Podcast 6/28/17: On Chris Paul Trade, Phil Jackson, NBA Moves & Lavar Ball

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

You can now download the latest episodes of "TripleThreatCLE.com's Podcast"!

DOWNLOAD: On Chris Paul Trade, Phil Jackson, NBA Moves & Lavar Ball (6/28/17) / SoundCloud Stream Here
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2017 Episodes Of Triple Threat CLE Radio Show
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2016 Episodes of Triple Threat CLE Radio Show

Full Court Press: 2016-17 NBA Season Preview

By Randy Groce, @ImissWiggins

This upcoming NBA season comes with a lot more intrigue than the last few. Superstars have left. Sidekicks turned superstars are now asked to lead. A third year rookie finally making his debut. A Miami legend going to Chicago, and a hometown Chicago kid going to New York. Hell, the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers, who return every single important piece to their championship team, aren't even the favorites going in the season. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Joel Embiid, Dwyane Wade, Derrick Rose, and the possibility of Cavs-Warriors III are just a handful of players and storylines that will make the 2016/17 season one of the most interesting in a long time. 

I like to break down NBA teams the same way I do NFL quarterbacks, by tiers: Elite, Championship contenders, Playoff hopefuls, and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Cavaliers, Warriors, and Spurs are who I would consider elite. The Raptors, Clippers, and Celtics would fall into championship contenders. The Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz would fall into the category of playoff hopefuls. The Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, and Philadelphia 76ers fall into the dreaded Los Angeles Lakers category. More teams fall into each category, but I chose to give you the most obvious.

It seemed as though we were going to get our first look at seeing if the process that the Philadelphia 76ers told us to trust was going to work, but a broken foot by Ben Simmons will force us to wait until January at the earliest. Joel Embiid has looked good during the preseason, but the biggest question concerning him will be health. Between Embiid, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor I expect Philly to only have one of them on their roster when the season ends. This young teams has pieces, but they'll need a little more luck before fans start believing. 

The statement of "do or die season" was meant for this year's Los Angeles Clippers team. They are loaded with veterans. They have two of the top 20 players in the world on their roster. They have an excellent coach, and a high payroll. Too bad they can't make it to the Conference Finals. With Chris Paul and Blake Griffin approaching free agency, I tend to believe this could be their final run together unless they somehow make a trip to the NBA Finals. 

I'm a Laker fan and I plan on closely watching the relationship between new head coach Luke Walton and the young core of Deangelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr., and Jordan Clarkson. Can Walton convince these guys to run a real half court offense and play defense? Will he help a young guy like Nance Jr. reach his potential?  I think I'll be equally interested in seeing the new duo of Anthony Davis and Buddy Hield. A couple of years ago it was suggested that Davis would be the "face of the NBA" by now, but injuries have yet to allow that to happen. Every big man needs a good perimeter guy. Hield might finally serve that role for Davis. 

The team that a lot of people have their eyes on is the Minnesota Timberwolves. Some have suggested that Karl Anthony Towns is the best big man in the game. Add in Andrew Wiggins, rookie Kris Dunn, Ricky Rubio, and new head coach Tom Thibodeau and you would have to wonder how this team doesn't make the playoffs. 

Earlier I mentioned the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and the New York Knicks. Honorable mention is all they deserve. ESPN, FS1, and every other outlet will drool over these non-factors all season for absolutely no reason. I'll pass.

The departure of Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors and the retirement of Tim Duncan has caused the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs to drop off a bit. Both teams will still make the playoffs, but how far they go depends on how well they are led by their stars, Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard. Westbrook undoubtedly has the talent and teammates to at least make it to the Conference Finals, the question is does he trust his teammates and coaching staff enough to try not to do it all on his own. Leonard has LaMarcus Aldridge and coach Popovich, their issue is how much does Tony Parker have left in the tank?

You ever watch a romantic comedy and the guy tries to get the girl for the entire movie? A lot of different things happen good and bad, but when the movie is over and the credits roll they have ended up together? That is how this season is going to play out. Some teams will surprise you and some will disappoint, but when the first week of June rolls around we'll get the ending we felt we'd get as soon as training camp started...

Cavaliers vs. Warriors in the 2017 NBA Finals.

Enjoy the show!

Leadoff with Lee 3.1.16

By Chris Lee, @TripleThreatLee

- Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams is expected to miss at least two weeks with knee injury according to coach Tyronn Lue. The team will reevaluated after that time period and Williams will continue treatment on his knee. Last week Mo visited orthopedist Dr.James Andrews, who diagnosed Williams with chondramalacia under the knee cap.

- The Toronto Raptors will waive former No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett in order to sign free-agent forward Jason Thompson. The Raptors gave Bennett a chance this season after he bombed out with the Minnesota Timberwolves last year. The Cleveland Cavaliers made the 22-year-old the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, but he had a historically bad rookie season and was sent to Minnesota along with Andrew Wiggins. 

