The Atlantic Files

Episode 326 of The Atlantic Files is here, and Alex & Dennis are diving into another wild week around the NBA—plus somehow ending up in a heated debate about all-you-can-eat sushi buffets and Brazilian steakhouses. Look, the Atlantic Division gave us plenty to talk about in Week 4, but we promise the food takes are just as spicy as the Boston Celtics' offense. We kick things off with a full Atlantic Division Week 4 review, breaking down how the Celtics, Knicks, 76ers, Nets, and Raptors are trending as we settle into the season. Which teams are rising? Which teams look like they need a hug? Which team is still pretending their rebuild is going according to plan? (Brooklyn, blink twice if you need help.) Then it's time for our NBA Top 10 Power Rankings through 4 weeks, where we reveal who's actually good, who's accidentally good, and who's just tricking all of us. If your favorite team didn't make the list, blame Dennis—he said he's fine with taking the heat. And of course… Nico Harrison, formerly of the Dallas Mavericks. We have questions. Many questions. Mostly: How did it take this long? Alex explains why the writing was basically spray-painted on the wall two seasons ago, and Dennis shares the exact moment he knew Harrison was cooked. Finally, we detour into the most important conversation of the episode: Are all-you-can-eat sushi places a trap? And do Brazilian steakhouses count as a sport if the meat keeps coming until you tap out? It's basketball-adjacent. Trust us. Whether you're here for the NBA analysis, the power rankings, or the food arguments, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Make sure to subscribe, like the video, and drop your power ranking hot takes in the comments! Timecodes 00:00 Intro 03:20 All-You-Can-Eat Sushi vs. Brazilian Steakhouses 09:09 NBA Top 10 Power Rankings (4 Weeks In) 31:17 Atlantic Division Week 4 Review 51:53 Why Nico Harrison's Firing Took So Long 55:40 Outro

In Episode 325 of The Atlantic Files, host Alex Fischbein is back to break down another exciting week in the NBA! The guys dive deep into Week 3 of the Atlantic Division — covering all the biggest storylines from the Celtics, Knicks, 76ers, Nets, and Raptors. They discuss Karl-Anthony Towns' insane stat line combining rebounding dominance with elite free throw efficiency, and Trendon Watford's first career triple-double that shocked the NBA world. Then, they shift gears to ask a big question — what exactly are the Brooklyn Nets doing with their rebuild? Finally, they talk about the reports that Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison's job might be in serious jeopardy, with “when” being the real question, not “if.” If you're an NBA fan who loves analysis, hot takes, and breakdowns of the Atlantic Division and league-wide storylines, this episode has everything you need! Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 01:56 Atlantic Division Week 3 recap 02:47 Knicks and KAT's crazy stat 08:09 Sixers rough week, Trendon Watford's Triple Dub 18:39 Brandon Ingram unlocking the Raptors 22:20 Celtics week in review 27:04 Why aren't the Nets rookies playing? 31:51 Nico Harrison's terrible resume 37:47 Final thoughts

In Episode 324 of The Atlantic Files, host Alex Fischbein returns with another deep dive into the latest storylines around the NBA and especially the Atlantic Division. They kick things off with a check-in on how the Atlantic Division teams have been performing from Sunday night through Tuesday night — breaking down standout performances, team trends, and early-season surprises. The conversation then shifts to two of the league's most talked-about stars: Ja Morant and Zion Williamson. With reports surfacing that Ja may be losing his joy for basketball, Alex discusses whether a trade might be the best option for both him and the Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, Zion is hurt once again, raising major questions about his long-term future and whether the New Orleans Pelicans need to consider a full rebuild around a new core. Tune in for all of that and more NBA analysis, reactions, and hot takes on this week's episode of The Atlantic Files — your home for everything happening in the Atlantic Division and across the league! Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 01:20 Atlantic Standings and check-in 14:14 Ja Morant losing his joy 22:34 Zion Williamson hurt, Pelicans tanking? 30:36 Final thoughts

In Episode 323 of The Atlantic Files, hosts Alex Fischbein and Dennis Clausen break down another exciting week in the NBA! The guys take a closer look at how each Atlantic Division team performed over the past week and discuss which teams are trending up or down early in the season. Then, they reveal their Week 2 Top 10 NBA Power Rankings — which teams are making a statement, and which ones are starting to slide? The conversation heats up as Alex and Dennis debate whether the Chicago Bulls are actually for real this season, if Tyrese Maxey could shock the world and win MVP, and whether the Dallas Mavericks are already in trouble despite their star power. From the latest Atlantic Division updates to league-wide storylines, this episode has everything NBA fans need to stay caught up and entertained! Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 02:23 Week 2 NBA power rankings 18:32 Are the Chicago Bulls for real? 24:09 Atlantic division week in review 34:16 Can Tyrese Maxey win MVP? 43:02 Are the Mavericks in trouble? 52:32 Outro

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files, your go-to podcast for all things NBA and the Atlantic Division! In episode 322, we're checking in on the Monday night slate of NBA games and breaking down how the Atlantic Division teams are performing so far. Mike dives deep into the Brooklyn Nets rebuild, analyzing their young core and this year's intriguing rookie class. Are the Nets quietly building something special, or are they still stuck in the mud? We also talk about the Orlando Magic's rough start — is it time for fans to panic, or is this just early-season turbulence for a young, talented team? Then, we ask the big question everyone's been debating: Is Victor Wembanyama already the best player in the NBA? From highlight blocks to jaw-dropping scoring performances, Wemby's dominance is becoming impossible to ignore. Plus, we spotlight the most surprising NBA teams so far this season, whether they're overachieving or struggling to meet expectations. And to wrap things up, we predict which players are primed to take the biggest leap this year — from future All-Stars to breakout role players. Tune in, drop a comment with your takes, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly NBA insights and Atlantic Division coverage! Topics Covered: 03:38 Atlantic Division Monday Night NBA game recaps 04:37 Brooklyn Nets rebuild and rookie analysis 13:29 Orlando Magic's early season struggles 20:55 Victor Wembanyama's rise to NBA superstardom 26:44 Most surprising NBA teams this season 32:50 Players most likely to take the next leap

The Atlantic Files is back with another jam-packed episode diving into early-season chaos across the NBA! We're breaking down our Top 10 NBA Power Rankings after Week 1 and taking a close look at every team in the Atlantic Division — from the New York Knicks' 2-1 start to the Boston Celtics' shocking 0-3 record. Are the Celtics just having a “gap year,” or is something deeper going on in Boston? Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers are 2-0 and look like they might finally be “back for real.” Is this the version of Philly fans have been waiting for? Over in Brooklyn, the Nets are 0-3 and the rebuild is officially in motion, while the Toronto Raptors at 1-2 are looking sneaky good early in the season. We cover every team's outlook, rotations, and early trends heading into Week 2 of the 2025-26 NBA season. But it's not just basketball on this episode — we also dive into a wild off-court story shaking the NBA world. Former players and coaches Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones, and Terry Rozier were reportedly involved in illegal gambling and poker ring arrests, with even rumors of Mafia connections surfacing. How deep does this story go, and what could it mean for the league? Join us as we react to all the biggest storylines from Week 1, hand out some early-season praise (and criticism), and give our unfiltered takes on which teams are trending up or down. Whether you're a Knicks, Celtics, Sixers, Nets, or Raptors fan, we've got you covered! Topics Covered: 03:43 Top 10 NBA Power Rankings 10:58 Knicks' hot start and team chemistry 16:29 Sixers looking like contenders again 24:20 Raptors showing promise early 28:58 Nets' rebuild and future outlook 32:46 Celtics' 0-3 start and what's gone wrong 36:03 Massive NBA gambling scandal involving former players and coaches

The Atlantic Files Podcast is back with a brand new season and schedule! In Episode 320, we're diving deep into the 2025-26 NBA Atlantic Division Preview, breaking down every team and predicting how the division will shake out this season. From the New York Knicks' reloaded roster to the Boston Celtics' title aspirations, and from Joel Embiid leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the Brooklyn Nets' rebuild and the Toronto Raptors' next phase — we cover it all! We're also announcing our new recording schedule and what to expect from The Atlantic Files moving forward. Get ready for another season of basketball talk, laughs, and debates about the best division in the NBA! Topics Covered: 00:00 New recording schedule for The Atlantic Files 04:17 New York Knicks 2025-26 Preview 11:30 Boston Celtics 2025-26 Preview 20:37 Philadelphia 76ers 2025-26 Preview 29:47 Brooklyn Nets 2025-26 Preview 36:37 Toronto Raptors 2025-26 Preview 40:36 Atlantic Division predictions for the 2025-26 NBA season

Welcome to episode 319 of The Atlantic Files! We're back with a full court of NBA goodness, just in time for the 2024-25 season to tip off. This week, we're breaking down three divisions, giving our early predictions for the season's biggest awards, and discussing all the latest from week one of NBA action. If you're ready to get hyped for hoops, you've come to the right place. Let's jump into it! 2024-25 NBA Atlantic Division Preview: Battle for the East We kick things off with a preview of the Atlantic Division, where rivalries are brewing, and every team has something to prove. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are once again expected to be the big dogs, but don't sleep on the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets, who could both make some noise. Plus, the Toronto Raptors are looking to bounce back with a new head coach and fresh energy. We break down each team's strengths, weaknesses, and what it'll take for them to emerge as the division champs. Southeast Division Breakdown: Can the Heat Stay Hot? Next, we shift our focus to the Southeast Division, where the Miami Heat are looking to keep their fire burning after a deep playoff run. But they're not the only ones with high hopes; the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic both have young stars ready to make a leap. The Washington Wizards, meanwhile, are still figuring things out post-Bradley Beal, while the Charlotte Hornets hope that their offseason changes can finally lead to some consistency. We dive into all the teams and assess who could be this season's sleeper. Central Division Preview: Who's the King of the Midwest? The Central Division is stacked with intriguing storylines, from the Milwaukee Bucks' new-look lineup to the Cleveland Cavaliers' ongoing rise. The Chicago Bulls are hoping to make noise with their star power, while the Indiana Pacers continue to build around their young talent. And then there are the Detroit Pistons, aiming to take a significant step forward with Cade Cunningham leading the charge. We break down each squad's potential and predict how this division might shake out. 2024-25 NBA Awards and Playoff Predictions: Who's Taking Home the Hardware? It wouldn't be the start of an NBA season without some bold predictions! We share our picks for the MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and more. Plus, we take a stab at predicting which teams will make the playoffs and who could be in for a deep run. Are we riding the hype train for Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, or do we see a seasoned veteran reclaiming the MVP throne? Tune in to find out! News and Notes from Week 1: Early Surprises and What to Watch The first week of the NBA season always brings some surprises, and this year is no different. We cover the top stories from week one, including standout performances, unexpected struggles, and key injuries. Which teams look like they're hitting their stride early, and who's already showing signs of trouble? We've got the insights you need to keep up with all the action. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:56 Southeast Division Preview 00:28:23 Central Division Preview 00:40:47 Atlantic Division Preview 00:56:28 NBA Awards and Playoffs Predictions 01:12:44 Outro

