Episode #374: NBA All-Star Game 2021 is going to happen in Atlanta

The NBA ALL-Star game is on and will be hosted in Atlanta.

Contributors
Santiago Leon – @sleon
Jordan Vargas – @therealjdv23

1. Kelly Obree really learned to take a role on the Warriors and is showing his great athleticism while scoring 40.
2. Lebron passing Wilt on Field goals made
3. NBA ALL- Star Voting
4. Who is winning rookie of the year

Transcript

Santiago Leon 0:15
Sports cast February 5 2021 if you haven’t yet, please subscribe and all our channels Periscope, YouTube and Apple podcasts by the way, guys periscope is going directly on Twitter. So periscope is being dissolved apart be called Twitter live stream. And if you’re an apple podcast, leave a rating and review it will help us out tremendously. We’re also on online digital radio, you can listen to us on the sports cast app or on our website. The sports cast dotnet which you which you can follow the latest news NFL and of course the NBA. And today’s an NBA show we got Jordan Vargas, the sports cast contributor. Welcome back to the sports cast.

Jordan Vargas 0:58
A man happy to be here. Thank you,

Santiago Leon 1:00
Jordan, you squeezed in a show during Super Bowl week. I mean, how how did you pull this off?

Jordan Vargas 1:06
Well, I don’t know.

Santiago Leon 1:11
Hey, you know, sometimes fate happens. People’s schedules kind of come You know, come through and and and now you’re frozen. But but is your audio there?

Jordan Vargas 1:23
Are you frozen, too? Oh, no. Well, yeah, come

Santiago Leon 1:25
on. I can hear anyways, fine. Audio is more important. So as long as as long as you can hear me, and I can hear you. We’re fine. Yeah. Anyways, the NBA announced this week that the all star game is on and it will be in Atlanta, Atlanta, 2021. Jordan Vargas. What happened with the all star game? Was it in limbo? Was it gonna happen eventually, but they just had to, you know, figure out the specs, what happened, tell us a story.

Jordan Vargas 1:57
I believe it was always gonna happen. They always had to figure out a way just because the NBA is trying to figure out ways to have a sense of normalcy, especially during times like these, what I think would kind of throw the enemy off, they ended up not having an all star game, you could tell that that would kind of make things uneven. And it would not allow players to have the fun that they usually like to have during these times. Even we were out of a pandemic. So the all star game was going to happen either way. But now it’s final on how they’re going to conduct it.

Santiago Leon 2:32
Jordan, how important is having the all star game for the NBA? How much money is involved? Is it crucial to have an all star game

Jordan Vargas 2:40
it’s very crucial because you get the best TV ratings. The best players in the NBA voted by fans are playing against each other. It’s not as competitive but you can tell that they’re all skill sets. They display that with you know dunking or showing off their handles. So it’s kind of like the Harlem Globetrotters. But with NBA players, and the fans love it. fans love to watch it and NBA players love to play so it’s great for TV. It’s great for the fans. It’s great for the league.

Santiago Leon 3:05
Now, speaking. Speaking about pandemic in the all star game. Where will we see a full All Star weekend like slam dunk conference, contest? rookie All Star game, which I know they don’t do that every year. Right? We see a full set or we’re gonna see one nine only Charles Barkley talking. What are we gonna say?

Jordan Vargas 3:28
Well, we’re both stuck on that one. I’m not familiar with what the whole situation the whole rundown is going to be. I’m hoping that we can get back as you know, the skill challenge and the rising star, the USA verse world, which is international verse players who are from the United States. Hopefully we get some rundown of that. But really, I’m just excited. And I believe NBA fans and people who are not fans of basketball, they’re just excited to have the sense of normalcy to go back and see the best players in the NBA going against each other whether it’s in a challenge or and again.

Santiago Leon 4:06
Now the NBA All Star game goes by voting I believe the people vote and we’ll have joining explain that in a few seconds. You showed me you texted me this morning, which which will pull it up in the screen. Your All Star picks for the for the 2021 all star? I’ll pull it up and I will first tell us who votes for this isn’t just a journalist that vote for this or is it like the whole country can vote for this. And you can see your favorite player.

