Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray are double-dipping on Running It Back to navigate the post-Summer League, post-World Cup lull while the entire NBA holds its breath waiting on the latest LeBron James decision. From blockbuster trades and team-building philosophies to draft blunders and post-championship hangovers, the guys cover it all.
In this Episode:
- The LeBron Decision Vigil: We’re on day 5,000 of waiting for the King’s next move. We look back at the awkward glory of 2010’s “South Beach” spectacle and examine Bronny locking down his deal in LA.
- Jaylen Brown Heading to Philly: Why do the analytics wonks keep sleeping on Jaylen Brown? We break down his fit alongside Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe—and whether Joel Embiid’s health caps their ultimate ceiling.
- LaMelo to Minnesota: Pairing LaMelo Anthony with Anthony Edwards sounds like pure basketball entertainment, but how will LaMelo handle the slick winter streets of Minneapolis?
- Roster DNA & Superstar Ego: Why Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama are setting a new standard for team-building, while other stars stay pot-committed to style over team chemistry.
- Drafting Winners & Golden State’s Missteps: We examine why front offices need to stop chasing raw upside over proven winners—and look back at the past draft decisions coming back to haunt the Warriors.
- Knicks Post-Championship Reality: Fresh off a title, are the Knicks already flirting with Pat Riley’s infamous “disease of more” during their media victory lap?
- Stump the Pod Trivia: Can you name the active superstar who has been traded twice in his career for Finals MVPs? (Listen in to see if you can beat Tarlin’s challenge!)
Timestamps:
- 00:00 Back on the Pod00:30 Inside the Box Talk
- 00:57 Summer Doldrums Check In
- 01:58 Catching Up on Trades
- 02:40 LeBron Decision Watch
- 04:29 Bronny and Lakers Jokes
- 05:11 Jaylen Brown Breakdown
- 06:51 Team First Superstars
- 09:15 Fans vs Load Management
- 09:44 Fanatics Fest Memories
- 10:37 Bronny Clip and USC Story
- 11:13 LaMelo Meets Ant
- 12:08 Roster Build Debate
- 12:59 Second Apron Chess
- 14:03 Draft Class Talk
- 14:50 Summer League Banners
- 16:20 Warriors Draft Regrets
- 18:39 Pick Winners Philosophy
- 19:40 Knicks Hype Check
- 20:54 Trivia and Signoff