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files, where we're diving headfirst into everything you need to know about the upcoming NBA season. This week, we're all about breaking down the Southwest and Pacific Divisions, giving our thoughts on Joel Embiid's rest strategy, and reacting to the most exciting and eyebrow-raising moments from the preseason. Buckle up as we get you ready for the start of the 2024-25 season with the hottest takes and insider insights! 2024-25 NBA Southwest Division Preview: Can the Mavs Bounce Back? We kick things off with a deep dive into the Southwest Division, where Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks will try to shake off last season's NBA Finals struggles and make a statement. Can they get back to the promised land, or will it be another year of "what ifs"? We also break down the Grizzlies' hopes with everyone healthy again, the Pelicans' potential with a (hopefully) healthy Zion Williamson, the young Spurs' outlook with Victor Wembanyama in the fold, and the Rockets' young core improving. Pacific Division Breakdown: The Land of Big Names and High Expectations Moving on to the Pacific Division, where superstars and drama are always in abundance. Will the Golden State Warriors' "big two" keep defying Father Time, or will the Clippers finally stay healthy and make some noise? And let's not forget about the Lakers, who seem to have found the fountain of youth for LeBron James. We analyze all the teams, including the Suns' championship aspirations with their newly-formed super team and the Kings looking to build on last season's playoff run. Get ready for some bold predictions and potentially hot takes! Joel Embiid to Skip Back-to-Back Games: Smart Move? Joel Embiid recently announced his plan to sit out some back-to-back games this season, raising questions and a few eyebrows. Is it smart load management for a guy with a history of injuries, or does it set a tone that might frustrate fans? We discuss the impact this decision could have on the Sixers' regular-season success, as well as what it means for Embiid's MVP aspirations and the team's overall strategy. Plus, we touch on the broader implications for the NBA's ongoing load management debate. Preseason Reactions: Who's Impressing and Who's Concerning? The preseason may not count, but it sure does matter for evaluating the state of the league. We break down the biggest takeaways, from standout rookie performances to some early-season chemistry issues. Which teams are looking ready to hit the ground running, and which ones might still be finding their rhythm? Spoiler alert: Some big names have been underwhelming, while a few lesser-known players are turning heads. Players and Teams to Watch as the Regular Season Approaches With the regular season just around the corner, we highlight some of the players and teams you should keep an eye on. From dark horse MVP candidates to squads that could surprise—or disappoint—we've got you covered on who's primed to make waves. Whether it's a young star set to break out or a team quietly building momentum, find out who's worth your attention when the games start to count for real. Timecodes: 00:00:00 intro 00:03:20 Joel Embiid not playing back to backs 00:09:24 NBA News and notes 00:21:55 Karl-Anthony Towns trade analysis 00:47:06 2024-25 Pacific Division Preview 01:03:21 2024-25 Southwest Division Preview 01:11:36 Outro

Welcome to episode 316 of The Atlantic Files! We're back with a jam-packed episode covering everything from international basketball to NBA offseason moves, along with a quick catch-up on what we've been up to since our last show. We start with a recap of USA Men's Basketball's journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics, then dive into a detailed breakdown of the offseason moves for all five teams in the Atlantic Division. Finally, we wrap things up with some personal updates, including our fantasy football league. Let's get into it! Recap of USA Men's Basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics: The USA Men's Basketball team had another eventful run at the 2024 Paris Olympics. We break down the highs and lows of their performance, including standout players, key games, and the final outcome. Whether they dominated the competition or faced unexpected challenges, we analyze what this Olympic experience means for the future of USA Basketball and the global basketball landscape. NBA Offseason Recap for the Atlantic Division: Next, we shift our focus to the NBA offseason, specifically for the five teams in the Atlantic Division: the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors. Each team made moves that could shake up the division standings next season. We review trades, free-agent signings, and roster changes, highlighting which teams improved and which may have missed the mark. How will these changes impact the division's competitiveness, and who stands out as the early favorite for the 2024-25 season? Catching Up on Life and Fantasy Football: It's been a minute since our last episode, so we're taking a moment to catch up on life. From personal stories to the start of the fantasy football season, we share what's been going on behind the scenes. Our fantasy league is heating up, and we discuss our draft strategies, standout picks, and early predictions for the season. Plus, we reflect on how the offseason in the NFL has impacted our fantasy outlook and what we're looking forward to as the season progresses. Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 02:56 Catch up and fantasy football 11:04 2024 Olympics recap for USA Basketball 21:33 NBA Atlantic Division offseason recap 52:03 outro

Welcome to episode 315 of The Atlantic Files! In this exciting episode, we dive into a whirlwind of NBA news and updates. From blockbuster trades and free agency signings to the crowning of the Boston Celtics as NBA champions, we've got it all covered. We also touch on the cultural phenomenon that is Shark Week, bringing a splash of fun to our basketball-centric discussion. Join us as we break down the latest moves and moments that are shaping the 2024 NBA landscape. Shark Week: Before diving into the basketball action, we take a moment to acknowledge Shark Week. This annual event has captivated audiences with thrilling and educational content about one of the ocean's most fascinating predators. We share some fun facts and highlight must-watch episodes, setting the stage for an episode filled with excitement and big news. Klay Thompson Traded to the Dallas Mavericks: One of the biggest shocks of the offseason, Klay Thompson has been traded to the Dallas Mavericks. We analyze the implications of this trade for both the Warriors and the Mavericks. How will Thompson's arrival impact Dallas' playoff prospects, and what does this mean for Golden State's future? We break down the trade details, discuss Thompson's fit with his new team, and predict how this move will influence the Western Conference dynamics. Paul George Signs with the Philadelphia 76ers: In another major move, Paul George has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. This signing is poised to transform the Sixers into a formidable contender in the East. We explore the potential lineups, chemistry with existing stars like Joel Embiid, and how George's presence might change the team's playing style. Can the addition of George finally push the 76ers over the hump and into championship contention? Mikal Bridges Traded to the New York Knicks: The New York Knicks have acquired Mikal Bridges in a trade, adding a versatile and dynamic player to their roster. We discuss Bridges' potential impact on the Knicks' defense and overall performance. With his ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively, how will Bridges fit into Tom Thibodeau's system? We also look at the trade's implications for the team's future and their pursuit of playoff success. Boston Celtics Win NBA Finals and Jaylen Brown MVP: The Boston Celtics have emerged victorious in the NBA Finals, with Jaylen Brown earning the Finals MVP honors. We celebrate their achievement, breaking down the key moments and performances that led to their championship win. Jaylen Brown's growth and leadership throughout the series are highlighted, as well as the strategic decisions that propelled the Celtics to the top. What does this championship mean for the franchise and its future? Other 2024 NBA Free Agency Signings: The free agency period has been buzzing with activity beyond the major trades and signings. We round up the other notable 2024 NBA free agency moves, discussing how these additions and departures might reshape various teams. From role players finding new homes to potential game-changers joining contenders, we provide a comprehensive overview of the free agency landscape and its impact on the upcoming season. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro and Shark Week 00:14:16 Klay Thompson going to Dallas 00:25:29 Paul George Signing With 76ers 00:38:05 Mikal Bridges traded to Knicks 00:44:52 Boston Celtics Win, Jaylen Brown Finals MVP 00:58:40 Other NBA Free Agency Moves 01:22:14 Outro

Welcome to episode 314 of The Atlantic Files! In this episode, we delve into two of the most talked-about topics in sports today. First, we discuss the surprising exclusion of Caitlin Clark from the 2024 Olympic roster, a decision that has shocked fans and analysts alike. Then, we provide an in-depth update on the 2024 NBA Finals, where the competition is heating up and every game is critical. Join us as we break down the latest developments and offer expert analysis on these headline stories. Caitlin Clark's Olympic Roster Snub: We start the episode with the surprising news that Caitlin Clark has not been named to the 2024 Olympic roster. Clark, a standout star in college basketball, was widely expected to make the team given her outstanding performances and impressive statistics. We explore the possible reasons behind her exclusion, including team dynamics, selection criteria, and potential strategic considerations by the coaching staff. This decision has sparked a lot of debate, and we weigh in on what it means for Team USA and for Clark's career. Reactions and Implications: The reaction to Clark's omission has been swift and strong from fans and analysts. Many are questioning the selection process and whether it reflects the best interest of the team. We analyze the public response, including social media outcry and commentary from basketball experts. Additionally, we discuss the implications for Clark's future, both in terms of her collegiate career and potential professional opportunities. Will this setback fuel her to achieve even greater heights? 2024 NBA Finals Update: Switching gears to the NBA, we provide an update on the 2024 NBA Finals, which have been nothing short of thrilling. With both teams battling fiercely for the championship, each game has brought intense competition and dramatic moments. We break down the key performances and turning points in the series so far, highlighting standout players and pivotal plays that have shaped the outcomes. Who has the edge as the series progresses, and what strategies might we see moving forward? Star Performances and Key Matchups: The NBA Finals have showcased some incredible individual performances and intriguing matchups. We focus on the players who have stepped up under pressure and those who have struggled to find their rhythm. From clutch shots to defensive stands, we analyze how these performances are influencing the series. Additionally, we examine the coaching decisions and adjustments that are making a difference in this tightly contested battle. Looking Ahead: As the NBA Finals continue, we look ahead to the remaining games and what fans can expect. Will the series go the distance, or will one team pull ahead decisively? We offer our predictions based on the trends and patterns observed so far. Furthermore, we discuss the potential legacies at stake for key players and coaches, and how this series might impact their careers moving forward. Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 03:54 2024 NBA Finals reactions 11:34 Caitlin Clark left off of Team USA

