longer runway to 437 00:29:52.759 --> 00:29:56.720 get to get better in the future. So with all the free agents projected 438 00:29:56.759 --> 00:30:00.920 to probably re sign with their current teams and this year's and this year's free 439 00:30:00.920 --> 00:30:04.680 agent draft class, there's not even like a Dylan Brooks type guy that can 440 00:30:04.720 --> 00:30:08.279 come in and give them that competitive spirit if you will, I mean, 441 00:30:08.319 --> 00:30:11.480 and maybe not say Dylan Brooks is the best example of everything. But the 442 00:30:11.519 --> 00:30:15.839 biggest potential free agent that I can see potentially moving right now is Tobias Harris, 443 00:30:17.079 --> 00:30:18.400 you know, and whether or not he says in Philadelphia, and obviously 444 00:30:18.400 --> 00:30:22.039 he's had a run a Detroit from years past, but I don't know if 445 00:30:22.079 --> 00:30:25.319 you bring him into that into that mix right I can't see him being I 446 00:30:25.359 --> 00:30:27.200 can't see him being a solid fit for the for the Pistons, No, 447 00:30:27.200 --> 00:30:30.960 no, And I think again they got Fon Techio from from Utah and you 448 00:30:32.000 --> 00:30:33.599 know he's They're gonna have to re up on him, and I don't see 449 00:30:33.599 --> 00:30:37.319 why they win it. The main thing here with Detroit is not only the 450 00:30:37.440 --> 00:30:41.519 aspect of fitting around cunning him in terms of style of play, well, 451 00:30:41.519 --> 00:30:45.759 it is style of play because also then if they don't if Cunningham himself doesn't 452 00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:48.880 become a better shooter. Then they need Ivy and Thompson become better shooters. 453 00:30:48.960 --> 00:30:52.039 And that's just to continue to space the flour And that's where Fontechio comes in 454 00:30:52.039 --> 00:30:55.680 here now, because at least he can shoot it from at least at least 455 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:59.839 League average from three and give give all of those guys some driving kick options 456 00:31:00.039 --> 00:31:03.000 in the short term. But next year for the Pistons is going to be 457 00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:07.799 a rebuild year again, and I think the expectations that we thought Money Williams 458 00:31:07.799 --> 00:31:11.079 was gonna be able to accelerate for them this year, I don't know that 459 00:31:11.119 --> 00:31:12.279 we're gonna see it next year either. But now we can be more realistic, 460 00:31:12.359 --> 00:31:15.400 back realistic about who they are, and then that can set them up 461 00:31:15.440 --> 00:31:18.759 for future success, probably two years of I want to go back to your 462 00:31:18.799 --> 00:31:26.079 point about Thompson. I'm curious, Seaw like, do you really think that 463 00:31:26.160 --> 00:31:32.119 they're gonna allow Thompson to flourish. I say this because I just feel like 464 00:31:32.279 --> 00:31:38.079 over the last ten to fifteen years, the Detroit Pistons have been notorious for 465 00:31:38.559 --> 00:31:45.559 undercutting what they potentially have with some of the assets that they keep. I 466 00:31:45.640 --> 00:31:51.839 harkenhim back to Andre Drummond. I thought it was so egregious that they never 467 00:31:51.880 --> 00:31:57.400 gave that kid the opportunity during his early years to really you know shine, 468 00:31:57.759 --> 00:32:02.599 I felt like he spent more time struggling to prove to them that he was 469 00:32:02.640 --> 00:32:07.480 a capable center and that he could be an asset to the team, and 470 00:32:07.519 --> 00:32:09.880 then when they finally put him out there, it was almost like basically, 471 00:32:10.480 --> 00:32:13.680 oh wow, I didn't realize we had this, and then it was time 472 00:32:13.720 --> 00:32:15.759 to pay up money. They didn't want to pay them up. So, 473 00:32:15.920 --> 00:32:17.880 like, you know, my thing is is that and the Pistons are they're 474 00:32:17.920 --> 00:32:22.079 notorious for this. I don't want to say they're frugal, but they're certainly 475 00:32:22.160 --> 00:32:25.160 cheap on when it comes to trying to get what they can out the talent. 