NBA Free Agency CHAOS, Canelo vs. Crawford Heats Up, & MLB Midseason Smoke!

“NBA Free Agency CHAOS, Canelo vs. Crawford Heats Up, & MLB Midseason Smoke!”

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N. All right. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Dr. Beats. I mean Friday right there. Yeah, I can check it probably. What up though and welcome to the hood report. Joining us today are the usual suspects Martin Quinton and Tweety. Today we have a very interesting set of things we’re going to be discussing with you today. So certainly looking forward to um today’s episode and the opportunity to to go through these things. Let me see the camera not working. So for that um on the discussion topics for today, we’re going to talk about the very big mega fight coming up ne in uh September. So we got um Bud Crawford against Canelo Alvarez. We’re going to talk lots of NBA action and lots of NBA happenings over the course of the last week or so. So quite a bit to talk there and unpack there and you know talk through who we think may have further enhanced their chances going into next season and then with a wide openen Eastern Conference then you know a move here move there in Eastern Conference could prepare you to championship. So we’re going to talk about uh the moves that were made in Eastern Conference and Western Conference um combined. And then we’re going to close up uh we’re nearing the midway point for Major League Baseball. Also, we’re going to close up and we’re going to talk some baseball and talk about what we think um is going to happen as we go into the break and then coming out of it as shifting and and jostling and things start to happen, you know, what we what we expect to see happen towards the end. So, hey, welcome on. Welcome all of our guests that will be join have joined on and will be joining on for today’s podcast and look forward to to kicking it.
Welcome to Hill Report, peoples. So, starting off, we’re going to start off with like the the boxing. We’ve not talked boxing yet, so we’re gonna put it first on the dock and boxing. We’re going to start with something that we we haven’t. So, first off, I think the the elephant in the room for me is Crawford is moving up in weight to take on Canelo for the super middleweight title. Um, do you think that helps or hurts his chances as you look at and evaluate the fight? Let’s go ahead. Let’s go with Mark. Why don’t you go first? He just say moving up in weight. I mean, he moved up like 20 pounds. I mean, this is a this is a major move up in weight. Um, I personally think it’s that’s probably going to hurt him because I think it ain’t nothing wrong with moving up, but make but making that big jump like that and then not taking no tuna fight for that big jump that might hurt him. But yeah, I So if you just ask me about that about just moving up, will it hurt him? I I think that will I think it should have took another tuna fight because that’s a big major jump up and wait to do to be moving. And then your first opponent is is Canelo. So yeah,
I think if you think about that aspect of the fight, I think yeah, that’s g that’s gonna hurt him.
Yeah.
Yeah, that hurt Crawford.
What’ you think, Twitty?
I hopefully I hopefully it don’t hurt him. I love see uh Crawford Bud fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight fight these fights and uh he that that you’re right moving up from one what 135 168
well he was he was he was middleweight
147
yeah 147
so he middleweight going to shoot a middleweight
that’s real tough putting on all that weight
and uh trying to fight that boy Canelo that that boy Canelo’s he g he gonna he gonna test him but Crawford is you know he pound-for-pound ranked number three in the in the world right And you know, nobody else in nobody no other American is ranked that high and for pound-for-pound, you know. So, we’ll see. We’ll see where that goes. But, uh, I want to see this fight. This fight is gonna be mega. It’s gonna be big. And it’s And it’s right here in Vegas. That’s it. That’s it right there. We’re all the big
fight. What you think, Q? What do you think? Well, uh I I feel I feel um with uh with both of what Martin and Tweety was saying like uh I feel like early on the weight could help him. It could make him stronger. His punches could be a little more impactful, but as the fight goes on, then you the weight the weight hurts you like Martin saying. Now you become slow and sluggish and your stamina ain’t what it was. So maybe you should have took a tuneup fight or something beforehand. But in the same token, I want to see the brother win, you know. So, so I’m I’m hoping that it don’t hurt him too bad, you know. So, that that that’s that’s my thoughts on it.
Yeah. I think u what you’ve seen with Crawford, Crawford is very strategic about his fights
and very picky. So, he doesn’t just go out and fight anybody. So, I didn’t I mean, it’d have been nice if he took a a tuneup, but I didn’t expect him to do so because, you know, he fights, you know, one maybe two times a year at the most. Crawford not a a high frequency fighter, so it doesn’t surprise me that he he didn’t take one on. I think from a a weight perspective, I I meant to look at the stats, but I don’t know what his normal everyday walkound weight is. So, if he is walking around heavier, then obviously is less of an impact. If he’s if he normally walks around heavier, whereas if he walks around closer to his previous fighting weight as a middleweight, then, you know, it could have more of an impact on him. So, you know, I think uh him being strategic about what he does, I think he understands the risk. So, I think he he’s playing a strategy and I think he I think he’ll be fine. I think he’ll be fine with that and uh and be able to
be able to make it through. I think the the big thing is is as you look at the fight, I would ask each of you guys, and I’ll start this one off, is what do you think each fighter needs to do strategically in order to win the fight? I think for Bud, looking at his side of things, I think Bud has got to be active and he’s got to outbox and and by similar to what to what he did when he fought against um when he fought against um what’s what’s the um
Spence? Earl Spence.
Yes. When when he beat Spence, I think he got beat him with activity. I think he got beat him with activity. I think he gota be very active. I think he got keep his hands going and outbox Canelo in order to keep Canelo on the outside. I think that’s going to be the key to the fight for Bud and Bud winning because he’s in this case not naturally a bigger guy. Stay out the corners um be very active and beat him to the punch which I think he’s he capable doing. I think on the side of Canelo Canelo if it’s Canelo I think for him he want makes his a brawl. He wants to get in. He wants to push. He wants to hold. You want to grab, you want to keep him in corners, you want to uh put pressure on him as as much as possible to see if he can uh stand up to uh Canelo’s punches. Now, both of them were small fighters that moved up,
right? So, I don’t think that um and so none neither one of them have natural punching power for this weight class, but Canelo’s been there longer. So, he’s he’s seated in that weight a lot long a little bit longer than Bud or a lot longer than Bud. So, I think that gives him the the advantage, but I think he’s got to make it a brawl in order for
uh in order to have an opportunity to be able to to win it. He’s got to make it a physical uh physical fight and uh and and not allow himself to be kept on the outside, he’s got to be aggressive.
Yeah.
Um
I would say who else who else wants to weigh in next on that on that part?
I want to weigh in. I mean, you know, Bud is a Bud is a very good counter puncher. Um, so I think I mean he g I think I think the way the fight going to go is I think Canelo is gonna be coming towards him and I mean but Bud is he’s he he got the speed and he got the skill to be a very good counter puncher because because that’s what he is know he’s that’s one of his best attributes is his um counter punching. So I think I I think I mean yeah like you mentioned Kelto got come back from him but I think with with Crawford’s ski speed and skill and his counter um punching ability I think that’s going to play into Crawford’s um um way to win because he’s very good at that. Um but can I mean that’s for that’s for Crawford but but yeah but for Canelo like you said Canelo got just turn into a brawl I mean he he got to come all out straight forward keep come at him you know what I’m saying because like I say no it’s his first fight no being no being this way stuff so I think Canelo has to do that if um if if has a chance.