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files, your premier source for in-depth NBA analysis and the latest basketball news! In today's episode, we delve into the heartbreak and drama of the Game 7 losses by the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets, explore Gordon Hayward's frustrations over his playing time, discuss the future of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell, and react to the unfolding excitement of the 2024 NBA Conference Finals. Stay tuned for all the essential updates and expert insights! Knicks and Nuggets Fall in Game 7: We start off the episode with a recap of the dramatic Game 7 losses suffered by the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets. Both teams fought valiantly throughout their series but ultimately fell short in the decisive games. We analyze the key moments that led to their defeats, the standout performances, and what these losses mean for their future strategies and roster decisions. Gordon Hayward's Playing Time Controversy: Next, we turn our attention to Gordon Hayward, who has recently voiced his dissatisfaction with his playing time. Hayward's comments have sparked a debate about his role on the team and the coaching decisions that have limited his minutes. We delve into the potential implications for Hayward's future with his current team and explore possible trade scenarios. Cleveland Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell's Future: Shifting our focus to the Cleveland Cavaliers, we discuss the uncertain future of the team and their star player, Donovan Mitchell. After a disappointing playoff run, the Cavaliers face crucial decisions about their roster and strategy. We analyze the potential moves the team could make to build around Mitchell or explore trade options that might better suit their long-term goals. 2024 NBA Conference Finals Reactions: As the NBA Conference Finals heat up, we provide our reactions and insights into the matchups and performances that are shaping this critical stage of the playoffs. From key players stepping up to strategic adjustments by the coaches, we break down the factors that are determining the outcomes of these high-stakes games and predict who might advance to the NBA Finals. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:12:40 Gordon Hayward complains about playing time 00:22:35 What should the Cavs and Donovan Mitchell do? 00:40:30 Knicks and Nuggets lose Game 7s 00:48:50 NBA Conference Finals are set 01:00:33 Outro

Welcome back to another episode of The Atlantic Files! In today's show, we've got an exciting lineup of topics to cover, including the results of the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, the latest NBA mock drafts, swirling trade rumors involving star players Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, and an update on the ongoing action in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Join us as we delve into the latest news, rumors, and insights from the world of basketball. Let's get started! 2024 NBA Draft Lottery Results: We kick off the episode with a breakdown of the results from the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery. With the draft order now set, teams are gearing up to make their selections and add promising young talent to their rosters. We analyze the implications of the lottery results for teams at the top of the draft board and discuss potential draft strategies. 2024 NBA Mock Drafts: Shifting our focus to the upcoming NBA Draft, we explore the latest mock drafts and projections for the top prospects in the 2024 draft class. From potential lottery picks to sleeper selections, we analyze the players expected to make waves in the NBA and discuss their fit with various teams. Trade Rumors Surrounding Trae Young and Dejounte Murray: Next up, we delve into the swirling trade rumors involving star players Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. With speculation mounting about potential trade destinations and package deals, we examine the likelihood of these blockbuster trades and discuss the potential impact on the teams involved. 2024 NBA Playoffs Update: Turning our attention to the postseason, we provide an update on the action-packed 2024 NBA Playoffs. From thrilling matchups to standout performances, we analyze the latest developments and storylines shaping the playoff landscape. With teams battling it out for a shot at the championship, we discuss the key factors influencing playoff outcomes. Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 03:12 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, Mock Drafts 23:17 Reports on Trae Young and Dejounte Murray 33:51 2024 NBA Playoffs updates 47:26 Outro

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files! In episode 311, we're diving deep into the latest buzz from the NBA playoffs, draft speculations, and insightful exit interviews. From red-hot teams like the New York Knicks to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and future prospects like Bronny James, we've got all the must-know highlights from the world of basketball. Let's jump right into the action! Knicks' Playoff Dominance and Jalen Brunson's Leadership: We kick off the show with a spotlight on the New York Knicks' impressive playoff performance, led by the stellar play of Jalen Brunson. With Brunson leading the charge, the Knicks are blazing a trail through the postseason, and we analyze their key to success and prospects for the championship. Nuggets' Struggles Against the Timberwolves: Shifting our focus to the Western Conference, we discuss the Denver Nuggets' uphill battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs. Despite their regular-season success, the Nuggets find themselves in trouble against a resilient Timberwolves team, and we examine the factors contributing to their postseason struggles. Nikola Jokic's MVP Triumph: Next up, we celebrate Nikola Jokic's well-deserved third NBA MVP award. As one of the league's most dominant players, Jokic's exceptional talent and leadership have propelled him to the top of the MVP race once again, and we reflect on his remarkable achievements and impact on the game. Draft Speculations: Who Will Draft Bronny James?: Turning our attention to the upcoming NBA draft, we delve into the speculation surrounding Bronny James, son of basketball icon LeBron James. With the draft approaching, teams are vying for the opportunity to draft the highly touted prospect, and we explore potential landing spots for Bronny in the NBA. Boston Celtics' Path to a Championship: In a fascinating discussion, we ponder whether the current playoff landscape presents the Boston Celtics with their easiest path to a championship in the Jayson Tatum era. With the Celtics eyeing postseason success, we analyze their roster strengths, playoff matchups, and chances of hoisting the championship trophy. Reacting to NBA Exit Interviews: We conclude the episode by reacting to insightful exit interviews from notable NBA players, GMs, and owners, including Daryl Morey, Joel Embiid, Matt Ishbia, and James Jones. From reflections on the season to future plans and aspirations, we provide our analysis and reactions to the candid interviews. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:54 The Celtics best chance for a ring 00:13:39 Can the Knicks make it to the NBA Finals? 00:25:06 Do the Nuggets have any hope now? 00:38:25 NBA Exit Interview reactions, best fits, and Bronny James 00:59:19 Outro

Tune in to episode 310 of The Atlantic Files as we dive into the latest NBA playoff drama, Anthony Edwards to Michael Jordan comparisons, and Joel Embiid trade possibilities. From heated debates to thrilling matchups, we provide expert analysis and insights on the action-packed first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Topics this week: Joel Embiid Trade Rumors: We start the episode by exploring the hot topic of whether the Philadelphia 76ers should trade Joel Embiid after this playoff run. With speculation swirling around Embiid's future with the team, we analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of parting ways with the star center and discuss possible trade scenarios. Anthony Edwards' Comparison to Michael Jordan: Switching gears, we delve into the intriguing comparisons between Anthony Edwards and basketball legend Michael Jordan. As Edwards continues to impress with his athleticism and scoring ability, we examine the validity of these comparisons and discuss Edwards' potential to become a future NBA superstar. New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Best First Round Series: We highlight the thrilling matchup between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, which many consider to be the best first round playoff series in a long time. From intense rivalries to nail-biting finishes, we dissect the key moments and storylines shaping this highly anticipated showdown. First Round Playoff Recap: We provide a comprehensive recap of the rest of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, checking in on the latest matchups, series standings, and standout performances from teams across the league. From underdog victories to dominant sweeps, we break down the action and offer insights into the playoff landscape. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:07:19 Should the 76ers consider trading Joel Embiid 00:39:00 Knicks vs 76ers the best first round series 00:41:27 Anthony Edwards compared to Michael Jordan 00:51:06 2024 NBA Playoffs

Join us for episode 309 of The Atlantic Files as we dive deep into the latest drama and analysis from the 2024 NBA Playoffs. From standout performances to controversial plays, we dissect the action-packed first round series and provide expert commentary on the games and players shaping the postseason landscape. Key Points: Jalen Brunson's Struggles Against the Philadelphia 76ers: We kick off the episode by discussing Jalen Brunson's performance in the first round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite high expectations, Brunson has struggled to find his rhythm on the court, and we analyze the factors contributing to his underwhelming play. Joel Embiid's Dominance and Controversy Against the New York Knicks: Switching gears, we delve into Joel Embiid's standout performance in Game 3 against the New York Knicks, where he scored an impressive 50 points. However, controversy surrounds Embiid's aggressive playing style, with accusations of dirty play stirring debate among fans and analysts. Boston Celtics' Home Loss to the Miami Heat: We discuss the Boston Celtics' disappointing loss at home to the Miami Heat in Game 2 of their first-round series. Despite having home-court advantage, the Celtics failed to secure a victory, and we analyze the factors contributing to their defeat and the adjustments needed for future games. First Round Playoff Recap: We provide a comprehensive overview of the rest of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, checking in on the latest matchups, series standings, and standout performances from teams across the league. From thrilling comebacks to unexpected upsets, we break down the action and offer insights into the postseason battles unfolding on the hardwood. Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 01:52 Knicks vs Sixers and Jalen Brunson's struggles 18:16 Joel Embiid drops 50 with dumb flagrant foul 26:27 Boston Celtics lose a game at home 30:47 Other first round series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs 42:34 Outro

Welcome to episode 308 of The Atlantic Files! This week, we're covering everything from the highly anticipated 2024 NBA Playoffs to injury updates, Olympic roster announcements, and predictions for the NBA Regular Season awards. Join us as we break down the latest news and provide expert analysis on all things basketball. Topics this week: 2024 NBA Playoffs Preview: We kick off the episode with an in-depth preview of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. From top-seeded contenders to underdog teams, we analyze the playoff matchups, predict potential upsets, and discuss the key storylines to watch as the postseason unfolds. Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Breaking news on Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury casts a shadow over the playoffs as we discuss the impact of his potential absence in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers. We analyze how this setback could affect the Milwaukee Bucks' playoff run and the strategies they might employ in his absence. Team USA Basketball Olympic Roster Finalization: We provide updates on Team USA Basketball as they finalize their roster for the 2024 Olympic Games. From star players to emerging talents, we discuss the athletes expected to represent the United States on the international stage and their prospects for bringing home the gold. NBA Regular Season Award Predictions: Get ready for some bold predictions as we forecast the winners of the NBA Regular Season awards, including MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and more. We analyze player performances, statistical achievements, and team success to make our predictions for each award category. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:27 Giannis Antetokounmpo may not be available 00:16:29 2024 NBA Playoffs Preview 00:50:29 Team USA finalizing their roster, who got snubbed 01:04:03 2024 NBA Awards predictions 01:11:43 Outro