Jordan Vargas 4:38
The whole country vote for this you can see your favorite player. There’s players if you looked up their name, even though they have no stats, they ride the back of the bench. In fact, they’re two way players from the G league or a BA but they still have their name in there. So

Santiago Leon 4:53
anyways, so for the fans. Yeah. For the fans. Now you voted you pick your team. You showed it to me you texted to me Go through one player at a time. Why did you choose these players? And why they’re worthy for this years? Oh?

Jordan Vargas 5:08
Well, we’ll start in the West. I have LeBron

Santiago Leon 5:12
as a no brainer. Is LeBron living up to it? No.

Jordan Vargas 5:17
Yes, in fact, blue so the other side we got yo kitch I really like his playing style. I like how he is as a person how he conducts his game. You don’t really see him getting in too much trouble on the court. He doesn’t run into technical trouble he doesn’t run into foul trouble he’s very level headed guy is a great leader for Denver for someone like RJ and Jamal to work with.

Santiago Leon 5:37
So like sticking with Joe cage he’s been very consistent like this guy two years ago was the head I mean, he was a star for Denver. He’s still doing it this year, isn’t he? Yeah. Why is that well like why is he so consistent? He’s the big guy he hardly gets injured right what makes him so special

Jordan Vargas 5:56
it’s just go set out you can shoot the ball on how you go down the post you know some players they’re kind of stuck in the post and really the only not to use post moves. But she can you know really be used all around the floor, which is what makes him such a versatile player and gives him a vote.

Santiago Leon 6:13
But here’s the thing with Joker is he’s not the he’s not the

Jordan Vargas 6:18
he’s not the honest if that’s what you’re trying to go to guy.

Santiago Leon 6:21
Yeah, he’s not that clutch guy that’s gonna lead you to that final shot for the NBA Finals. That’s the thing with Denver. They need that number two guy that Scotty or someone that just crushed it. And I wish I can see him moving out of them for to find that one player he needs to work with or or having Denver bring in someone. Yeah, something similar to Kobe Bryant. But anyways, continues.

Jordan Vargas 6:48
There we got curry Carson putting up some stats and he made a great comeback season without you know his Pippin, which is Klay Thompson. Yes.

Santiago Leon 6:55
Yeah. Steve curwood. Looks like a 2014 Steph Curry, isn’t it? Yeah.

Jordan Vargas 6:59
I mean, it’s just he’s putting up great numbers and his performance have been very consistent in going along with the Warriors team. They’ve been doing good. Now.

Santiago Leon 7:09
Do you think he’s still like, like the top three of the NBA or he’s more top 10 but not top three?

Jordan Vargas 7:16
I’ll put them at top five. Okay,

Santiago Leon 7:19
fair enough. Fair enough. Reason we’ll go into that because that gets a little bit debatable. Anyways, continue.

Jordan Vargas 7:25
Then we got Paul George. I don’t know what else to say. Paul. George. Great player. I love his playing style.

Santiago Leon 7:31
He’s doing good this season. Last season. He was a little bit lazy. I

Jordan Vargas 7:33
heard, right.

He’s aggressive. He’s really thin that roll with the clippers.

Santiago Leon 7:37
So kawhi is pushing hard. That’s pretty much what you’re saying.

Jordan Vargas 7:40
Yes.

And I’m okay. Lillard is self explanatory. Very clutch. Good at shooting good at dribbling. He’s just a solid player.

Santiago Leon 7:48
Low you’re at interesting now before we let’s go on to the east because because because I will ask you who will go in the bench, but we’ll go with East All right, a little bit. Ready for that they’ll get nervous.

Jordan Vargas 8:01
Oh man, never get nervous.

Santiago Leon 8:04
Let’s go for the ease now. Keep in mind guys ease a lot of major players move to the east. there and Westbrook Hart and all these guys. So we’re gonna see a little bit more of a heavy east. Jordan and we’ll break it down because I know it was probably like much trouble this time around than last year. Go on Georgia.

Jordan Vargas 8:22
We got Kevin Durant. I said earlier of his season with the nets that Katie really hasn’t fit that role. Now we’re starting to see ohlc we’re starting to see OKC Eagles the Warriors counter and flashback moments. We’re starting to see him get comfortable in that role not saying he was never but from jealous. He’s He’s really mixing well and especially with harden. It’s a great combo. And I have to put on from Chicago was Chicago suburb so I had to put Zack Levine up there exactly put in before before

Santiago Leon 8:55
Zach Duran, How’s his foot? looking how his whole Achilles is he looking good.