Yeah. So but
I agree with that. What you think? What you think?
Got a counter punch. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I think uh you hit it on the head, Martin, with the uh with with the way he got to come in bulldog style and kind of charging, but like you say, that more plays into what Crawford likes to do because if you charging at him, you know, counter punching is what he likes to do and he’s quick enough to handle it. So, uh, uh, on on, uh, on on Crawford’s end, only thing that’s going to worry about Crawford is coming up in the weight and, uh, if if it goes later in rounds, then I I don’t know if he’s going to be as quick as we, you know, used to seeing him at at the at the lower weight. So, you know, that may come into play a little bit. If it can if Canelo can make the fight, you know, go a little bit longer. And that and and I think that plays into Canelo’s favor if he can prolong the flight and just keep it, you know, take it along all the way all as long as possible for him.
Okay.
Well, I think it’s going to uh
it’s going to come down to who’s in the middle of the ring because if if Canelo pushes Bud to them ropes into that corner, it’s going to be a long night for him. So, and I I just think I think I think Bud just need to to have it in the middle of the ring where he can do the counter punch, he can do he can use his defense, he can use his speed, he can use his uh his intelligence and just stay in the middle of this ring and and block all them shots, dodge all them shots. So, it’s going to be it’s going to be a great fight. And and I just think that uh that um Canelo he needs he needs to put him in the corner for him to win. He needs to put him on them ropes. He needs to get them body shots. That’s what’s going to make Canelo win because he got a he got a jaw. He got a he got one of them jaws that it doesn’t bother him if you hit him hit him right in the face. So it’s it’s going to be a hell of a fight. So we’ll see how it goes.
Yep.
All right. So, hey, BetN BetN have um Canelo as a as a slight favorite um currently. So, BetN is saying Canelo. So, I’m going to ask each one of you guys, who are you picking for the fight and and why? So, um go ahead. Uh go ahead, Tweety. Why don’t you tell us who you who are you picking for the fight and why? I’m picking Bud. I want I want Bud I want Bud to win. I want Bud to win. I want to see who he comes out of of the um of the of the of the locker room with. Last time it was it was Eminem. Let’s see who come out with this time. It was Eminem last time he came out. So, right. We gonna see who comes out with him. So, I want I want Bud to win and let’s see. Let’s Let’s see. Let’s see what happens.
Okay. All right. Q, what do you think for the fight?
I’m I’m surprised. Uh Tweety, I thought you was going with America’s man because, you know, you like to go with America’s man, you know, all the time. So, I was really surprised that you came to, you know, to the hood side. You know what I’m saying? So, with that being said,
I got interest in both. I hear that, brother. I hear that. So, with that being said, I um I I think that uh this fight is going to be for Crawford. You know what I’m saying? I’m ready for him to step up, become three time, you know, undisputed champ, you know, first time in history do that. I’m ready for him to do that. I think he can do it and I’m rooting for the brothers. So, you know, [ __ ] [ __ ] the odds. Let’s go with the brother.
Okay. All right, Martin. How about What do you think for the fight? Who you taking and why?
Um, I’m taking Crawford. I’m taking Crawford. And I’m taking Crawford because I think Crawford’s gonna outbox him. Um, better skill, speed. Um, he he’s going to be able to stay away from Canelo and he he’s going to be he outbox him. The one time I seen Canelo fight a superior fighter with know with the skill and the speed, it was Floyd. And I mean and I mean and Floyd took him to school. I I know I know he was way younger, but when you put him in there with a skilled boxer like a like a Floyd, like a Crawford, I think he’s gonna be totally our match. Be honest with you. I think be totally our match. And if Crawford fighting smart fight and stay away and move around, counter punch, I think I think I think he can win easy. Actually, I do
easy.
I think you win easy. I think he gonna Yeah, because he gonna he out box him.
Yeah, I think by point out box him with that speed and that skill.
It’s going to distance.
Yeah, I think it’s going to go the distance, but I think Corv gonna win easy. I do. I think Corv gonna win eight out of the 12 rounds. Okay.
All right. I’m gonna weigh in. I’m g I guess it’s going to be um unanimous here. And what I would say is this. This is just a reality take is I think Crawford is a great black boxer. The only thing that beats a great black black boxer is another black boxer. So I I don’t think Canelo has the skills to be able to box with him. I think Crawford once again um and you guys have mentioned and hit it. I think the counter punching. I think the he’s a good defensive fighter. I think he’s very strategic in his opponents. I I think if he’s if this is a heavy heavy risk, I don’t think he takes the fight. So, I think he strategically um went after this fight, I think he um is going to be able to win because he’s going to be able to to box uh keep the distance. Um I think I don’t think it’s going to be easy. I think um Canelo are gonna catch him a couple times. Canelo is gonna come in and take some punches. He He’s not scared to take punches. So, and Canelo, you know, by me saying what I’m saying,
Canelo is a great fighter, too,
but I think Bud is a better boxer between the two of them. And I think in this case, boxing is going to outweight fighting. So, I think the boxer is going to to beat the fighter. And I think Bud wins the fight and comes away the unanimous winner of the fight. Um, probably not in an ultra close fight, you I think I think he’ll probably, you know, seven uh seven rounds. He’ll probably win seven to five or, you know, 8 to four or something like that is what I would expect because I think he’ll be able to to outbox me and keep the distance and not let Canelo get in too close. So that that’s my my thought on the fight.
So I I think the last one for the last couple things we’ll ask for this the fight, then we’ll move on. So, if Crawford pulls off the upset, where does that take him on the pound pound-for-pound rankings mentioning he was number three before? And then on the other side of that, if Canelo wins, does this make Camella Canelo the best fighter of this era? So, once again, if Canelo wins, does it make him the best fighter of the era, beating a tough opponent in Crawford? or if Crawford wins, does it make him what does it do for him as far as the rankings on the pound-for-pound um rankings for boxers? So, Mark, why don’t you go and take that one first?
I think I think on both sides, whoever win this fight is going to take that well for sure if if if Crawford win this fight. Yeah, he he will move up right now and he would be the number one best pound-for-pound fighter in the world because by him moving from that weight up up to um 20 pounds in in weight in one fight and then taking one of the best fighters that’s out there right now, you got to put him on on top of the list if he can get this win. Um you have to put him on top. Um as for Canelo um for this era, he would be up there for mention as well because I mean this is a big fight for him as well. So, um, I mean, and he done proved that, you know, he he done fought some decent opponents. Um, I think this will put him up there for, yeah, probably the the best fight of this. Now, when we say this era, how far do we talking about here? Because I I don’t go back too far here.