Bennett hasn't been productive for the Raptors, appearing in 19 games and averaging 1.5 points and 1.2 rebounds while shooting just 29.6 percent in 4.4 minutes per game. Anthony Bennett maybe the biggest NBA bust of this decade.

- Former NBA player Michael Beasley was named Foreign Most Valuable Player of the Chinese Basketball Association. Beasley is eligible to be signed by any NBA team and would be playoff-eligible as long as he is signed by the final day of the regular season. He averaged 31.7 points and 13.2 rebounds in his 37 games, with Shandong Golden Stars and they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.   

- NFLPA announced that the 2016 salary cap will be at $155.27 million per team. With that being said here are the official franchise and transition figures:

- Tom Brady and the Patriots agree to a 2 year contract extension,the deal will run through the 2019 season when Brady will be 42 years old. Brady had two years left on his contract, paying him $9 million for 2016 and $10 million for 2017. Immediate details on his 2018 and 2019 are currently unavailable.

- Browns safety Donte Whitner has talked to Tashaun Gipson: "I don't think he's too hopeful he's going to be back" "It would be a blow" if Gipson is gone in free agency.

- The New Orleans Saints released veteran wide receiver Marques Colston Monday with a failed physical designation. Colston, 32, was in the final year of his five-year, $36.3 million contract that included $17.7 million guaranteed. In 2015, Colston appeared in 13 games and caught 45 passes for 520 yards receiving and four touchdowns.

- The Los Angeles Rams are discussing an extension with head coach Jeff Fisher. In his four seasons with the Rams, Fisher’s teams have compiled a 27-36-1 record and have never gone over .500. The Rams finished 7-9 last season which was the third time they’ve won seven games under Fisher.

- Finally, during the halftime of the Clippers game last night, the team unveiled their new mascot: Chuck the Condor. Uhh.... yea.

Leadoff with Lee 8.28.14

-Over the last 5 days, the trending topics on Facebook and Twitter have been the following: Lebron James, Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns and Josh Gordon. With all of attention Cleveland has been getting, you would think we were sitting on top of the world right?

WRONG!

After 23 days of waiting, we learned yesterday afternoon Josh Gordon's appeal of his suspension was upheld and will now sit out the entire 2014 NFL season. Now Josh Gordon and his legal team have every right to file for a temporary restraining order against the NFL, and if granted will allow him to play football while the matter is handled in Cuyahoga Court of Common Pleas. But in the statement released by the NFL, the said "When the season is over, the NFL will determine when he's eligible to apply for reinstatement." So basically it's stating in my opinion, "File a lawsuit against us and we will make sure you never play in the NFL again." But if Gordon wins in the court of law, his case will be used to change the NFL drug policy and collective bargaining agreement. I'm sure Josh Gordon's legal team is exploring all legal options available to them.

-The Indians 3 game winning streak came to an end as the White Sox defeated the Tribe 3-2 at U.S. Cellular Field last night. Ace Corey Kluber pitched 6 1/3 innings, gave up 9 hits, 3 earned runs while striking out 8. Michael Bourn went 2 for 4 on the night. The Indians did manage to get 7 hits total for the game, but couldn't take advantage to score when they had runners in scoring position. Sox pitcher Hector Noesi improved to 8-9 on the season. Carlos Carrasco will get the start tonight as the Tribe looks to bounce back with a win tonight against the "Pale Hose".

-The Ohio State Buckeyes released their depth chart yesterday and out of the 22 positions, 7 of them are up for grabs. The main battles are for running back (Ezekiel Elliot, Rod Smith or Curtis Samuel), halfback (Dontre Wilson or Jalin Marshall), cornerback (Eli Apple or Gareon Conley), center (Chad Lindsay or Jacob Boren), safety (Vonn Bell or Cam Burrows), and left guard (Joel Hale or Bill Price). It seems as if Urban Meyer will have a nice rotation of players at key positions until someone has a breakout game or week in practice.

-Doc Rivers and the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a 5-year contact extension that will keep him in L.A. through the 2018-2019 NBA season. Rivers is also the president of basketball operations for the Clippers. New Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said, "Not only is Doc one of the best coaches and executives in the game, but he continually embodies the hardcore, committed, and resilient character and winning culture that the Clippers represent."

Leadoff with Lee 8.13.14

-Tuesday's Indians/Diamondbacks game was postponed and will continue the game today at 4:05 PM in a traditional double header. The second game will be at it's regularly scheduled time of 7:05 PM.

-The sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to former Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, was completed Tuesday. The sale was reportedly worth $2 billion dollars. Donald Sterling, who was found mentally incapacitated, will appeal the sale of the team. Sterling was banned from the NBA for life after audio recordings were heard of him making racist remarks which promoted the sale of the team. Doc Rivers threatened to resign as head coach if ownership did not change. Also, the Clippers would be hard pressed to sign any free agents, regardless of race, which would have hurt the team and league.