In episode 307 of The Atlantic Files, Jontay Porter is under investigation for gambling on NBA games that he was involved in, the Brooklyn Nets turn down one of the best trade offers they've ever received, we check in on the Atlantic Division after our three-week hiatus, and we take a look at the playoff picture in the East and West and predict how it will shake out! Topics covered this week: 1. Life Updates and Injury Setbacks: We start with a personal update, sharing the challenges we've faced in the past few weeks, including a broken pinky and the demands of everyday life that have temporarily kept us away from the podcast. Despite the setbacks, we're back and ready to dive into the exciting world of basketball. 2. NBA Investigation: Jontay Porter and Sports Betting: Delve into the recent controversy surrounding Jontay Porter as the NBA launches an investigation into allegations of sports betting. We discuss the implications of such accusations on Porter's career and the NBA's stance on integrity in sports. 3. Brooklyn Nets Trade Rumors: Explore the trade talks between the Brooklyn Nets and the Houston Rockets, revealing the details of a trade offer involving promising young talents Jalen Green and Mikal Bridges. We analyze the Nets' decision to turn down the offer and the potential impact on both teams. 4. Atlantic Division Update: Get an in-depth look at the NBA's Atlantic Division standings for the 2023-24 season. We review the performance of teams such as the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks, highlighting standout players and key matchups. 5. 2024 NBA Playoff Race: As the regular season heats up, we shift our focus to the thrilling race for the 2024 NBA Playoffs. From top contenders to underdogs fighting for a spot, we break down the current playoff picture, playoff seeding scenarios, and teams to watch as the postseason approaches. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:43 Flomax and broken pinkies 00:19:05 Jontay Porter under investigation 00:29:48 Nets turn down Jalen Green for Mikal Bridges 00:42:35 Atlantic Division update 00:50:05 NBA Playoff picture 01:01:06 Outro

The Atlantic Files will be back next week after our hosts experienced broken fingers, dance recitals, and a lot of life in general. We apologize for the small hiatus, but in the meantime, we have the first episode of a football podcast brought to you by The Atlantic Files! Join us for the inaugural episode of Sideline Specialists as we dive into the latest buzz surrounding the 2024 NFL Free Agency period, surprising trades and signings, and our very own mock drafts for the upcoming NFL Draft. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into the creation of our new football-centric podcast. Topics this week: Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles Free Agency Moves: We analyze the strategic moves made by the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles during the 2024 NFL Free Agency period, exploring how these acquisitions will impact their respective rosters and upcoming seasons. Surprising Trades and Signings Across the NFL: Delve into the most unexpected trades and signings that shook up the NFL landscape during the Free Agency period, highlighting the players changing teams and the implications for their new organizations. First Round Mock Draft Predictions: We unveil our own mock drafts for the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, offering insights into potential picks, player projections, and team strategies leading up to one of the most anticipated events in football. Introducing Sideline Specialists Podcast: Learn about the inception of Sideline Specialists, our vision for the podcast, and what listeners can expect from future episodes. While football will be our primary focus, we're excited to explore various aspects of the game and engage with our audience. We encourage listeners to share their thoughts, questions, and predictions with us on social media using #SidelineSpecialists. Be sure to subscribe to Sideline Specialists for weekly episodes covering everything football-related, from game analysis to player interviews and beyond. Don't miss out on the action as we journey through the exciting world of football together! Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro and new show 00:13:24 Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens thoughts 01:24:04 NFL Free Agency Takeaways 01:46:38 Mock Drafts for 2024 NFL Draft 02:46:05 Outro and final thoughts

This week, on episode 305 of The Atlantic Files, Tom Deasey joins the show, the latest debate around the interwebs is Tim Duncan versus Nikola Jokic, JJ Redick makes some strong comments about Doc Rivers and it ruffles some feathers, is there any hope for the NBA All-Star game and weekend to return to glory, and we take a look at the MVP race and whether or not Jayson Tatum is unfairly criticized. Around social media and blogs everywhere, the latest hot debate has been Tim Duncan versus Nikola Jokic. Everyone is trying to figure out which player they would take for the entirety of their career. New-generation fans have no idea the type of player that Duncan was, but Jokic has been a freak of nature so far in his career. Who do you take? JJ Redick was on First Take and went nuclear went it came to Doc Rivers throwing all of the accountability at everyone but himself. He roasted Rivers for never taking accountability while Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe sat there and agreed with every word. Austin Rivers and Patrick Beverley took offense, but they're in the minority when it comes to this opinion. The NBA All-Star Game and the entire weekend as a whole were a disappointment yet again. Who would have guessed? Just about everyone who has watched the last handful of years would have. So, is there any hope at all for it to get better in the future? Finally, we take a look at the MVP race after Draymond Green talked about Jayson Tatum being unfairly criticized. He thinks that Tatum is being held to a higher standard than the rest of the candidates, but we think the rest of them are just flat-out better. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:00 AI, VR, and weird stuff 00:30:08 Is there any hope for NBA All-Star 00:44:52 MVP Race and where Jayson Tatum fits 01:03:29 JJ Redick's Comments on Doc Rivers 01:27:47 Nikola Jokic vs Tim Duncan debate 01:38:12 NBA looking into helping defensive players 01:59:32 Outro and closing thoughts

On episode 304 of The Atlantic Files, Dmitry Bergen of the Plan C Podcast joins the show again! We review the trades that went down at the NBA Trade Deadline, Dennis Schroder's first action with the Brooklyn Nets, Buddy Hield and Cam Payne's abilities for the Philadelphia 76ers, Deandre Ayton crumbling in Portland, and the Jusuf Nurkic versus Draymond Green beef continues! The Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers both made some moves right before the trade deadline. The Sixers made some head-scratching ones but also brought in the likes of Buddy Hield who provides the type of shooting and scoring that they've needed for a long time. The Nets, on the other hand, got rid of an underperforming Spencer Dinwiddie and brought in a better shooter in Dennis Schroder. Then, there were all of the other trades that took place before the deadline. The New York Knicks were the hands-down winners of the trade deadline and they have improved their team greatly. Now, they have to put all of the pieces together on the court. Did the deadline help or hurt the top teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Minnesota Timberwolves though? Finally, we look at some of the "background" things happening in the NBA. Jusuf Nurkic and Draymond Green are still beefing and it doesn't look like that's going to end any time soon. It does make for great television! Then, there have been some bad reports coming out of Portland on the mentality of Deandre Ayton. He was once regarded as a top big man, but has fallen off that podium a long time ago. Follow Dmitry Bergen and the Plan C Podcast! Threads - https://www.threads.net/@theycallmedmitry YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@PlanC-F1Podcast Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0drOqEOXKCQukIFfsEpSee?si=3a8ea91457e64eb2 Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plan-c-definitely-an-f1-podcast/id1728779023?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=lt_p Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:09:26 Food service industry and tipping practices 00:15:13 Buddy Hield trade and 76ers rookies 00:30:01 Chicago Bulls and trade deadline reviews 00:35:05 Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics are opposites 00:58:48 Brooklyn Nets trades and Dennis Schroder 01:19:06 Jusuf Nurkic vs Draymond Green beef 01:32:37 Bad reports about Deandre Ayton 02:01:16 Origins of the Plan C F1 Podcast 02:18:30 Outro and closing thoughts

On episode 303 of The Atlantic Files, Ben Simmons finally returns to the court again after more issues with his back, Joel Embiid misses another game against Nikola Jokic in Denver, the Los Angeles Lakers are getting extreme favoritism from the refs, and the Golden State Warriors look at potential trade targets to get themselves back into title contention. Ben Simmons has finally returned from his back issues and played his first game since November. He is on a minutes restriction but he still almost posted a triple-double against the Utah Jazz. How long will he remain on the court for the rest of the season and will his back issues keep him off of the court for most of his career? Joel Embiid put on a masterclass in the first of two matchups against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. He was set to play in the rematch that took place in Denver but then was surprisingly downgraded to questionable and eventually was sidelined. He hasn't played in Denver since 2019, so now fans think he's scared and ducking Jokic. What happened to the regular season not meaning anything? A stat has been found that proves the Los Angeles Lakers shoot the most free throws out of any team in the NBA. Not only that, but they have the biggest difference in total free throw attempts compared to their opponents. Something seems a bit fishy here, but the Lakers aren't even turning it into wins. So, should we all be mad about it? Finally, the Golden State Warriors are trying to salvage something out of this season after they found themselves in 12th place in the West after half of the season has gone by. The question is who they should be trading away and if it's worth trading for what's out there right now. We dive into some options they have and whether or not they should even mortgage their future before the trade deadline. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:45 WWE Royal Rumble thoughts 00:15:09 Ben Simmons first game back against Utah Jazz 00:29:46 Golden State Warriors trade targets before the deadline 00:40:59 Is Joel Embiid ducking Nikola Jokic 00:46:25 Lakers getting way more Free Throws 00:54:21 Outro and final thoughts