Now, we’re talking about 12 last 10 years. Yeah, last 10 years.
Yeah, he he would be up there to mention for sure because Yeah, he would be up there mentioning, too. I mean 62 and two he got a couple of losses but he done took on a lot of fights a lot of good a lot of good opponents so yeah he he he will be up there for me for the era I mean being one of the top fighters in the era so I think both of them it’s gonna push whoever win this fight is going to push either one of them up there u well for sure would be I mean the number one right now poundfor pound and then um it it would it would most definitely boost up Canelo as well for one I mean for one of the best fighters of the era
right okay all right what you Twitty.
Yeah,
I I agree. I agree. When when you when you if if if Bud wins, if Crawford wins, he’s going to be number one pound-for-pound fighter of uh of his weight of this pound-for-pound fighter. He gonna move up to from three to one. All right. So, that’s what I think. He’s just going to move up and he’s still going to be undefeated and he gonna be number one.
42 and0 if he wins. 42 and 0 if he wins.
42. But he ain’t he ain’t 50 and0. But okay.
Yeah. 40. What? 42 and 0 ain’t good enough.
42. That’s great. No, that’s great.
Yeah, it’s great. It’s it’s unbelievable.
That’s great.
Okay. But if if if Canelo win, he’s going to be he gonna move up to at least top 10 pound-for-pound because he beat number three. If you if you if you beat number three, you gota you got to be top 10 and pound for pound. So,
how about him for the era, though? We’re talking we’re for him. We’re talking bigger. We’re talking bigger bigger than that. and Canelo not being if I didn’t look at where he was. If he’s not in the top 10, then that’s [ __ ] [ __ ] Canelo’s top 10 top 10. He’s the top 10. He’s the top 10 fighter.
I don’t agree with that.
And the rank top 10.
I think that he that’s where he gonna move to if he beat if he beat Crawford.
Yeah.
So right now he not.
I say it’s [ __ ] if he’s not. Yeah. That’s a bad way. Exactly.
Deserve to be in top five right now.
Yeah. He’s one of top fighters.
Not.
Yeah. That’s That’s a [ __ ]
Yeah.
Yeah.
All right. Q, what you think?
That’s That’s even That’s even for uh upgrade. You moving into the top top 10 right now. But that’s where he at.
He not in, but that’s where he at. Well, for Crawford, this would make, you know, make history. We know we already know that, you know, he will become uh three time uh win a championship in in three different uh divisions. So that would it would be history and you know that would put him on the pedestal. But on the same token, if Canelo was to win, it’s almost as he slayed the dragon. You know what I’m saying? So it’s it’s equally both important for for both of them, you know? Uh it can boost them both for different reasons, you know, in the same fight. You know what I’m saying? So, uh I’m I’m hoping it’s Crawford, but you know, hey, it it could very well just put put Canelo on the top too, you know,
and solidify his uh his career, too.
It could.
Yeah. I I say this. I say it’s probably less gain initially for Canelo if he wins. Meaning, I think uh initially uh he won’t get the because he’s fighting a smaller guy. So, bigger guy, small fighting smaller guy. expectations that he wins. But I think once things are said and done and his career is over, then you look back at the the resume and if he were to beat Crawford, then I think the resume speaks very highly of him beating a quality [ __ ] fighter and probably potentially a great fighter. The motherfucker’s 41-0, right? So, but a great fighter and Crawford I think um history will look positively up on that and I think it’ll over the long term it’ll have him probably cemented as the the best fighter of this modern era. All right. I think for Bud I think Bud um I think he got validation in his last fight uh cuz he completely dominated Spence. He he dominated Spence from from the first bail to the last volume bale. He he dominated Spence. I think this is the cherry on top. And I think what that does for him is 100% you going in against contrary to to him looking at it strategically and him thinking he has a good matchup. Canelo was a dangerous [ __ ] fighter. So I think him going into it um and taking the fight, Canelo was one that you know it can look good on paper but then you get caught by one and you can lose. So I think Canelo is that kind of fighter. So I think for Bud hands down without a doubt he takes this fight, he wins this fight, then then Bud’s got to be considered pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world. Hand without a doubt. In an era when [ __ ] duck duck and dodge and [ __ ] don’t fight each other and this [ __ ] will bypass that [ __ ] Like the [ __ ] pisses me off with boxing more than anything.
That’s the thing that that’s killer. But for him to take on this fight, you know, I give him credit for taking it because it’s a dangerous fight regardless and it could go your way or not go your way. So yeah, this cements him as as the number one pound-for-pound um in the world in my book.
Hey, just one thing. He better Hey, um now we all pick Bud, you know, and and we go Bud, but I’m going tell you something. He better come in focus. Yeah. because I have seen him in a in in a couple of fights where you know he didn’t come in focus and and he came real close to losing because when he fought Sean Porter
Yeah had leading that fight
winning that fight he was winning that fight he just got caught like when the seventh or eighth round and then it kind of messed him up but but Porter was winning that fight I’m telling you and uh so he he better come in focus big time because Canelo is a very good fighter and and Canelo know Canelo knows that he has to come forward and he has to attack and and do everything. So, Crawford better be focused. He better be focused or he going to be in trouble. Well, I just did my research real quick and Canelo is number eight on the ranking all time.
Oh, you your most janky ass stats of yours. We I knew he had to be in the top 10. I just look it up. He should be higher than that. He should be higher than that. But he We have to call our stat guy for now. He can’t get We can’t trust Tweed with the stats. Sweet [ __ ] up. He ain’t even in the top 10. Like, god damn. About to have a look. Hey, he about to have a look goofy to the [ __ ] on the podcast and [ __ ] Oh, he ain’t in the top 10. Hey, they going be like, “Look, did you Hey, did you watch them [ __ ] They don’t even know that Canelo in the top 10.” All right, baby. Here it go.
We’re gonna move on and we’re gonna talk the [ __ ] we always talk that we love to talk because hey, this is is us. Basketball is life and life is basketball until football season starts up.
But
that’s right.
Be we’re talking B. Basketball is a king pin today.
So looking at the NBA and free agency,
you all I want to know first of all first off what teams impress you with the moves that they made so far in Austin? be it there’s still a lot of free agents out there so still a lot of opportunity but what you’ve seen so far what teams have impressed you and do you think number one have impressed you then number two have really helped themselves going into next season win championships yet so don’t go there yet just who have impressed you and who do you think has enhanced their chances going into next year Q we going to let you run it first I know he going Pistons first but so go ahead I’m going to go to the western conference first
oh [ __ ] he going to western Hey, but hey, but before I said it, the [ __ ] going to go to the Pistons. Trust trust me you. But I will tell you
they made some good they they made some good pickups. Uh your boys did.