476 00:32:25.200 --> 00:32:29.720 But because they mess around and don't get the talent out on the basketball 477 00:32:29.759 --> 00:32:32.079 court, they undermine the upside of value if they have no intentions of wanting 478 00:32:32.119 --> 00:32:36.240 to keep them. And I just wonder if whether or not we're trending down 479 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:39.960 another path like that again, when they collect these assets to these players and 480 00:32:40.319 --> 00:32:44.839 we're not seeing any playing time, we're not seeing anything from them, and 481 00:32:44.920 --> 00:32:47.359 part of it is because they're not given enough time or not given enough opportunities 482 00:32:47.400 --> 00:32:52.160 for them to get out there and show what they really have. Well, 483 00:32:52.200 --> 00:32:53.720 I think part of it is not just going to be Thompson, but it's 484 00:32:53.720 --> 00:32:57.240 he's a huge, huge part of this too. But even go back to 485 00:32:57.279 --> 00:32:59.119 what I'm talking about with the shooting, is like, ah, they got 486 00:32:59.200 --> 00:33:01.279 quitting grinds from you work, So does he get an opportunity, you know, 487 00:33:01.359 --> 00:33:05.920 to to flourish here within the next season under the money Williams regime, 488 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:09.319 if you will, right, Troy Brown Junior still on the roster, but 489 00:33:09.440 --> 00:33:12.279 you know what is what is he really doing? What are they gonna do 490 00:33:12.279 --> 00:33:15.160 with James Wiseman this summer? You know, not necessari from shooting standpoint, 491 00:33:15.160 --> 00:33:16.759 But even again, is he the backup big that you want or do you 492 00:33:16.799 --> 00:33:20.720 want that to continue to be, you know, be stu Isaiah Stewart. 493 00:33:21.559 --> 00:33:24.440 So there's some roster decisions that ultimately need to be made from a contractual level, 494 00:33:24.440 --> 00:33:27.240 But I think even just from a talent level, was all right, 495 00:33:27.240 --> 00:33:29.960 well, who do you really want to build around? What's the style of 496 00:33:30.000 --> 00:33:32.759 play that you want? I think it's clear that they need to some ways 497 00:33:34.119 --> 00:33:37.480 inject shooting on a regular basis. So if Ivy and Thompson can't slot in 498 00:33:37.599 --> 00:33:42.160 as those guys and Fontechio and Grimes become like kind of like your loan shooters 499 00:33:42.200 --> 00:33:45.519 on the on this team, unless again, you swing in free agency for 500 00:33:45.519 --> 00:33:49.240 another guy I think who might be available. Ironically another sixer is Buddy Healed, 501 00:33:49.400 --> 00:33:52.039 and maybe you can bring him into the into the space. But again 502 00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:54.240 that's not it's not getting you into the play in race even you know what 503 00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:58.000 I mean, that's just like, hey, it's it's addressing a pseudo need. 504 00:33:58.319 --> 00:34:00.720 But then does does does a guy like he'll take away from from from 505 00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:06.359 Ivy and and Thompson like Ivy specifically because Kid is basically running around as a 506 00:34:06.440 --> 00:34:08.920 hybrid one two and so is kind of Ivy. So to me, you 507 00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:12.400 know, I think they need more help on the wings specifically when it comes 508 00:34:12.440 --> 00:34:15.360 to shooting. But they have some young talent that they would least at least 509 00:34:15.360 --> 00:34:16.119 like to see what they can get out of it, and maybe even down 510 00:34:16.159 --> 00:34:20.159 the stretcher because obviously we're doing this a month before the season ends. Maybe 511 00:34:20.199 --> 00:34:23.159 they'll get a clear idea of what I didn't Ivy and Thompson can be alongside 512 00:34:23.239 --> 00:34:27.239 Kate and Jalen Duran for the rest of the season. Given your you know, 513 00:34:27.320 --> 00:34:30.599 how you've measured many Williams and his track record, do you see that 514 00:34:30.800 --> 00:34:37.199 he has the chops to work with the components that he currently has. I 515 00:34:37.199 --> 00:34:39.880 guess. In other words, am I saying do you think that this is 516 00:34:39.920 --> 00:34:45.960 a team that has