On episode 302 of The Atlantic Files, Doc Rivers reportedly is the leading candidate to take over the Milwaukee Bucks head coaching vacancy after Adrian Griffin was fired, Terry Rozier was traded to the Miami Heat for Kyle Lowry, Joel Embiid asserts his dominance over Nikola Jokic and the NBA, and is trouble brewing for the first-seed Minnesota Timberwolves? In the biggest news going around the NBA, Doc Rivers is returning to the NBA sidelines as a coach instead of a commentator. It didn't take too long for him to get the itch to coach again as the Milwaukee Bucks fired Adrian Griffin after the team started the season with a 30-13 record. Rivers was reportedly helping out in a consulting format, but that will lead to an actual coaching job now. The other biggest news is probably that Terry Rozier has finally escaped the Charlotte Hornets and was traded to the Miami Heat for a first-round pick and Kyle Lowry. Rozier brings a scoring point guard who can actually get out on the floor without being on the injury report 24/7. Hopefully, the rest of the team can now stay on the floor. Joel Embiid had quite the week. He destroyed Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, then went on to become the ninth player in NBA history to drop 70 points in a game. If he wasn't the leader for MVP before, he's definitely at the top of the ladder for every outlet now. This is Embiid's world and we're just living in it. Finally, the Minnesota Timberwolves tried to get the ball to Karl-Anthony Towns on the same day that Embiid scored 70 so that he could beat his point total. The issue is that Towns only scored four points in the fourth quarter and the team ended up losing. Then, head coach Chris Finch ranted in the post-game press conference about the immature play from his star forward and the lack of defense from the team. Yikes! Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:36 Trip to South Carolina and NBA Threads 00:15:15 Terry Rozier traded to Miami Heat 00:30:39 Coach Finch rips the Minnesota Timberwolves 00:41:43 Doc Rivers takes Adrian Griffin's job with Milwaukee Bucks 00:58:06 Joel Embiid vs Nikola Jokic 01:16:06 Final thoughts and outro

On episode 301 of The Atlantic Files, Dmitry Bergen of the Loose Ball Boys podcast joins the show! The Toronto Raptors have been in active talks with the Indiana Pacers surrounding a Pascal Siakam deal, the Washington Wizards dropped a player for allegedly stealing from Target, Erik Spoelstra signs a contract extension after divorce, and coaches going off on NBA referees. First and foremost, we get to know Dmitry and how the Loose Ball Boys podcast first started. We also go over how he became a Brooklyn Nets fan and his love for basketball in general. Then we get into the real meat of his story by talking about favorite foods, Richard Jefferson encounters, and more. The big basketball news is obviously Pascal Siakam getting traded from the Toronto Raptors to the Indiana Pacers. We go over how it changes the Pacers' outlook for this season, especially since they had to give up Bruce Brown in the process. Three first-round picks are a lot for a guy who isn't guaranteed to re-sign. Also, how is the Toronto Raptors rebuild going at this stage? Then, we get into the weird news that starts with coaches ripping into NBA referees and huge disparities in free throws. A lot of the time it's the bigger market team getting the calls and these coaches are absolutely sick of it. To be honest, we're getting tired of it too! Finally, Ryan Rollins was allegedly waived for stealing things from Target on multiple occasions. It allegedly was even the same exact Target every time. Then, at the opposite end of the spectrum, there's Erik Spoelstra getting a contract extension right after his divorce was finalized. That's Heat culture right there! FOLLOW THE LOOSE BALL BOYS! https://www.youtube.com/@looseballboys https://www.threads.net/@looseballboys https://open.spotify.com/show/6WMG7LjdCmc0p5Y8KgnDfd Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:23 Dmitry Bergen on his Nets fandom and start of Loose Ball Boys 00:14:00 Russian women, Threads, and fast food 00:37:45 Pascal Siakam traded to the Indiana Pacers 01:04:57 NBA Coaches disagreeing with refs 01:13:19 Ryan Rollins waived for allegedly stealing?! 01:21:25 Erik Spoelstra finalizes contract after divorce 01:30:24 Random closing thoughts and outro

On episode 300 of The Atlantic Files, we're joined by a special guest, Scott "The King" Engel. He's an FSWA Hall of Famer, Senior Writer at The Game Day and RotoBaller, Fantasy Writer for seahawks.com, and a Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio host. We talk about OG Anunoby moving to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, the Memphis Grizzlies' plan with Ja Morant out, the Philadelphia 76ers with Joel Embiid's injuries, and the initial 2024 NBA All-Star voting returns. Scott Engel has been in the fantasy sports writing business for over 20 years and is one of the industry's pioneers. We go over how he got into journalism, his favorite athletes of all time, and how he began playing fantasy sports. Engel gives a lot of great nuggets of information and talks about some of the people he's met along the way. Then, we got into the OG Anunoby trade and how he's fared with the New York Knicks so far. Anunoby has been a great fit and the team has gone undefeated since he joined the starting lineup. Do the Knicks need to make any more moves to be serious title contenders? On the flip side, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley joined the Toronto Raptors and took another step in their young careers. Is this the best place for their development? Also, we talk about a potential Pascal Siakam trade and how the Raptors will go about building for the future with Scottie Barnes. Finally, we go over the initial voting returns for the 2024 NBA All-Star game. We talk about those who have been snubbed, some surprise names, and why fans can't ever get it fully correct when it comes to voting the right guys into the game. Also, are there any good All-Star games anymore in any of the major sports? Check out Scott Engel's work! The Gameday - https://thegameday.com/author/scott-engel/ RotoBaller - https://www.rotoballer.com/author/scottetheking Seahawks.com - https://www.seahawks.com/news/fantasy-insider/ Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:58 Scott "The King" Engel joins the show 00:11:49 Scott Engel talks New York Mets and baseball fandom 00:15:33 Dr. Pepper Zero vs Coke Zero and favorite food 00:25:50 OG Anunoby and the New York Knicks 00:49:49 RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and the Toronto Raptors future 01:03:28 2024 NBA All-Star voting returns 01:12:41 Closing thoughts

On episode 299 of The Atlantic Files, we react to the NBA Christmas day games, give our thoughts on Becky Hammon saying Jalen Brunson is too small to be a 1A, Kevin Durant expressing frustration with the Phoenix Suns health and role players, and the Detroit Pistons losing streak. Becky Hammon was on ESPN as their panel talked about the New York Knicks and whether or not they can seriously compete for the NBA Finals. She said they didn't have that 1A player and explained that Jalen Brunson is a great player but he's too small to be a 1A. Does she make any good points there or is Brunson a lot better than she gives credit? The 2023 NBA Christmas Day games gave a mixed bag of entertainment while some superstars didn't even play and other gave us the performance of a lifetime. Dennis and Alex give their thoughts on the outcomes of each game and whether or not these are signs of things to come for the rest of the season. Speaking of Christmas games, Kevin Durant is apparently now getting frustrated with the health of his new big three and the talent of the supporting cast. No one is really sure what else he expected when the team went out and got Bradley Beal and traded all of their assets to get him and Beal in the first place. Does anyone actually feel bad for him as well? Finally, the Detroit Pistons made history for the wrong reasons. They're now the owners of the longest losing streak in a single NBA season and they could potentially add on to that streak. Is this team actually that bad or are they just hitting some really bad luck? Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro and Christmas movies 00:18:43 The Detroit Pistons historic losing streak 00:43:25 Becky Hammon's comments about Jalen Brunson 01:00:22 2023 NBA Christmas game reactions 01:15:28 Kevin Durant upset in Phoenix 01:32:13 Outro

On episode 298 of The Atlantic Files, Ja Morant returns after his 25-game suspension, we discuss if Steve Kerr should be on the hot seat while watching the Golden State Warriors crumble, we give an update on the state of the Atlantic Division, and Giannis Antetokounmpo ready to fight over a game ball. Ja Morant has finally returned to the court after his 25-game suspension for multiple gun-related incidents. Right now, the Memphis Grizzlies are one of the worst teams in the league record-wise. We discuss whether or not Morant's return is a little too late for them to get in the top six, or if they have a shot at making some noise come playoff time. The Golden State Warriors have been in shambles for the most part this season. They haven't sunk to the bottom of the West, but Draymond Green has been suspended indefinitely and both Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins have seemed to forget how to play basketball. Is this going to put Steve Kerr on the hot seat or has he been so good for so long that he has a lot of slack before they think about replacing him? Giannis Antetokounmpo once got into a fight with Montrezl Harrell over a ladder and that seemed like it was going to be the most ridiculous argument he would get into. Then came along the game ball discussion after Antetokounmpo scored the franchise record for most points in a single game. He was ready to sprint into the Indiana Pacers locker room just to fight someone to get his game ball back. What is going on in the NBA?! Last but not least, we check in on the Atlantic Division and give some updates to each team. The Boston Celtics look primed to win the division again but where does everyone else fall? Do the Brooklyn Nets just need to bring in one big-time star or do they need a series of moves? Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 06:11 Steve Kerr on the hot seat 17:57 Giannis Antetokounmpo gets mad over the game ball 21:51 Ja Morant is back shooting game winners 37:39 Atlantic division update 46:34 Outro

On episode 297 of The Atlantic Files, Draymond Green gets ejected yet again for hitting someone, the Los Angeles Lakers are the first champions of the in-season tournament, Patrick Beverley asking the real questions on ESPN, and more ejections across the league. Draymond Green threw his limbs all over the place, yet again, and was ejected after hitting Jusuf Nurkic in the face. He says that it wasn't on purpose which is why he apologized, but at this rate, there's no benefit of the doubt. Green has hit enough opposing players to believe that this was no accident by any means. So, does he deserve the indefinite suspension that he received? LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have officially won the inaugural in-season tournament championship. We're going to call it the NBA Cup because it's a lot easier to say. Either way, some have asked if it was fixed to get the Lakers as the very first champion. Now the debate is whether or not the IST ring counts towards a player's resume and if teams should raise banners. Even though Green deserved to be ejected, there have been a ton of ejections this season and the number keeps increasing. Players are getting thrown out just for disagreeing with foul calls instead of actual hard fouls or wrongdoing. If this trend continues, fans are going to get more and more upset with referees which is something the league does not want. Finally, Patrick Beverley went on ESPN during the in-season tournament finals and had a conversation with Kevin Hart that ruffled some feathers. He asked about the Josh Giddey news and demanded some answers and opinions instead of political correctness. It was a great move and he's now become famous for drinking a victory beer after every win. Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 03:12 LeBron and the Lakers win the In-Season Tournament 15:30 Draymond Green strikes again 24:10 Ejections run rampant in the NBA 39:53 Patrick Beverley gets kicked off of ESPN 47:13 Outro