All right, but go ahead Q. What you thinking?
Well, in the Western Conference, somebody said, “Y’all [ __ ] is playing checkers and I’m playing chess.” And that’s them damn Houston Rockets. them Houston Rockets went out there and they built Voltron on these [ __ ] Boy, they are ready and they are strapped up. You know, when they they was already good, but then when they went and got Capella and the and the other couple moves, they I was oh my god, this team is deep out of control. So that’s that’s the Western Conference right there.
Go ahead, Twe. What you got to say?
No, I said you said Capella, huh?
Yeah, Capella’s a great pickup.
Oh, he’s a great pickup. on their system where they play and they play defense. Great.
Oh yeah. Finny
and Finny Smith and pick up Finny Smith. Oh yeah.
Yes. Yes. That was the other guy. Finny Smith. Yes.
Yeah. Man, great pickup. Great pickup. Great pickup.
So, and then uh you know we you know of course we going on the on the uh on that Easter.
Here we go. I knew it wouldn’t be that long, people. I knew it wouldn’t be that long, baby. I knew it wouldn’t be that long. Go ahead. Detroit. Hey, Detroit showed they ass and went out there and went and got blue.
Yeah,
they went and got blue on us. Spartan
says and Duncan.
Yeah,
you got turned this into blue central.
Hey, I’m tell kept both of them are great pickups because uh [ __ ] Duncan Robinson shooting the ball. Oh god. Put the ball in the basket. Yeah. ain’t a good defender.
Yeah.
Which one? Divert. Levert. Yeah,
Levert is a good defender. Ain’t no He ain’t great.
No, Duncan ain’t gonna guard nobody. He ain’t got nobody. But, you know, it’s nice to see the Pistons building off of what they Yeah. You know, off of their last season and that that that’s really nice. Uh, you know, Tan Langden, the GM, is doing a fine job up there.
That punk punk ass Duke dude. Punk ass [ __ ] for Duke.
[ __ ] T. I don’t know why you brought his name up. [ __ ] him.
Oh boy.
Anyway. Yeah.
All right. You got anybody else Q you want to hit or or or you? If so, we transition over.
No, no, no. We go ahead. We transfer somebody.
What? Martin. Martin, what you think?
Uh, for the West, um, I mean, the obvious is Houston for sure. I mean, I know you mentioned that and I think we all know Houston did a good job, but I think that I think Denver Nuggets did I mean did pretty good. They did pretty good in this free um um market too. Picking up Bruce Brown with which he was there for won a championship with him. But to me that that that Cam Johnson move and getting Porter out there because Porter was no kind of assistant.
I think I think Cam is a better player, better all-around player, plays defense as well.
Morgan hits the shooter.
That’s gonna make them better. Um they picked up Tim Hardway Jr. as well. That’s I mean he’s a you know he’s a um good bench player off the bench. And and then I’m not big on um what’s his name?
Valen Junis.
Valentine for but but for a backup I think that’s a good pick up for know for your backup center. So
right
I think Denver did a very good job of um you know um trying to get back in the game. You know they still got their core which is which is Murray and um Joker you know. Um yeah. So
I think Denver did a good job. I think Denver did a good job. I think Dallas picking up D’Angelo Russell was a good pickup.
I think that was a hell of a pickup. I think that pick up seeing didn’t know because Kyrie gonna be out there know for a little bit. So, and then when he do come back
when he do come back
Russell coming off the bench. Yeah, I think that’s a I think that was a very good move that’s gonna help them out in the long run. Yeah, I think that was gonna be legit. That was gonna be legit.
Yeah, that was gonna be the gist. So, I think those two um those two teams in the West, that’s what I saw the most. Um the Lakers, I mean, they picked up Aiden. They needed some size, so that was a good um pick up for them. I still think they need some wings, some some better wing defenders or something like that. I was like, I still need that. But they need some
You need a big man that gonna be able to argue with the coaches and [ __ ] That [ __ ] be arguing both places, both Phoenix and in Portland. The rumors were that that [ __ ] be able to argue with the coaches and [ __ ] and whining and [ __ ]
I don’t know. I think
[ __ ] over here in the in JJ.
Yeah, we’re gonna see.
Yeah. So, no. So, yeah. I mean, Lakers, that was a decent pickup. Um, Memphis, Memphis had a few quiet low-key pickups. I think like I mean, they got rid of Bane because I wasn’t big on Bane way, but Bane is a good player, but I think they went a little bigger for the guard spot. So, they I mean, they picked up some defensive players. They picked up Cwell Pope. I think Cwell Pope is a good championship player. I think so. Does that have on your team? You got Cole Anthony, which was playing pretty decent in Orlando. And I’m not big on
So why do you never get why he never get why do he never get minutes in Orlando? I don’t that don’t make sense to me because any No. Um I’m talking about um Co Anthony. Anthony Anthony.
Co Anthony.
Yeah.
I don’t I don’t basketball. He scored basketball. Yeah. I mean I don’t know why he don’t I mean wouldn’t get a minutes like that.
But um Yeah. But men they replaced Bane with I mean they picked up three decent I mean three three pretty decent players. tied the role. I mean, he he actually played better than I thought he was last year. He scored.
Yeah. I mean, they picked him up, too. So, the three players were replacing the East.
Go ahead. Go ahead. No, go over these.
No, no. With the East, um, I’m gonna say Atlanta did pretty good in Fras. He picked up Porzingis. I think that I think that was a very good pickup. They also picked up um Alexander Walker from uh Minnesota.
That was a hell of a pickup.
Um, yeah, that was a that was a good pickup. But then they picked up a shooter and Canard I mean he’s no that’s what he can’t do is shoot the basketball. So I think Alana did pretty good.
Canard Hey look Canard [ __ ] ass ain’t guarding nobody either. So that’s why they got good they got all the wings.
He ain’t got nobody. They they just they got him a strength to shoot. Look hey Canar look we going to throw your ball in the corner. If you got a shot the ball. If you don’t get that [ __ ] up cuz you ain’t nothing. You ain’t put the ball on the ground. You ain’t doing none of that [ __ ] Hey hey hey on defense just stay out the way [ __ ] just stay to play.
Okay.
Right. But no, but no, but Atlanta did good. The Pin did good with Avert and Robson. They needed some scoring. Um off the bench. Um Doug Robinson is gonna bring some some good shooting for him. Um and then Lever is a good player. You know, he he’s good two-way player playing defense and and scoring. So, I think Detroit did good. I think my Nick got a good pick up in Clarkston because they point off the bench.
He averaged 16 points last year. I think that was a good pickup as well. Hey, hey, Mark.
I I was kind of suspect on them until I until I seen they got Clarkson. I was like, “Okay, okay, okay.” Because they haven’t really made too many moves.
Yeah. Know, you know, they needed to get better.