Jordan Vargas 9:03
He’s looking good. He’s one of his famous Signature moves as a step back and he’s very active is good footwork. So if he’s gone this far in a season without any, you know, tweaks that sit him out for a long time.

Santiago Leon 9:18
Keep in mind audience this. He had a a killer tendon injury, which is a very serious injury might be worse than like, more than like your knee imcl or ACL tear. So that that gets a little more shared that that takes a little bit longer, but usually players come back not the same. But according to Jordan, Kevin dreads looking good. Anyways, continue.

Jordan Vargas 9:42
All right, then we’re gonna go Zack. I mean,

Santiago Leon 9:45
he’s a bulls guy injured now. Okay. Is there bias with that? Or this guy’s legit like other people will vote for him?

Jordan Vargas 9:52
Well, this guy’s legit. Numbers 20 points per game 27 I believe it’s 28 though. He’s been weeding the balls. I mean, you look at his stats, he has 4050 point games, but it’s because he’s not so much of a good of a team that it kind of goes under the radar. So having someone like Zack Levine, on the all star, in my opinion, is deserving. He’s a great player. And people forget that he was a slam dunk champion when he was a rookie and he was a slam dunk champion the second year of his MBA. So yes, all star potential. He’s been in that spotlight. I believe he’s gonna go Bradley Beal

Santiago Leon 10:29
Jordan. Okay, go Brandon. Bill, What’s up with him? He’s from Washington. What makes them stand out and be playing in the all star game.

Jordan Vargas 10:38
He’s been putting up 34 points per game. He’s not on a great franchise right now. But he is really pushing through being one of the solely players on the team. And he’s really being a leader right now. Where star artists you felt seeing numbers climb, and we’re seeing him kind of really emerge? Which was not mine. You know, versus when

Santiago Leon 11:05
he’s playing with Russell Westbrook, isn’t he?

Jordan Vargas 11:11
Yes. Yeah.

Santiago Leon 11:14
Which helps. Washington a bit. Okay, continue.

Jordan Vargas 11:19
Yeah. Post we got down Yanis.

Santiago Leon 11:29
How’s it doing this season?

Jordan Vargas 11:31
He’s no good.

She would have been a little wonky. People have been clowning him a little bit for a shooting, but he’s gonna develop that. He’s gotten better. Look at his strength. Look at his dominance. That’s all I really has to do for me stats, how he’s doing on the team. Then we’re gonna go ahead.

Santiago Leon 11:50
And before which we headed to the next player? Right. I mean, obviously, all stars, you know, kind of mid season. How are the bugs looking? Are they East Conference Championship contenders or the NBA final contenders? How do you seem right now?

Jordan Vargas 12:08
I can see them Eastern Conference. Just because, again, it’s halfway through the season, and they still have more time to to go in and to develop. So I’ll give them the east. I would love to stay Chicago but you

know, I

Santiago Leon 12:24
but Jordan, I mean, that’s wishful thinking.

Jordan Vargas 12:27
That’s wishful thinking. Yeah. I would love to say Chicago though. But I mean,

Santiago Leon 12:30
okay, I’ll go live in reality. Now we’re talking about Chicago and the playoffs? How deep can they go? Realistically, how deep can they go?

Jordan froze on me. Oh. Go ahead, Jordan. Get that last answer? How deep can Chicago go? Um,

Jordan Vargas 12:59
oh, my.

I don’t think we’re gonna make the playoffs. But we’re making progress here. I like like goes Donovan. I like I like doing good. Hard work in games. We’re starting to see that even from the back of the bench of the front, they’re doing good. So I mean, I’m gonna have to count them out for this year, but next year, definitely keep an eye out. Donovan. Billy. Even if you’re not a bulls fan.

Yeah,

I think a lot of bulls fan a regression. So

Santiago Leon 13:34
bring back bring back those Chicago Bulls glory days. Okay, so the last play are the east. Jordan Vargas. Who do you have who has this potential?