On this week's episode of The Atlantic Files, Tyrese Haliburton has been going off so is he a legit MVP candidate? Also, we talk about the in-season tournament playoffs, whether or not the Golden State Warriors are cooked, and if the Minnesota Timberwolves are legit title contenders as they sit atop the Western Conference right now. Tyrese Haliburton has gone from a budding star to a big-time point guard who has exploded onto the scene. His run in the in-season tournament has been nothing short of outstanding and now the general public has shifted him into the MVP conversation. Does he warrant legit MVP conversation or is this too early to discuss his name on that level? Speaking of deciding if someone is legit or not, the Minnesota Timberwolves are the top team in the West and boast the best record in the entire league. Is this team really a legitimate title contender or are we seeing a team that's just surprising in the beginning of the season and will return to Earth later on? Time will only tell, but we give our opinions on it anyway. Finally, we give our thoughts and opinions on the in-season tournament as a whole. Has everyone enjoyed the product and did the scheduling make sense? Also, will this stick and carry on to each new season yet to come? Let us know across social media and in the YouTube comments what you think! Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro and Banter 00:09:49 NBA In-season tournament quarterfinals reactions 00:27:24 Is Tyrese Haliburton an MVP candidate? 00:46:15 Are the Minnesota Timberwolves for real? 00:55:15 Are the Golden State Warriors cooked? 01:04:20 Outro

On this week's episode of The Atlantic Files, Josh Giddey finds himself in troublesome rumors, Jordan Poole becomes a Shaqtin a fool MVP and Kevin Garnett says he doesn't belong in the league, Scott Foster and Chris Paul's feud adds a new chapter, and more! Josh Giddey is currently under investigation by the NBA and the Newport California police department for allegations of an underage relationship. Obviously, this is nothing to take lightly especially because it could affect Giddey's career and life outside of basketball. There's still information coming out about the saga, so we give some thoughts on the matter. Jordan Poole has been the center of a few memes so far this season. He probably will be the center of many more if he continues to play the way he's been playing lately. So, what exactly is happening with him and the Washington Wizards? Are they going to finally turn a corner at some point? Chris Paul was kicked out of yet another game due to a feud with Scott Foster which continues one of the craziest battles between a player and a ref. Apparently, there was a meeting about it and Paul even said that Foster brought his son into the mix. That's a serious comment and this feud may never end! Finally, we check in with the Atlantic Division and go over how the teams are doing thus far. The Boston Celtics are at the top and they're doing exactly what we thought they would! Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:26 Thanksgiving leftovers debate 00:14:06 Atlantic Division check-in 00:33:08 Jordan Poole is doing stuff 00:42:16 Josh Giddey has some troubling allegations 00:56:52 Scott Foster and Chris Paul's feud 01:05:18 Mark Cuban Selling a majority stake of the Mavericks 01:09:18 Outro

On episode 293 of The Atlantic Files, Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls both have an interest in finding a trade partner for the All-Star guard, NBA Officiating seems to be going off the rails as more techs are handed out and more people are aggravated, James Harden gets obliterated by a Mavs broadcaster, Kelly Oubre Jr. has a scary situation, Zion Williamson doesn't seem happy in New Orleans, and Jordan Poole is finding out quickly that Washington is not Golden State! The Chicago Bulls and Zach LaVine are reportedly talking to teams about potential deals to move the All-Star guard to a new team. It's unclear whether or not this is the start of a full rebuild, but the two sides have a mutual understanding that LaVine is now firmly on the trade block. We take a look at who should make a deal for him. NBA Officiating has been the topic of many discussions in post-game press conferences, social media, and much more so far this season. There have been game-changing calls, ejections out of nowhere, and even more questionable events that have caused even coaches to say things and get fined for talking about the refs. Is it especially bad this year or just par for the course? Kelly Oubre Jr. unfortunately experienced a terrifying situation when he was hit by a car as he was just a pedestrian walking around his residence. The good thing is that his injuries are not as severe as originally expected, but after such a hot start, he'll now be out for a while to heal from broken ribs and other injuries. Speaking of players that may be on the trade block, Zion Williamson seemed very unhappy with his situation in New Orleans during a post-game press conference. Also, Jordan Poole is finding out very quickly that the Washington Wizards are nothing like the Golden State Warriors and it might be pretty difficult to be the best player on a team. Finally, we also take a look at the epic rant from a Dallas Mavericks broadcaster that was aimed at James Harden and everything he's done since leaving Houston. Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 07:26 James Harden gets roasted 21:43 Zach LaVine on the trade block 30:33 Zion Williamson unhappy in New Orleans? 38:54 NBA Officiating is off the rails 47:40 Jordan Poole and the Wizards are awful 50:41 Outro

On episode 293 of The Atlantic Files, James Harden says he was on a leash in Philadelphia and he isn't a system player, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are putting on a show, two Atlantic division teams are at the top of the East while the others have shown a mixed bag, and the Milwaukee Bucks haven't been as good as expected so far. James Harden does his first press conference since joining the Los Angeles Clippers and he talks about how he was on a leash in Philadelphia and that he needs a coach that he can trust who will also trust him. This is news to all of us, including Joel Embiid who was confused by his comments and said that they gave him the ball on every possession. Make this drama make sense, please! Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks have yet to show their full potential after suffering a couple of bad losses in the early going of this season. Inefficient shooting, poor defense, and ejections have caused the team to look like they regressed from last year. Is this team actually as much of a title contender as everyone thought or did they ship out too much of their depth to be as good as they used to be? Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren have been garnering all the hype for quite a while now. Deservedly so, these two rookies have lived up to all of the expectations and then some! Both of them have turned into must-see TV and have raised the level of each of their teams. This race for Rookie of the Year may be one of the closest in a long time! Finally, we take a look at the Atlantic Division so far and how they've fared over the first few weeks of the season. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are at the top of the division and the conference while the other three are all next to each other in play-in territory. This is shaping up to be a fun year! Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:06:07 James Harden on a leash?! 00:29:42 Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks 00:44:30 Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are awesome 00:56:22 The Atlantic Division so far 01:09:31 Outro

On episode 292 of The Atlantic Files, Tyrese Maxey shines through his first three games while James Harden watches from the sidelines, Harden tried to come back and fly with the team before getting denied access to the plane, and the NBA regular season has kicked off with some big Week 1 performances while we give our reactions and thoughts on some fantasy basketball topics. James Harden has finally been sent to Los Angeles as the Sixers and Clippers were reportedly coaxed into speeding up the trade talks. The Sixers finally don't have to deal with the headaches and distractions of another player waiting to be traded and they got some decent rotational pieces in the process. It's time to break down the deal, who won, and what the Sixers can do beyond just this trade. Tyrese Maxey and Cam Thomas are two of the young scorers taking the league by storm and they happen to both play in the Atlantic Division. Maxey is looking like an All-Star and maybe even All-Pro, while Thomas has put up multiple 30-point games himself. Finally, we take a quick look at the first week of the new NBA season and give our reactions and thoughts to the different games, performances, and happenings around the league. Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 02:16 James Harden traded to the Clippers 34:09 Sixers and Clippers trade timeline 37:49 Tyrese Maxey and Cam Thomas shine 41:08 NBA Week 1 reactions 48:16 Outro

On episode 291 of The Atlantic Files, the 2023-24 NBA Season kicks off with two big games at the same time we're recording, Joel Embiid is back in trade rumors again and it involves the New York Knicks, plus we give some fantasy basketball advice for the new season! The 2023-24 NBA season kicked off with a couple of entertaining games that showcased some of the best teams in the league. Then we had a huge 12-game slate that had so much action it was hard to catch all of it. We gave all of our predictions for the regular season awards along with who we have winning the NBA Finals while we also took a look at the opening night games. Joel Embiid is back in the news based on trade rumors to the New York Knicks. Apparently, the Knicks are prepared to offer a huge haul for the reigning MVP which may become enticing after James Harden finally gets dealt away from the team. Should the Sixers actually consider a trade inside the division or should they explore elsewhere for better deals so that they don't have to play against him? Finally, we go over our top 12 players for fantasy basketball this year in category formats. We'll be dropping bits of fantasy advice throughout the season as well! Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 05:12 Joel Embiid traded for a haul to the Knicks? 30:59 2023-24 NBA Season predictions 51:30 Our top 12 fantasy basketball players 55:09 Outro

In episode 290 of The Atlantic Files, Ben Simmons is starting to look like a legit basketball player again, James Harden breaks his preseason silence to talk about his relationship with the team, and we take a deep dive into the NBA GM survey results and some of their wild answers! Ben Simmons has actually seemed to improve so far this preseason as we've seen some of his skills come back from his all-star seasons. He's hit some fadeaway mid-range jumpers and his usual distribution skills have been on show. When the Nets took on the 76ers, however, Patrick Beverley took offense to his weak trash talk directed toward one of the rookies. So, maybe he isn't much different after all? James Harden finally spoke to the media this preseason about his situation and whether or not the relationship with Daryl Morey and the Sixers can ever be repaired. To no one's surprise, he said nothing can fix it and he still stands by his trade request. He also says that he apparently wanted to retire in Philadelphia, but "the front office didn't have the same plans." Finally, we take a deeper look at all of the questions inside of the NBA GM survey and see how many of them are either homers or just giving some wild answers. The defensive questions have been the weirdest ones yet! Let us know what you think of some of the answers either on Twitter or YouTube! Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:13 James Harden speaks to the media 00:18:42 Ben Simmons looks like a basketball player 00:29:02 NBA GM Survey deep dive 01:14:17 Outro

On episode 289 of The Atlantic Files, Tyler Herro says he's glad Portland didn't want him and his goal is to become untouchable, the NBA preseason starts with some new faces and new drama already beginning, we also make our final season predictions, plus much more! Tyler Herro had to sit through his name getting thrown around in every trade rumor imaginable for the last couple of seasons. Damian Lillard reportedly wasn't going to move anywhere unless Herro was involved. Now that he remains in Miami and Lillard moved to Milwaukee, Herro wants to become untouchable so that he's never part of trade talks again. The question is whether or not that's an attainable level for him. The NBA preseason has kicked off which means media days have already come and gone. We go over some of the top headlines from media day and the preseason as well as talk about some of our favorite players so far. Let's also not forget that James Harden still hasn't been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers are still in a state of flux. Finally, we talk about the NBA GM survey where they answer a bunch of questions from who they think will the NBA Finals down to who they think will be MVP, Rookie of the Year, and much more. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:12 Fantasy Football talk: Week 5 00:15:10 Tyler Herro wants to be untouchable 00:27:08 NBA Preseason and media days 00:43:05 NBA General Manager poll and season predictions 00:59:24 Outro