They did [ __ ]
Only thing I about Clarkson, boy, that [ __ ] ain’t never seen a shot he didn’t like. That [ __ ] shoot the ball. He don’t give a touch, boy.
Hey, look. You ain’t worried about Brunson taking all the shots then cuz that [ __ ] Clarkson come the game. He going to let that [ __ ] go.
You better not throw it to Clarkson. Hey Brunson not going to throw it to Clark. He going to get it back. He ain’t going to get it back. Tell you right now he get this mother back that [ __ ] No. Yeah. So that’s a couple teams I think for I don’t know on both sides. So [ __ ]
All right. All righty. Go ahead. Let you do it.
We get to go. Mark pick all the goddamn teams. She told everybody. Hey, you got you got to rehash you gota rehash and give your reasons. Yeah, give your reason.
You got to recap what he said.
Yeah. Yeah, that greedy [ __ ] He got the damn bunch of knowledge around this [ __ ] I can’t help.
Okay. Well, let let me think. [ __ ] I don’t know. Let me
You can mention the same team. Yeah. My Lakers. My Lakers.
Lakers.
That was that was it right there. I ain’t picked up one player.
The Lakers ain’t [ __ ]
$8 million. We got him for $8 million.
Once again, you got him cheap. I just I ain’t sold on eight. I think that [ __ ] the problem. He’s a He one of PlayStation dudes like Kyler Murray, too. PlayStation.
We ain’t gonna have that [ __ ] over here at the in Lakers.
If he get around the right company, I mean, I mean, he might be better. Get around the right company. Get around the right company. I mean, he got Brown in there. I mean, I ain’t going to say Luka, but you got LeBron in there. LeBron going to put his hands on him. So, I mean, let’s see what happen. I think
No, Luka Na got um Gaffrey and and Lively paid. So, let’s see if he can do the same thing with Aiden uh uh next year.
So, they got them paid. And he got um who else to get paid?
That’s the only He got they got paid because they they was able to get a bunch of blocks cuz his man kept running by wide open. So, they was able to block show off their block shot skills.
That’s how they got paid. Okay, that’s okay. But on the East, on the East, let me let me mention one team that Martin did not mention. Maybe the Bucks. The Bucks.
Oh, hell no.
Oh, Bucks ain’t do [ __ ]
Okay, they got they got what? Kon Jr. K. They already had him.
Hey, you better not mention who I gonna mention. You better not mention. I think you gonna mention no no not even
that was that was a resign. That was a resigned. They resigned.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He’s not bad. But I mean, but but come on.
Who else they bring in? Who else they bring in?
Who else they bring in?
Yeah.
I’m waiting on You brought him up. Yeah. Turner. I was waiting on Turner.
Turner. After watching him in the finals, I ain’t got nothing for about Turner.
He didn’t play for the Lakers.
He No, no, no, no, no. Lakers, but I’m saying you talking about the Bucks has some good pickups. I don’t know. Tweety. Tweety. You know what? After we had finished this, I was going to pose a question of what team disappointed you the most. And you know what team that is for me?
What’s that?
The [ __ ] Bucks. Every move they made was like [ __ ] utteral. They didn’t do nothing to get better. It’s like
I’m just trying to bring up names that Martin didn’t mention already. So, okay, I’ll tell you.
No, no, no. I mean, but I mean, but the Bugs be Turner, so I mean, so they must have confidence in him. Um I after watching him in the finals I I just ain’t got no confidence in him. Is he that much better than Brook Lopez for that money?
He’s a younger version. He’s a younger version.
Younger version. That’s probably
younger version. But he’s younger.
Lope. I don’t know.
Yeah. Younger version, right? And they’re stripped down. They can’t do a whole lot. Go ahead. Uh go ahead. What else you got?
That was it. I mean, [ __ ] I I can’t I can’t think of nobody else. Okay. I’m I’m gonna say a couple
a couple more too in a minute. So does go. I’m say I’m say a couple things. I think in the west I think the obvious is as they say Houston. I think Houston is my my my favorite right now as the stands to come out of the West. Contrary to the champs being over there. I think that Houston team is going to be [ __ ] dangerous. I like what they did. They added um more depth.
They added size. They got they already had wings. They added more wings. They added KD. I think Houston is going to be a [ __ ] And you throw in the fact that they got good coaching. Uh yeah, I think I think Udoka is is uh is secretly becoming one of the best coaches in the league. No [ __ ] from what I’ve seen out the last couple years. So I think absolutely right.
I think that uh that thing that part of it I think Houston is was hands down did their thing. I think um which Martin pointed I think Denver makes some good moves. They got some finally did something after a couple years of doing nothing
um for Joker. I know Joker went up to the front office. So, they made some moves and and brought in some additional talent. I think as I look through the rest of the West on any other any other teams that did anything I think just low low key I think um OKC did good by they resigned Shay obviously they had you know crazy they getting first good decent first round picks they had a good pick in the in the draft and then they they signed the guys they need to sign to keep the team together so I think OKC solidified their thing because when you’re the champs you want to go out make wholesale changes you want to keep the piece that you got and then run it back. So, I think they did the right thing by by keeping the guys they need to keep and then setting themselves to be able to be able to run it back.
On the flip side of it, that’s and the West not really happy what the Lakers did. I think the Lakers, like I said, I’m not a Aiden fan, but we’ll see what happens under different company, different surroundings, if they can mature him. And I think the Lakers still need to get a Wayne. They still need to get somebody that can help play D and stop the ball. Now, the talk has been that they might shop Austin Reeves to be able to get somebody that can help defend because you can’t have both him and Luca on the floor together. I don’t think you can you can be successful having him and Luke on the floor at the same time. Two guys that that are defensive ch defensively challenged. I think it’s too much pressure on Eightton or whoever is back there, right?
They resign Hayes. Hayes is better as a backup, but I think you still got to have somebody on the perimeter that’s going to be able to stop the ball and uh and be able to to stay in front of people. Like LeBron’s gonna give it do his best, but he’s he’s 41 42. So, you know, even him, he’s not he don’t play defense like he used to, although he’s much better than the other two guys. So, I think they need somebody to play defense. Finny Smith was a big loss for them. I think they got to get somebody that that can play on the wings. So, that’s what I would say about and finishing up the West in the Eastern Conference. I think the the teams that um 100% Atlanta probably the top of the list because Atlanta was totally irrelevant before the before the the draft they did okay but in free agency they really helped their chances and um in free agency by picking up Porzingis uh picking up um picking up getting getting a shooter um and getting the the things they got. I think Atlanta really helped themselves and have themselves as a a team that can at least contend in the top six. They’ll be a they’ll be a playoff team rather than a playin team next year. I think Atlanta has successfully done that where they’ve been a perennial play u playin team. I think they they get to the top six in our top six um playoff team for for next year. So I think I like what they’ve done. I think Orlando didn’t make a lot of moves, but I do think Bane because they need shooting. I think Bane was a good pickup for Orlando um in the in the Eastern Conference. They resigned Vagner um for another big. So, I thought that was smart. And I think for them is about jailing. I I you know, wanted to see them keep Anthony, but they never played him like they should have. And I thought he was the best point guard they had. So, you know, not not really crazy about them not keeping Anthony, but you know, if you’re not going to play him, it don’t matter if you keep him or not. Um, you move on. And then lastly, I think the Knicks, why they didn’t make a lot of moves, I think the Knicks made enough moves the year before. So, I now think adding a somebody to come out the bench and get him buckets cuz Jordan Clarkson go get him buckets. Whether it be high efficiency shooting or it be low efficiency shooting, he going to get him some buckets. That [ __ ] going to let that [ __ ] go every time he get it. He ain’t never I think that [ __ ] for his career averages one one one or two assists a game. That’s it. He ain’t passing a [ __ ] much. So
average one two assists or or had one or two assist his whole career. I don’t know. He ain’t got that many. I’m telling you right now.