the opportunity to increase their win total come next year or 517 00:34:45.000 --> 00:34:52.599 do you foresee them kind of hanging around that fifteen win window again, you 518 00:34:52.639 --> 00:34:57.039 know, for the for the for the next season, right and and again, 519 00:34:57.079 --> 00:34:58.840 I think this is where we're doing it. It's like, all right, 520 00:34:58.840 --> 00:35:00.559 well, right now, so you asking me right now, I say, 521 00:35:00.599 --> 00:35:05.760 yeah, they're probably still a twelve to seventeen win team, you know, 522 00:35:05.840 --> 00:35:08.239 going into next year. But it depends what they do on the edges 523 00:35:08.239 --> 00:35:12.079 as well too. It didn't mention Marcus Sasser as well to another point guard 524 00:35:12.119 --> 00:35:15.119 who they're going to be looking to try to develop. But I think thoughts 525 00:35:15.159 --> 00:35:17.679 as a as a backup guy, especially when you have Cunningham and Ivy as 526 00:35:17.679 --> 00:35:22.679 there as they're well there's too so to me to the Pistons, they have 527 00:35:22.800 --> 00:35:27.679 a lot more to figure out from the roster side of things, and I 528 00:35:27.679 --> 00:35:31.840 don't know that wins needs to be the ultimate conversation and decision that that that 529 00:35:31.880 --> 00:35:35.519 fuels what they do here. It's like, is the development and the evaluation 530 00:35:35.639 --> 00:35:38.239 of their current roster that's more important than anything else. And Monnie Williams, 531 00:35:38.679 --> 00:35:43.639 I think he's lost some trust in the in the Ayah and the court of 532 00:35:43.639 --> 00:35:46.559 public perception as they say, for what he is and what we thought he 533 00:35:46.760 --> 00:35:52.079 was. And so next year is that I think if he and the management 534 00:35:52.119 --> 00:35:54.400 go in and say, listen, we know we're not a thirty win team, 535 00:35:54.440 --> 00:35:58.079 we're not even a twenty five win team or whatever it is. But 536 00:35:58.519 --> 00:36:02.519 what can we extrapolate from these guys and what is the rotation? How many 537 00:36:02.559 --> 00:36:06.119 minutes is this guy gonna play? How many minutes is this guy gonna play? 538 00:36:06.239 --> 00:36:07.599 To develop them and see where they are. That's the plan I think 539 00:36:07.639 --> 00:36:13.280 the Pistons need to implore to really get a better understanding of their future and 540 00:36:13.320 --> 00:36:16.599 their present. I mean, all excellent points. I agree with you. 541 00:36:16.719 --> 00:36:22.559 I find it interesting, Seaw because the other thing that I was gonna ask 542 00:36:22.599 --> 00:36:23.719 you, and I think maybe you've already answered it, is how much of 543 00:36:23.760 --> 00:36:30.440 this is gonna be roster improvement or how much of it is going to be 544 00:36:30.840 --> 00:36:37.440 you know what the current roster improves upon to determine you know that quote unquote 545 00:36:37.440 --> 00:36:42.719 twelve to seventeen win window. You know, like sometimes it's usually predicated on 546 00:36:42.760 --> 00:36:44.760 the fact that these guys need to take a leap, They just need to 547 00:36:44.760 --> 00:36:47.400 take a step forward. They just need to be better basketball players, and 548 00:36:47.639 --> 00:36:52.320 maybe based on the way that they compete, they win some of those games 549 00:36:52.320 --> 00:36:54.519 that they typically will lose. I think what just stands out is just how 550 00:36:54.719 --> 00:37:00.440 these how the Pistons have lost some of the ugliest laws this year have been 551 00:37:01.000 --> 00:37:05.239 you know, at the at the feet of Manti Williams and the Pistons, 552 00:37:05.400 --> 00:37:07.920 right, And I think that to me, I think is where it's more 553 00:37:07.960 --> 00:37:12.400 concerning, Like you usually have something to go for if they're competitive, and 554 00:37:12.440 --> 00:37:15.960 they just don't know how to win basketball games. But they've they've been had, 555 00:37:15.960 --> 00:37:19.000 they've had the breaks beaten off of them so many different times, and 556 00:37:19.039 --> 00:37:22.119 some of the games in and of itself has not been really competitive basketball games, 557 00:37:22.119 --> 00:37:27.000 which I think speaks more to either they're just