On episode 288 of The Atlantic Files, Damian Lillard is traded to the Milwaukee Bucks and joins Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday heads to the Boston Celtics, we break down all of the trade pieces, and then we put together all of our divisional previews for one big preview episode! Finally, we get a resolution to the Damian Lillard saga that has gone on for months. He's on his way to join Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks to form a super-duo. Question marks still exist with this team's health like that of Khris Middleton. Also, the team as a whole is getting older and older, so their window to win another championship is very short. Will the new coach lead them back to the promised land? Another side of the trade was moving Jrue Holiday to Portland who then was moved to Boston. The Trail Blazers got some more assets out of it while Holiday moved to another Eastern Conference contender. His fit in Boston is perfect as he replaces the role that Marcus Smart vacated. With the addition of Holiday, however, that improves the offense in ways that Smart was unable to. To wrap up this week's episode, we stitched together all of our divisional previews from the past six weeks to bring one big preview episode. Let us know what you think of each division and who you have winning each one to make the playoffs this year! Timecodes: 00:01:51 - Damian Lillard traded to Milwaukee 00:10:40 - Jrue Holiday traded to Boston 00:20:15 - 2023-24 NBA Central Division preview 00:31:44 - 2023-24 NBA Atlantic Division preview 00:42:00 - 2023-24 NBA Southeast Division preview 01:01:25 - 2023-24 NBA Pacific Division preview 01:10:55 - 2023-24 NBA Northwest Division preview 01:24:48 - 2023-24 NBA Southwest Division preview

This week, on episode 287 of The Atlantic Files, reportedly, the Toronto Raptors are the frontrunners to land Damian Lillard all of a sudden, Buddy Hield is now on the trade block with the Dallas Mavericks rumored as the frontrunners, and we finish our divisional preview series with the Atlantic Division. Damian Lillard's trade sage continues but more and more teams keep entering the mix. Now, all of a sudden, the Toronto Raptors are the frontrunners to land the superstar guard. What does that mean for the rest of the league and especially the Miami Heat?! We give our thoughts on whether or not he'll actually end up in Canada or if it's just a smokescreen before he lands in Miami. Speaking of trades, Buddy Hield is now firmly on the trade block. The Indiana Pacers are shopping him and he's open to a trade to a place where he can sign an extension. Right now, the Dallas Mavericks are the best fit, but it's unclear whether they have the pieces that the Pacers truly want. We talk about where he should go and if he'll actually find a new home before the season starts. Finally, we wrap up our divisional preview series by taking a look at the Atlantic Division. We give our thoughts on all of the deals that went down and which Atlantic team might surprise everyone. With this division, it brings our divisional preview series to an end and we will be posting all of our previews stitched together into one big preview episode later on! Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:04:21 Dennis sets a Christmas scene 00:07:10 New Year Gym struggles 00:12:08 Fantasy Football corner: Week 3 00:26:32 Toronto is the frontrunner for Damian Lillard 00:49:37 Buddy Hield is on the trading block 01:10:09 Atlantic Division Preview 01:21:08 Outro

This week, on episode 286 of The Atlantic Files, Kelly Oubre Jr. is signing a one-year deal with the Sixers, James Harden trade talks were ended by the Clippers and not the 76ers, we continue our divisional preview series with the Central Division, the NBA has established new resting rules for star players, and we bring back our fantasy basketball and football corner! Daryl Morey and the 76ers actually made a roster move that wasn't trading James Harden. Kelly Oubre Jr. is joining the team on a one-year deal! We're still not exactly sure why Oubre wasn't signed by any other teams until now, but it's a huge pickup for a team that's in limbo with one of their superstars. Speaking of James Harden, news came out that the trade talks were actually ended by the Clippers. Brian Windhorst spoke about how the Clippers were the ones moving on after the trade talks hit a stalemate. Originally, the drama began because it was believed that Morey finished the negotiations. Now, the shoe is on the other foot and we haven't heard from Harden since then. The NBA also established new rules in regard to resting players throughout the regular season. We'll, hopefully, begin to see more and more stars playing on national TV and in away games. The issue becomes how the league will actually enforce all of these rules and how they'll make sure that the injuries listed are real. Finally, we continue our divisional preview series for the 2023-24 season. The Central Division is the next one on the list before our specialty next week. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks win the division again or will Cleveland take another step up with their young core and Donovan Mitchell? Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:15 Fantasy Football Corner: Week 2 00:17:37 Kelly Oubre Jr signs with Sixers 00:32:21 Clippers end trade talks for James Harden 00:36:27 New resting rules in effect in the NBA 00:46:50 NBA Central division preview 00:58:48 Outro

This week, on episode 285 of The Atlantic Files, Team USA fails to medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Kevin Porter Jr. gets in trouble with the law, Damian Lillard now says he'd join training camp for any team, and we preview the Southeast Division for the upcoming NBA season. After the controversial comments from Noah Lyles about the NBA, Team USA couldn't turn those words into fuel for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The team lost to Germany in the semifinal and then suffered another loss to Canada in the third-place game. They failed to meet expectations and the race to build the best team for the Olympics is now on. Kevin Porter Jr. has found himself in very hot water after being arrested on assault charges. Right now, everything is alleged before the court cases take place. The NBA, however, could bring down some pretty hard sanctions when it's all said and done because of the issues off of the court for Miles Bridges. His NBA career is now in jeopardy let alone his future with the Houston Rockets. Finally, we preview the Southeast Division for the upcoming NBA season. Damian Lillard to the Miami Heat is still a possibility, but the rest of the division has some rising rosters. Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks look to improve with a full season of Quin Snyder at the helm and the Orlando Magic are getting better every day as their young stars improved throughout the offseason. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:31 Fantasy Football Corner: Week 1 recap 00:21:36 Team USA fails to medal at 2023 FIBA World Cup 00:36:32 Kevin Porter Jr. arrested 00:50:48 NBA Southeast Division Preview 01:10:38 Outro

On episode 284 of The Atlantic Files, Team USA suffers their first loss to Lithuania in the 2023 FIBA World Cup but then beat the brakes off of Italy, we continue our divisional previews for the 2023-24 NBA season with the Pacific division, and the weird happenings surrounding now-retired NBA ref Eric Lewis. The 2023 FIBA World Cup is heating up as the semifinals are shaping up. Team USA lost their first game of the tournament as they got beat down by Lithuania but then turned around and beat down Italy. This could have poked the bear in the USA team or they could now be used to the physicality of the international style of play. Will they be able to beat Germany in the semifinal and go on to win gold? In case you haven't heard about it, former NBA referee, Eric Lewis, was under investigation for some suspicious social media use. There seemed to be a burner account only replying to tweets to defend the ref when people accused him of incredible bias towards the Boston Celtics. In a surprising move, he retired, and all of a sudden the investigation stopped. Something doesn't seem right... Finally, we continued our divisional preview series with the entertaining Pacific Division. Which team will take a hit and will the division all finish with winning records again next season? The Los Angeles Lakers seem primed to improve while the Phoenix Suns brought in some crazy offensive firepower! We dive into our predictions and talk about how the division will shake out. Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 03:30 Team USA loses to Lithuania, beats Italy 18:27 Referee Eric Lewis retires to avoid investigation 30:18 2023-24 NBA Pacific Division Preview 40:10 Outro

On episode 283 of The Atlantic Files, James Harden gets fined for his comments about Daryl Morey, we continue our divisional previews with the Northwest Division, France gets ousted in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Evan Turner hints at the refs being biased in the NBA Playoffs, and we go through the second half of Dennis' fantasy basketball rankings. James Harden was fined $100k for saying that he would never play for the Sixers as long as Daryl Morey is employed there. While his plan to tell the audience that in China was genius, he still looks like an idiot after the dust has pretty much settled from everything. Rudy Gobert and Team France get eliminated after just two pool play games. They lost to both Canada and Latvia without Kristaps Porzingis in back to back games and they'll head home after being one of the top teams in the tournament. Sad day for France fans. Evan Turner made an appearance on Gilbert Arenas' podcast and talked about their 2012 Playoff matchup against the Boston Celtics. He said that Elton Brand told him they would have to win by 15 just to win by one which meant they needed to make sure the refs had no say in who won. Confirming a lot of beliefs that people had about the officiating. Finally, we previewed the Northwest Division with the reigning NBA Champs. Do you think they'll repeat? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter! timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:11:35 James Harden fined 100k 00:20:39 France eliminated from 2023 FIBA World Cup 00:31:25 Evan Turner on Gilbert Arenas' podcast 00:44:30 NBA Northwest Division preview 00:58:54 outro

In episode 282 of The Atlantic Files, James Harden calls Daryl Morey a liar and won't play for him, Daryl Morey isn't surprised and stands his ground, the 2023 FIBA World Cup starts soon, we do our first divisional preview starting with the Southwest division, Dennis gives his fantasy basketball rankings for points leagues, and more! James Harden was on tour in China with Adidas and fielded questions after an event where he took the chance to throw some shots at Daryl Morey. He called Morey a liar and said that he will not play for a franchise that Morey is a part of and he repeated a second time to make sure everyone understood. He obviously knew his audience and that people in China aren't big fans of Morey. This moves the process to a whole new level of confusing. The 2023 FIBA World Cup starts in a couple of weeks so we look at some of the rosters of the countries that are participating. We give our thoughts on the top rosters and the teams that have the best chance of taking home the gold. Then, we kick off our divisional preview series as we take a look at the upcoming season for the Southwest Division. The Memphis Grizzlies won't have Ja Morant for a chunk of the season and the Houston Rockets improved greatly. Will the New Orleans Pelicans finally stay healthy and realize their potential, or will they tank? Finally, our very own Dennis Clausen put out his rankings for the 2023-24 fantasy basketball season. The rankings are geared toward points leagues so we discuss the top 30 players and whether or not we agree or think others deserve the spot instead. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:06:54 James Harden calls Daryl Morey a liar 00:34:13 2023 FIBA World Cup thoughts 00:51:32 2023-24 Southwest division preview 01:16:34 Dennis's 2023-24 fantasy basketball points rankings 01:43:15 Outro