It might be he only had one or two for his career. But I think I think them adding that’s one thing they they missed or lack was scoring off the bench. So, I think that’s that gives them that solidifies their bench scoring, right? So, now you can pair him with the guys you coming off the bench and you can uh and I think you’re going to be a lot better. I think the Knicks, you know, didn’t need to make moves. I think they need to get better. Then lastly, I say the Pistons, I was impressed with what the Pistons did. The Pistons went out and made [ __ ] moves. Um I think they they added shooting, which is something needed off so it ain’t everything doesn’t fall on um you know, fall on one player on Cunningham. I think now when Cunningham drives and kicks, he’s got people that can that can knock down shots. So that’s a good thing for the Pistons and for them. They’re, you know, looking to mature beyond next year. I would like to see them get one other low post presence. Somebody get them scores in the in the paint would be nice, but I do think from the standpoint of the the game is now the drive and kick game. So, I think they’re equipped for the driving kick and I think they they’ve improved their team, improved their situations, and the Pistons might be a top three uh ne next season um in the in the Eastern Conference the way it is now. I think they might be a top top three.
Yep. Pistons in Orlando.
The one team nobody mentioned because they didn’t do nothing and to me they needed to do something because the way they got dominated in the playoffs and they didn’t do nothing in free agency was Minnesota. Minnesota didn’t do nothingbody up. All they did was lose people. Yeah. And they I mean they they be a few people, but the way they got dominated last year,
they should have been making doing something because
they went out bad. They went out got that that bag, I guess.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He he got his bag. But yeah,
hey, he was on that team too last year. But so he didn’t make no moves. They didn’t do nothing.
They didn’t make no moves, but resigned people.
They just lost a couple people.
Yeah. So, I think I think they’re I think they’re expecting Dillingham to step in and be a player for him next year um at point guard. So, I think he’s gonna get more minutes at point guard. I think they’re counting what they got. But, yeah, they should have they should have did some stuff. Yeah, they should have got at least a a starting point guard. Some somebody that’s gonna
would be think from Illinois is gonna step it up. I mean, if I think you give them dime, I think you could.
They they need to play Shining Moore.
Yeah, they need to play Shining Moore. But, yeah. So, we’ll see. Yeah, they didn’t do nothing.
Yeah, they ain’t do [ __ ]
So, so with that, other these teams that improved, any of them got a legitimate championship run in them? Anybody got a chance? Any of those teams that we named honestly not only improved but got a chance to to make it to the finals or let’s say Eastern Conference and Western Conference finals. Who who are those teams you think um advance their situation where they can make the Eastern Conference and Western Conference finals and potentially the finals? Right. So, who do you think if you narrow it down now, who do you think? So, Q, what you think?
Got to pick one team.
Yeah. Pick uh Well, yeah. Pick uh pick somebody in East and West. Yeah.
Cuz now you’re not saying just who improved. Like, who do you think improved enough to make each fight?
I’m not really for sure about these two teams, but I think it’s gonna come down to two teams.
Uh, and I’m not really for sure about one of these two teams, but oh my god. Uh, nah, I don’t want to look crazy. I’m looking crazy. Let it out. I’mma say I’mma say the Knicks.
Okay. I’m No, no, no. Because I was gonna go with the Pistons because I I
I knew you going to say I thought you going to say the Pistons. Go ahead.
Yeah. Yeah, but I I still think that it’s just gonna be something. We We have to see as the season goes, but right now I’m going go with the safe.
Now, let me go back to the question, though. Let’s go back to the question. is not who you think is going to come out. Is of the teams that we just went through that made changes. Which of those do you think made changes that can propel them to the Eastern Conference or Western Conference finals? Who who made changes enough to make themselves that much better?
Definitely the Pistons. The Pistons definitely made them just as formidable as uh any other team in the East. Okay.
You know, they they’re just as formidable. They were they were already pretty formidable last year, but and they’ve only improved on that. Now, yes, the Knicks have gotten better, too, with with Clarkston, but I I feel like, man, it’s two it’s a two- horse race over there, you know? So, that’s what I say on that side. Okay. Um, on the other side, I like the moves that Dallas made. Dallas almost went back to that team that almost won them the championship. You know, they they surrounded uh uh the big man with shooters. They got a they got a a decent backup for him, you know, they can, you know, go out there and give, you know, some good fouls and rebounds, stuff like that. Get some deep buckets. So, I I like what Dallas did and they, you know, try to put their name in the hat to get to the the Western Conference Finals. Okay.
Okay.
All right, Tweety, what you think? It’s going to be for me the Houston uh West Houston and Lakers conference finals right there.
Conference finals. Houston Lakers. The Lakers, huh?
All right. I’m right. I’m write down the Laker [ __ ] cuz they ain’t going to fight him. They don’t If they don’t pick up [ __ ] wing, they ain’t going to find
Houston Lakers. And then I got I got the Cavs.
I got the Cavs in the Knicks.
I ain’t got no favor of the [ __ ] Cavs.
Hey, they they didn’t make no damn move. But you know, you you want us to book that one, too? Book that one. Cavs in the Knicks.
Okay. All right. You book it. I’m write this [ __ ] down cuz I think I think you Hey, I think you crazy in the [ __ ] with Are you kidding?
No. No faith in the Cavs. I got zero faith the C. [ __ ] them. I I won’t ever say something good about the C ever again. All right, Mark, what you think? I think um in the West um I’m looking at um um Dallas and Houston. Um probably. Yeah. I mean Houston for sure. Um I think if you if you give me one choice in the West, it’s going to be Houston. I mean they they making all the right moves for exactly what they needed.
So now you can do you do this one you can do multiple
Houston and Dallas for sure and Dallas as well. I think question is about Dallas is can they stay healthy?
Can they keep AD healthy? I think that’s the most important thing um with Dallas. If they stay healthy and they have their whole team there I think Dallas can be in the West Conference final and be in the final as well. So, Houston for sure.