-As I reported on Monday, reports surfaced yesterday that the Cleveland Cavaliers will play in Miami on Christmas Day. The time isn't yet known, but the NBA schedules will be released at 6pm today. The NBA and ABC are pushing for a 5pm start time, which is the prime slot for the NBA's biggest game on Christmas Day. It will probably happen.

-The Browns signed QB Rex Grossman and waived QB Tyler Thigpen yesterday. Grossman played for offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in Washington and with the Houston Texans. I have heard a few rumblings coming from some of my peers in Houston, but I think they are speaking from the "if I was the owner" point of view.

-Josh Gordon was back on the bike as we wait to hear if he won his appeal. Just remember, Gordon and his lawyers may sue the NFL and request a temporary restraining order against the league. If granted, he will be eligible to play. Keep your eyes and ears open folks, this is just the beginning.

-Mike Pettine says he plans to have his starting QB set prior to game 3 of the preseason. So that means Johnny Manziel has to really woo the coaches if he wants to be the opening day starter. The Monday night game with the Redskins will determine who's going too be the man, as both QBs will see time with the other starters.

-I don't talk high school sports at all on here, but this needed to be discussed. The Steubenville school system and football coach have agreed to let convicted rapist Ma'lik Richmond back into school and back on the team. Now my thoughts or writings may not express everyone who represents the Triple Threat Podcast or @triple3xthreat on Twitter. And I understand and respect that. But this kid did his time in jail or juvie jail and was released. Everyone deserves a second chance. For one, you can't deny the kid his education. Secondly, if he was accepted as a student of the school, he is eligible to partake in all school activities. If he was to be denied, I'm sure his parents would have sued the district. And did the district want to face a lawsuit and pay lawyers? Nahh... they did the right thing. But if you would like to hear what Tim Stried, a representative from the Ohio High School Athletic Association, had to say here you go: Tim Stried Says OHSAA Is “Appalled” By Steubenville’s Actions, Decision To Allow Student Back on Team

-I guess Dallas Cowboys CB Orlando Scandrick was on vacation popping Molly. I wonder if he was sweating, whoooo!

Leadoff with Lee 7.5.14

-Here's what I know and have been told. Rich Paul, who is Lebron James' agent, has spoken and met the Mavericks, Suns, Rockets and Cavaliers. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak actually flew to Cleveland to meet with Paul on Friday. With that being said, my "source" who gave me the tip about all of the big 3 opting out days before ESPN or the big networks told you they would, told me "It's 80-20 he goes back to Cleveland". LeBron wants to cash in on a max deal. Chris Bosh wants a max deal for the first time in his career. Dwayne Wade wants the most money he can get. Miami can't get key free agents due to salary cap restraints unless they unload talent. But that's not giving the Heat the personnel that they need to win a championship.

LeBron's kids will attend Akron city schools this year. Do you think LBJ wants to miss any or all his kids events? Or be without his wife for most or all the season while he is in Miami? Do you think LBJ trusts his mom to handle all of his kids school, personal and home life? After all was said, my answer to all questions was NO! Now even if he stays in Miami, James will take a 1-year deal with a 2nd year option or 2 year deal with a option to opt out. If Lebron and Bosh decide to stay for a year or two, neither will see a max contract. Furthermore, if they want or need to add pieces of the puzzle to get them past the San Antonio Spurs, they will need to take a further pay cut. So how does Cleveland really sound to LeBron James? Remember the Cavs were right there for the 8th seed in the playoffs. James can take them right to a 3rd or 4th seed immediately, if not higher. This team is better than the team he took to the NBA Finals in 2007.


-Former Cavs center Spencer Hawes agreed to a 4-year, $23 million dollar with the LA Clippers. He averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds per game last season and on top of that, the 7 footer shot 42% from three point land. He can really stretch a defense and open up lanes for his guards. Funny part about this all, he's making all this money as a bench/role player...WOW!

-Joey "Jaws" Chestnut wins his 8th straight hot dog eating contest eating 61 Nathan's hot dogs, but falling short of the 69 hot dog record he set. He slowed up in the final 3 minutes or so but according to him it was due to the rainy Brooklyn weather. Prior to the event, he proposed to his girlfriend and she said "Yes"! Good for you Joey, on both parts.

-I love my Cleveland Indians but they fell to the Kansas City Royals 7-1. Not much to write home about, I just wanted to give you the score. The Tribe will be in action at home for the next 9 games prior to the upcoming All-Star game.

-Josh Gordon's appeal hearing has been set for late July, but a deal could be negotiated before then. Deal? Negotiation? What does that tell you? 0,4,6,8 games? Doesn't sound like a season to me. Roger Goodell has been handing down suspensions like white or brown on rice, but none have taken this long.