On episode 280 of The Atlantic Files, Jaylen Brown gets a supermax extension from the Boston Celtics, Mikal Bridges hypes up Ben Simmons like many have done before, Donovan Mitchell apparently won't stay in Cleveland, we discuss the top rookies for redraft and fantasy basketball leagues, and we play the NBA grid game! Jaylen Brown gets a whole boatload of money from the Celtics to go with a five-year extension. Now, the debate is whether or not he can produce enough to match the amount of money he's making. Some don't even think he's the second-best player on his team! Mikal Bridges went on Paul George's podcast and talked about Ben Simmons and where the team's mindset is at in regard to getting him back on the court. Bridges hyped up Simmons' attitude and his work ethic heading into this season while he said that Simmons was actually the one talking the most in their team group chat. Will this turn into yet another hype reel that doesn't turn into any real production? Now, there are reports flying around that Donovan Mitchell won't be staying in Cleveland longer than his current contract. His eyes are already set on another city apparently and the team would be smart to just trade him away to get something for him. Should they keep him and try to convince him to stay instead? Finally, we discuss the top rookies heading into this season for fantasy basketball. We talk about both redraft and dynasty leagues and the best rookies to look out for if you happen to be participating in either one this year! Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:07 Jaylen Brown gets the Supermax from the Boston Celtics 00:11:58 Mikal Bridges hypes up Ben Simmons 00:24:18 Donovan Mitchell won't stay in Cleveland? 00:33:31 Top fantasy basketball rookies for redraft leagues 00:47:28 Top fantasy basketball rookies for dynasty leagues 00:59:28 The NBA Grid game! 01:14:22 Outro

Joel Embiid said that all he wants to do is win a championship in an interview with Mav Carter. The issue is that he also said whether it's in Philly or somewhere else, he wants to win. That sent everyone in Philadelphia into a frenzy because he even hinted at the idea of wanting out. Embiid then took to Twitter to say that it was actually all a troll job. Is anyone believing this? NBA Summer League has come and gone, so there are winners and losers coming out of it. Some prospects did very well and others didn't do so well. Who are your winners and losers and do they line up with ours? Then, we check in on the James Harden and Damian Lillard situations. Both star guards are still on the same teams and they aren't seemingly moving any time soon. They both only want to go to one team, but that doesn't help either one of their cases. Which one will be traded first and will either one go to the team they really want? Finally, we take a look at all of the remaining free agents. We talk about where they should go and how much money they could end up signing for. That includes players like Christian Wood, PJ Washington, and Kelly Oubre Jr. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:06:05 NBA Summer league winners and losers 00:45:42 Joel Embiid's championship comments 01:03:27 Damian Lillard and James Harden still not traded 01:13:22 Remaining NBA Free agents 01:24:19 Outro

On episode 278 of The Atlantic Files: 2023 NBA Free Agency was shaping up to be crazy and so far it hasn't really been that amazing. Players like Kyrie Irving, Draymond Green, Kyle Kuzma, and Khris Middleton all stayed put. Fred VanVleet got paid, Dillon Brooks headed to a different team, and Grant Williams and Max Strus went through a sign-and-trade. We give all of our thoughts and reactions on the signings and trades so far and the ones that are yet to come like Damian Lillard and James Harden. The free agency period has been a little lackluster compared to all the hype and rumors thrown around before it officially opened. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks both got a good bit of money to switch teams, but outside of them a lot of the more significant contracts went to guys that just stayed with their same squad. Draymond Green, Kyle Kuzma, and Jerami Grant are just a few names that didn't switch teams. So, which teams had the best free agency? We also take a closer look at the Atlantic Division teams and how they fared throughout the free agency period so far. The 76ers and Nets seem to be sitting back and waiting for bigger moves while the Raptors and Celtics decided to make a few moves and bring in some new faces. We're still waiting to see if the Knicks have anything else up their sleeve as well. Finally, there are the annoying situations of both Damian Lillard and James Harden. Lillard decided to wait until the last possible minute to request a trade and he's acting like a child when he says he will only play for the Miami Heat and absolutely no one else. Harden, also acting like a child, received a huge ego check and will sit around waiting for Daryl Morey to trade him because he didn't like the fact that he didn't receive a ton of money this offseason. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:07:16 Atlantic Division free agency roundup 00:47:01 Can Damian Lillard replicate Stephen Curry and Isiah Thomas? 00:55:51 What's going on with Dame and James Harden? 01:04:17 Houston lands Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks 01:07:13 We love meatloaf 01:10:11 Back to Houston's free agency 01:15:46 Kyle Kuzma stays in Washington?? 01:21:36 Phoenix Suns have a good free agency 01:25:03 Early NBA Summer League thoughts 01:31:52 Outro

On this week's episode of The Atlantic Files, Kristaps Porzingis gets traded to the Boston Celtics while Marcus Smart is shipped to Memphis, Jordan Poole heads to Washington in exchange for Chris Paul joining the Warriors, John Collins is also on the move to Utah, there are tons of rumors flying around, the 2023 NBA Draft took place as Victor Wembanyama goes first overall, and more! The Boston Celtics landed a big-time center in Kristaps Porzingis, but it took the heart and soul of their team to bring him in. Marcus Smart had to be shipped off to Memphis as the Grizzlies sent Tyus Jones over to the Washington Wizards in this three-team deal. Porzingis brings in a good amount of offense, but how limited will the defense be now that their former Defensive Player of the Year is gone? In more trade news, John Collins is on his way to Utah for the puny price of Rudy Gay and a second-round pick. While Collins is set to make a decent bit of money, the fact that Atlanta had to make this deal says a lot about the skill level of Collins and how far he has fallen. Will he regain his former self with the Jazz? In even more trade news, Jordan Poole finally escapes the bully that is Draymond Green. He's on his way to Washington as Chris Paul heads to Golden State to join the splash brothers and maybe even Green if they can work out his contract. Now, Poole can lead his own backcourt along with Jones and try to lead the Wizards into relevance. Finally, we give our thoughts and reactions to the 2023 NBA Draft. The top three picks went the way that everyone expected, but the rest of it was a little enticing. Especially Cam Whitmore dropping all the way to 20. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:11:47 John Collins traded for a bag of chips 00:29:13 Kristaps Porzingis to Boston, Marcus Smart To Memphis 00:48:20 Jordan Poole for Chris Paul trade 01:12:47 2023 NBA Draft reactions 01:30:00 Outro

In episode 276 of The Atlantic Files, Bradley Beal finally waives his no-trade clause to go to the Phoenix Suns, Chris Paul heads to Washington with a possibility of another trade or free agency, Draymond Green heads to free agency after declining his option, James Harden may be coming back to Philadelphia now, and much more! Bradley Beal is finally free of the clutches of mediocrity and on his way to create a superteam in Phoenix with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. The Wizards didn't get much in return, but they cleared up a ton of cap space for years to come. The biggest question mark will be whether or not the Suns can stay healthy enough to actually make the NBA Finals let alone win it all. Now, with Chris Paul heading to Washington, the next step is to figure out where they're going to ship him next. The leading odds seem to be either of the two teams in Los Angeles, but no one is sure if that's going to be after getting waived or in a trade. Then, there's James Harden still floating around after his unsuccessful leverage play with the Houston Rockets. So he's likely to return to Philadelphia with the hope that he still gets what he wanted in terms of more money and the freedom to play basketball as he wants. It doesn't seem like his style of basketball is going to win anything important anytime soon though. Finally, we go over all of the rumors and happenings across the league ahead of the NBA Draft and free agency. Draymond Green declined his option, Jonathan Kuminga could be traded, Fred VanVleet is seeking $30 million from a team in free agency, the Raptors still don't want to trade OG Anunoby, and more! Timecodes: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:15:54 Bradley Beal traded to Phoenix 00:30:49 Where Will Chris Paul go? 00:36:35 James Harden back to Philadelphia now 00:42:01 NBA Trade, free agency, and Draft rumors 01:04:16 Outro

In episode 275 of The Atlantic Files, the Denver Nuggets win the NBA Championship in 5 while Nikola Jokic wins Finals MVP, the weird road that was the NBA Playoffs, early predictions and feelings about the offseason, where Chris Paul could land, Fred VanVleet will decline his player option, the Toronto Raptors hire a new head coach and much more! Mike's prediction from three or four years ago has finally come true as Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets get their first ring. Jokic brought the dominant form that he's shown all year and even got himself a Finals MVP trophy to show for it. Can we expect more of the same from Denver as they potentially form a dynasty, or will the rest of the league catch on and end their run at one championship? Then, on the very opposite of the spectrum of basketball events, Zion Williamson has gotten into quite a sticky situation. He welcomed his first child but that just dug out some skeletons in his closet that he was not hoping to reveal any time soon. There are now some scorned women cursing his name, so we break it all down tweet by tweet and text by text. Moving back to actual basketball topics, Doc Rivers appeared on Bill Simmons podcast to talk about the Sixers, Celtics, and everything in between. He had some words about coaching James Harden and Joel Embiid, neither of them being that great. He was also asked the age-old question about the "losing culture" that the process has left behind. Oh boy! Finally, we take a look at all the rumors going around the league. Bradley Beal is back in trade rumors for multiple teams, Chris Paul is most likely going to see a change of scenery, Jonathan Kuminga could be dealt for the right price, Fred VanVleet opted out of his option so that he could check out free agency, and more! Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:06:38 Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets win a ring 00:21:07 Jokic better than Shaq all-time?! 00:28:57 Zion Williamson's women situation 00:57:10 Doc Rivers comments on Bill Simmons pod 01:09:16 Rumors around Beal, Chris Paul, VanVleet, and more 01:24:09 Outro