Um the East, I’m I’m with with all the players and injuries and everybody that’s down, I think the Knicks is going to be that team that’s gonna have to um yeah, that made that made it they made one move right now, but it was a very big move for them because that was a problem for them. Their bench couldn’t provide too much. Um so, and as long as the coach is going to be playing them, too. But
you like the coach,
huh?
You like the coach?
I like the coach. I I like Mike Brown. I mean, he he he got the experience and this and that. So, I like Mike Brown as coach.
I don’t think you get rid of I don’t think you get rid of uh you get rid of your coach. You get I don’t think you get rid of the pick up Mike Brown. That was dumb as [ __ ]
I didn’t say I like I didn’t say I like them getting undert. I’m just saying. But yeah, they had somebody they picked up Brown. But Right.
Yeah. But I it was it was it was obviously something bigger than just the um just the game reason why they got rid of
Right. It had to be it had to be some type of disagreement between him and management or something because that don’t make sense that they go to East Conference final and they one game away from you know going going to the finals and then and then get rid of the coach. So it was it was obviously some disagreement or something between him and management. But yeah, but I do think right now the Knicks are in place with all the injuries with know with some of the other key teams. Um and then I have no faith in Cleveland. So yeah, I think the Knicks um yeah, they made the the one move that’s really gonna help them out. Okay.
To put them in East Conceals. You don’t have a second team in East? No, I just got one.
All right. I’m I’m gonna say I’m gonna start off
I’m gonna start off and I’m going to say for the Eastern Conference, I’m I’m going give you two teams. I think the Pistons, I think they prepared themselves and given themselves the opportunity to to to run to make a run and get into it. I think the combination having Kade when that [ __ ] go downhill, I love his game. So now going downhill, you can kick the [ __ ] out. I think I like I like what they did. And then I’m going to say the Knicks. Uh cuz I think the Knicks hold the team together, resist the temptation to go out, make a bunch of moves, adding a piece in and Clarkson contra them shooting that [ __ ] every time you get it. I think it’s going to be a positive for them. So, I think those two are the teams that I think did enough or controlled the move they made in order to to to make a run and go to the Eastern Conference Finals. So, I think that’s what I would say on the on the East side. And I think probably if there were a runner up from that, I think Atlanta I think Atlanta is going to be a great defensive team next year. So, I think they have they have an opportunity too. But I would take the first two as the the primary. I will say when I when I look over into the Western Conference uh and the teams I think they is, you know, I already stated for the record, that [ __ ] Houston team, hey, they going they going to be tough to [ __ ]
right? I ain’t nobody going to want to see them coming. And I I predict this.
Houston’s going to win 60 games next year.
Houston going to win 60 games. They won they won damn near 60 um 60 this year with the team they had that had a flawed they had a flawed scored scoring. They couldn’t score. He was gonna win 60 games next year. Uh without a doubt. So I think that’s why OKC
they’re the first and foremost team. Well, we talking about made changes and stuff. The um the team made changes in free agent helped them get there. And I think I I have to say the other teams I think is you know if I would say two other teams I think Denver made changes. I think Cam Johnson when you’re doubling Joker I think he’s going to hit at a much higher rate and consistency than than Porter Jr. did. So, I think I like I like the move Denver made. I think Bruce Brown, while I think that may have played itself and be on that team cuz when they got rid of him, but I still think he’s going to be a contributor. I think uh that’s going to be a good move for him. And I think the uh getting somebody that can stand in there and do a little bit when Joker’s out. I think Valentuna is capable of doing that. So, I think Denver will be one team uh one the second team that I would say in the Western Conference. And then lastly is I love the move that Dallas made after all the other moves picking up uh DLO. I think DLO I’m not a DLO fan. I think DLO in this role and them salvaging this the season by having a point guard rather than going into the season without a with question marks on point guard because Kyrie’s out. I think if Kyrie comes back healthy and you got DLO for the first part of it, Dallas may win 60 game, 50 something games, high 50s, maybe 60 games. If if um Kyrie comes back healthy, then they could be dangerous as [ __ ] So, you know, cuz they are
much like Houston, the clash the clash of the Titans will be them two [ __ ] teams playing. That’s going to be a hell of a battle. And I think them both battling against OKC I think would be it’s gonna be made for TV. So for sure you you finished Rod I wanted to wheel you back to the Eastern Conference when you said about uh Atlanta and you said they’d be a better defensive team. You know they lost Capella
and and picked up uh Porzingis. You think that make them better defensively?
Porzingis is a is a great uh shot blocker. He’s a good shot blocker number one, but then I think what happened is they added to their wings. They got wings coming back that got hurt. They got um what’s the um um JJ I Josh Johnson. He had him coming back and he’s a he was a hell of a defender on the way to being a um being a really good player last year. They got him. They had the boy from France who’s a good wing defender and they add and then the other stuff they add I think they added enough pieces where their wings now they have good wings and the key I think offensively and defensively in the modern day game is having good wings that are guys that are long that can knock down threes and D guys right and defend
yeah but but only playing 50 games you know that right he only playing 50 games
well most hey most these [ __ ] play game nowadays and be healthy.
I tell you what,
I tell you what, you get 50 games out of MD, you call that a you you’d be a blessed season.
Yeah.
Yeah, that’s for sure. Yeah, but the wings I think the wings that they picked up, they’re going to be um Atlanta’s going to be really good defensively.
Um and then and then you got back big fella behind it.
Yeah, they they they shopping John Collins though, so hopefully they don’t they don’t
Well, no. Kyle Kyle Kyle just reup with he with Utah. He just reuped up with Utah. Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
He was at Utah and he reuped up with Utah. So he he he signed back again. He he he accepted his player option and he went back to Utah.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
So, you know, I think I think um I think that makes them a good team. And you know, I would say Trey Young learned how to pass the ball a little bit more last year. He le he had his highest he had his highest assist season last year and he led the league in assists at 11 per game. So, I think I think Trey Trey’s growing up and I think they’re going to be a dangerous team. I don’t think they’re quite ready yet, but I think um I think the other two teams I mentioned are better.
And I’m never ever ever ever [ __ ] seeing Cleveland again. Never. Never. Never. Cleveland.
Come on. Come out my mouth. Even Even if LeBron go back this year, even if LeBron go back, I probably can’t [ __ ] Cleveland. I’m about to change that. LeBron at
Yeah, I may have to. Yeah, I as they currently constructed, I don’t trust them [ __ ] at all. All right, we got
Yeah, definitely.
You You gota You got to put a little trust in them.
All right, we got a couple quick minutes hit base hit some baseball real quick.