not feeling the coach or 558 00:37:27.039 --> 00:37:30.239 they don't understand what the coach is asking of them that they know how to 559 00:37:30.280 --> 00:37:34.840 actually execute it on the basketball court. Am I often that assessment of that 560 00:37:35.000 --> 00:37:38.880 though, or now I think that's that's that's spot on, and you know, 561 00:37:38.920 --> 00:37:42.039 before we even close on on them, they're think there's something that's going 562 00:37:42.119 --> 00:37:44.880 to be important to remember or to bring up, at least in terms of 563 00:37:44.920 --> 00:37:47.000 notes right now. If they only have eighty two million dollars in committed salary 564 00:37:47.239 --> 00:37:52.119 going into next year, so we know the NBA change the rules where you 565 00:37:52.239 --> 00:37:55.400 have to have the minimum salary going into the season. You can't wait until 566 00:37:55.400 --> 00:38:00.639 the trade deadline to get there. So what do the Pistons do now with 567 00:38:00.719 --> 00:38:05.039 some of their free agent guys knowing that maybe the twenty five to twenty six 568 00:38:05.119 --> 00:38:07.239 draft class, free agent class, draft and free agent class might be better 569 00:38:07.280 --> 00:38:10.679 and more than more lucrative than we're seeing this year. So I wouldn't go 570 00:38:10.679 --> 00:38:15.079 out and sign Wiseman to some sort of max deal now, right? I 571 00:38:15.400 --> 00:38:16.000 think I don't think they're going to do that, right, but I want 572 00:38:16.039 --> 00:38:19.960 to be paying him twenty even twenty million dollars a season for the next three 573 00:38:20.000 --> 00:38:22.039 seasons. I think you do what you need to do to cobble the pots 574 00:38:22.079 --> 00:38:25.920 together that gives you the flexibility to move forward. I think even after next 575 00:38:25.920 --> 00:38:29.360 season. So even if you bring in a free agent, let's say they 576 00:38:29.360 --> 00:38:31.440 bring in Buddy Heal or whatever, I make that a two year deal team 577 00:38:31.440 --> 00:38:35.760 option, and you know, in that second year. Those types of things 578 00:38:35.760 --> 00:38:39.400 that allow you to play within the salary constraints of the collective bargaining agreement currently. 579 00:38:39.599 --> 00:38:44.639 But you can't lock yourself into I think middle level talent, especially when 580 00:38:44.639 --> 00:38:46.639 you have Kate and you're trying to build on that. So maybe you strike 581 00:38:46.719 --> 00:38:51.800 gold, and maybe you don't, but I think you don't try it and 582 00:38:51.840 --> 00:38:52.920 say, hey, we're going to give somebody four and five years, because 583 00:38:52.920 --> 00:38:55.679 there's nobody out there right now that I think tracks in that way that will 584 00:38:55.679 --> 00:38:59.280 help the Pistons long term. All right, man, well said, Well 585 00:38:59.360 --> 00:39:01.800 said, as a field man, putting that white coat back on for yourself, 586 00:39:02.159 --> 00:39:07.840 even though you know it's world. Just like we don't technically have whitecues, 587 00:39:07.880 --> 00:39:10.000 we should. I think I think, you know, next time, 588 00:39:10.320 --> 00:39:14.280 we're gonna definitely get ourselves some legitimate white coats. I think we've been doing 589 00:39:14.280 --> 00:39:17.400 this long enough now that we respectful. I mean, and now we're on 590 00:39:17.440 --> 00:39:20.920 YouTube, so I think it does make some sense. You know, maybe 591 00:39:20.960 --> 00:39:22.639 we go on Amazon, you know, find some lab coats, go to 592 00:39:22.719 --> 00:39:29.519 Dollar Try or to the party city, you know, pretend like you'regresting or 593 00:39:29.519 --> 00:39:31.159 for Halloween and soil the coats on or the case may be as well, 594 00:39:31.199 --> 00:39:34.880 and zip these bodies up. All I ask is that you know when you 595 00:39:35.000 --> 00:39:37.679 drop the lower third the next time around, that we start executing the uh 596 00:39:38.039 --> 00:39:42.800 autopsies. Man, you know, my name is doctor Kilpatient. Okay, 597 00:39:42.920 --> 00:39:46.559 that's all That's all I ask. We got nothing nothing else. I just 598 00:39:46.599 --> 00:39:50.519 want that you know what I'm saying. Uh, Anyway, great show this 599 00:39:50.559 --> 00:39:53.199 week, Shaw, good