So, what’s your biggest surprise um going into the the midway point? We got almost at the All-Star break and then what do you see happening on the on the back on the other side of it? Tweety, you you went uh last on the last one. You go first, I go second. Then then we’d go to you guys after that. But what do you think uh for baseball? What do you what do you uh what’s your call for baseball? Well, baseball. All right, let’s let’s do it. I only watch one team. Only watch one team and that’s them Dodgers, you know. That’s the only team I watch. So,
hey. Hey. And you know,
Otani, he putting on the show. So he pitching and and hitting, you know. So that’s the only team I watch. So I can’t give you too much of my uh expectations on on baseball cuz the Dodgers is it for me. Dodgers going do it all.
They gonna do it all. So that’s it. Them Dodgers.
All right. Well, I’m I’m going to say I’m going to say for me, my surprise teams of the year is I think the Tigers have been uh surprised continuing to build off what they did last year. You know, obviously they got the best best pitcher in baseball. They gonna [ __ ] [ __ ] me and lose today on the bet because they just gave home run in the top of the ninth inning. So, they going to lose one one nothing yesterday. They gonna lose one nothing today. But the Tigers have been uh been a good surprise. And then I didn’t expect Houston to continue to be as good as they’ve been uh again this year. So, I’ll say Houston’s been the surprise for me, the other surprise team for me on the the um American League side. And then I think when you look on the the flip side of it, but when you look at the Tigers in Houston, one of the drivers in it is is look at their uh team erra. They’re both top five RA in the in the league. And then look at their strikeouts. So, pitching led the way for both of them and has aided both of them. And I think on the the
um the National League side, you know, the Dodgers come no surprise, but I would say the Cubbies
uh and the Cubs once again, their pitching has been good and and they’ve been a welcome surprise on that side. So that’s probably just the only surprise team. Um I say on on that side and I think on the for the coming out of the All-Star break, the team to watch, I think the Tigers going to be a team to watch. I think the Tigers are a team to watch and I’ll be rooting for them. And then I think on the other side of it, uh, the Dodger gonna always be dangerous, right? When you got when you stack stack the lineup that much, then you gonna always be dangerous. So Mark, what do you what do you what you got? Um, on the American League side, I mean, yeah, the Tigers has been playing very well. I mean, they have the pitching. They probably got the best pitcher in baseball, school ball. Um, yeah. So the the Tigers going to be there in the end to me in the American League. The Astros have not the biggest surprise has been the Astros though because I didn’t expect them to even be in in in any talk right now. But me neither right now they’re you know they’re 54 and 35 and they eight and won eight out of the last 10. So the Astros is is is a very big surprise.
And who they hey who who they who they beat up on the last two game they beat up on somebody last two games. 18 to1 the other day.
I’m sorry. That’s Dodgers.
Yeah they beat them Dodgers ass.
Watch that. I hope you watch that cuz they kicking the Dodgers ass. I saw that 18 to1 like
but they also have one of the best um pitchers erra wise in um Hunter too. So Hunter Brown. So um he know he got a RA of under two. So you know they have the they have that start pitcher to um to lead the way. So I think the Astros is probably the biggest surprise because know because the Tigers didn’t make the playoffs last year.
They just um going off that momentum from last year. But Astros, yeah, I’m very shocked where they at right now. um in the National League. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, the Dodgers doing their thing. I mean, they’re um they’re in first place, of course. Um but the Cubbies, no, they’re they’re probably the biggest surprise in the in the National League. Um didn’t expect the Cubbies to be 53 and 36, you know, um as of right now. I’m almost halfway through the season. Um they ain’t won seven out of the last 10. So, yeah, the the Cubs. But to me, the national lead is kind of up in the air, too, though, because I mean, because you still got the Phillies, the the Phillies going to step up anytime. They have the pitching, they have the hidden, so watch out for the Phillies. Um, so I think in the National League, it’s like a 14 race actually for the National League. American League, I think, is probably probably just them two right now, the way the American League looking, but National League, I think it’s a 14 race with the Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies, and you can’t count the Padres’s. So, I think it’s a 14 race in National League. Okay.
Very interesting.
All right, kid. Would you you wrap us up?
You know, you know, it’s all all me, all Detroit all the time. So, you know, like like y’all been saying, our Detroit team steamrololled off of what they already had going on and that’s great. You know, like you say, we got the best pitcher in the game. They will be there at the end. So, I I I do have them and I picked them at the beginning and I’m gonna pick them now. coming out coming out going to going going to that big game on the other side on on the on the on the national league you know uh of course the Dodgers always you know that team you know they they always a team but one team that’s has surprised me that uh when uh my Martin Martin said something about this team when we first asked about teams you may think about doing something and he said the Mets and I said the Mets I said you had lost your [ __ ] mind. I say ain’t no way the Mets is doing nothing. But guess where the Mets at
half a game out of first place. So hats off to this man. He knows his baseball. He He picked it up
after after struggling after struggling for the last month. They struggled the last month and they still
are in pretty good pretty good shape. They have good pitch good pitching. They made uh they made some good pickups.
So yeah.
All right. Um hey, it looks like we’ve uh exhausted our time here today. Uh, any closing thoughts anybody wants to to throw out for NBA, for the big boxing match or for baseball before we jump off? Um, yeah, just real quick, hey, that boxing match, hey, tune in because hey, I think it’s gonna be something special. Crawford gonna do big things. Crawford get a W. That’s for sure.
Absolutely. Absolutely. I’m looking forward for Crawford to win, too. And I think it’s going to be a hell of a fight. Much CTV, like you say. Hey, my my boy my boy Title is rolling over in his wherever he’s at because he’s a diehard Canelo fan. But Title, I have to tell you, as I said earlier, the only thing that beats a great and I think Crawford classifies 41 and0. A great black fighter is another great black fighter. Look at through history and I’ll tell you, you’ll find that to be true. Crawford wins that fight. I think it’s going to be a great fight. is going to be an epic event. But I think in the end, Crawford’s going out boxing.
I think so, too. Long as he on his game. Like
ain’t no punk though. Canelo ain’t no punk. Canelo’s a bad boy.
Yeah. Bad boy, too, though. We got to give Canelo some props.
Canelo ain’t lay down. I like Canelo. Canelo. Canelo’s a bad boy. He not gonna lay down.
Swinging behag aggressive and beat himself. He’s going to be coming. He’s going to be charging forward. So, it’s going to be a hell of a fight. It’s going to be a great fight.
All right. Hey, with that with that time to wrap. Hey, once again, we appreciate all that um that jumped on and andor view today’s podcast. I know it’s holiday weekend, so it’s probably a little touch and go for some folks. But hey, appreciate you jumping on. We have more hot uh [ __ ] coming to you next week. Hey, and we got, as you can see, we at that hood gear, baby. That hood gears out. The hood gear shop. Please jump on and get you some fresh [ __ ] like we got. That’s right.
And with that, Tweety, hit them.
Like and subscribe. Hood report 2025.
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The Hood Report is back for another explosive LIVE episode! 🔥
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