stuff about the Wizards and the Pistons and and listen, 600 00:39:53.559 --> 00:39:59.159 we're all for wanting these teams to be a part of the conversation a 601 00:39:59.239 --> 00:40:02.239 heck of a lot longer through the course of the regular season than this early, 602 00:40:02.480 --> 00:40:07.440 you know, being exited out just simply because they're just either not competitive 603 00:40:07.559 --> 00:40:10.519 or you know, organizations or ownerships just not doing what it needs to do. 604 00:40:10.599 --> 00:40:15.480 So you know, hopefully what we take from this is that, you 605 00:40:15.519 --> 00:40:17.400 know, we're hoping that these to these these two teams, you know, 606 00:40:17.519 --> 00:40:22.639 kind of close that gap by the time that we start having these conversations about 607 00:40:22.679 --> 00:40:24.800 what the expectations will be for them for the you know, for next season. 608 00:40:25.400 --> 00:40:29.880 You know, right now, they're they're definitely still not in that conversation 609 00:40:29.960 --> 00:40:35.599 of even being playing worthy. But let's hopefully that they take steps or strides, 610 00:40:35.960 --> 00:40:38.239 you know, to giving us something positive to speak of. And I'm 611 00:40:38.239 --> 00:40:42.559 sure that the fans in their respective markets are feeling the same way about that 612 00:40:42.599 --> 00:40:45.400 as well too. Yeah, that fan point is so is so important because 613 00:40:45.440 --> 00:40:50.199 I think these are still somewhat proud franchises, if you will. Obviously, 614 00:40:50.199 --> 00:40:52.599 Washington hasn't had a fifty win season or whatever and forever. Yeah, I 615 00:40:52.599 --> 00:40:55.639 mean, the Pistons haven't seen real glory since you know, the Chauncey Billups, 616 00:40:55.679 --> 00:40:59.760 Rashid Wallace days, you know, and in that regard, and it's 617 00:40:59.760 --> 00:41:01.880 tough. And I think I heard a sad another show with the Pistons, 618 00:41:01.880 --> 00:41:06.239 and I was like, that sounds that's just insane. The Pistons haven't had 619 00:41:06.719 --> 00:41:12.519 a top fifteen offense in like literally like the last fifteen years, so or 620 00:41:12.559 --> 00:41:15.880 they finished in the top fifteen once and not not one or two, but 621 00:41:15.039 --> 00:41:20.280 just top fifteen. So they've been in the bottom half of the league offensively 622 00:41:20.440 --> 00:41:22.000 for the last you know, x amount of years, which is really really 623 00:41:22.079 --> 00:41:29.440 tough, especially in today's games, and that's to score the basketball. Even 624 00:41:29.480 --> 00:41:34.400 you know, the NBA has been coddling the efforts for teams to have No, 625 00:41:34.599 --> 00:41:36.599 it's only going to get worse for them, you know if you're listening 626 00:41:36.639 --> 00:41:39.000 to the league reports now that they're focusing on defense and et cetera, et 627 00:41:39.000 --> 00:41:42.719 cetera. So I don't know how that's going to improve, especially what their 628 00:41:42.719 --> 00:41:45.440 currents are happy about that. That's right, come on down to our level. 629 00:41:45.480 --> 00:41:49.280 Damn it. Yeah, games in the eighties, but these again, 630 00:41:49.320 --> 00:41:52.320 two proud franchises that we both want to see better for. And I think 631 00:41:52.400 --> 00:41:54.760 you know, there's an opportunity, but they are going to have to build 632 00:41:54.800 --> 00:41:59.159 and build smartly and not just They just can't make too many more mistakes that 633 00:41:59.199 --> 00:42:00.199 they have, I think, as we've seen here in the last couple of 634 00:42:00.239 --> 00:42:04.519 year. Absolutely. Once again, man, we appreciate everybody for hopping on 635 00:42:04.639 --> 00:42:08.039 board with us this week for the baseline. Cali warren Shaw, we appreciate 636 00:42:08.039 --> 00:42:10.719 you guys. Let us know what you think about where the Pistons and where 637 00:42:10.760 --> 00:42:14.880 the Wizards are. You know, feel free to drop some thoughts and comments. 638 00:42:14.880 --> 00:42:16.920 Man. We would love to hear from you once again. Cali Warrenshaw 639 00:42:17.039 --> 00:42:20.960 baseline. We appreciate you, guys, you know we do. We'll catch 640 00:42:21.000 --> 00:42:22.239 up with you next time.