Jordan Vargas 13:46
Now this one was kind of a limb. This one I just I really didn’t put much thought into it. If I’m being honest here. I just kind of clip Tatum it’s kind of like him like the way he plays he has a nice shot nice touch. I guess fade away. So really, I just thought maybe he deserves a spot

Santiago Leon 14:04
neutral not very controversial player humble. um he’s becoming the head guy up in Boston, isn’t it?

Jordan Vargas 14:12
Yeah

Santiago Leon 14:14
it’s interesting cuz he wasn’t number one choice like it was gonna be Kyrie or I Isaiah Thomas it like you know Tatum was was there but it wasn’t the the a player that like the star player that you know, you want for the Celtics, but he’s becoming that he’s earned it. Right, Jordan?

Jordan Vargas 14:32
Yeah, that’s what I would have to say.

Santiago Leon 14:34
Well, there you have it. Okay. Started in court looks good. Jordan, who was your honorable mentions who goes in the bench in the West, and also in the East?

Jordan Vargas 14:44
I actually did not fill that out. But, but I really couldn’t tell you. I really couldn’t tell you

Santiago Leon 14:50
eyeball to eyeball. Let’s say Who? Who’s the backup for James George tokage curry Lily who are like the second places for each position.

Jordan Vargas 15:03
Oh man,

Santiago Leon 15:04
how about van fleet?

Jordan Vargas 15:09
Maybe Yeah, he would he put up 50 for a

Santiago Leon 15:12
couple more points. We’re joking. Oh, yeah, joke is right there. And

Jordan Vargas 15:17
I would have to support him because he’s from

Santiago Leon 15:22
Georgia your connections bad

Jordan Vargas 15:24
15 miles away from so I have to say.

Santiago Leon 15:28
We might have to call. I didn’t call it. Um, how about the guy from Dallas?

Jordan Vargas 15:35
porzingis

Santiago Leon 15:37
No. Look at Don tich dockage Where’s he at? I wish I heard he was injured a bit. I heard. How’s he looking?

Jordan Vargas 15:45
Yeah. Um,

I would say he’s looking fair. Definitely don’t want to rush an injury, especially with a key player like him.

Santiago Leon 15:54
So you don’t want him to go into the to like the all star Yeah,

Jordan Vargas 15:57
I wanna I want him to have a long career and not have a Derrick Rose career where, you know, they push him push him out there then he just gets re injured. And then when he’s over

Santiago Leon 16:09
a nother bulls reference. Okay. Back to the east. Um, Butler. Well, Butler being in your bench probably.

Jordan Vargas 16:19
Yeah. But Bala would back up, Bill.

Santiago Leon 16:22
Okay. Surprise. He’s not starting.

Jordan Vargas 16:25
No. I like I like you a little bit more.

Well,

bola has that role. You’re from Miami. You could tell me that too. bellick is kind of he’s not a real leader. He’s just kind of there. But he’s been Oh,

Santiago Leon 16:38
yeah, no, you’re right. You’re right. He’s not below. I’m seeing that happen.

Jordan Vargas 16:42
position, right. Because when you have someone like Westbrook and then bill steps up to that plate like that, like we’ve seen, right, then that’s when they can, that’s when you can really see

Santiago Leon 16:52
kemba Walker. Would he be in the bench?

Jordan Vargas 16:54
Yeah. I like Kimba. James Harden.

Yeah. Joellen bead?

Santiago Leon 17:03
No, no, no way. He had a good game the other night.

Jordan Vargas 17:06
He he had a good game, but I think he’s a little lazy as a player. My opinion. Hey,

Santiago Leon 17:12
I respect that. You follow it more? Karl? Karl Anthony towns? Cat.

Jordan Vargas 17:17
Yeah. And the bench. Okay,

you can have a depot.

Victrola depot. Yeah. Yeah.

Santiago Leon 17:27
Anyone else that I did not mention?

Jordan Vargas 17:31
Um,

no, cuz I’m thinking

Santiago Leon 17:38
I got back in action guys. Jordan is using gamma. Yeah, you might have to call in cuz, because your internet is going in and out. But anyways, the all star game is he’s been playing in early March, which is typically played in February, kind of like a couple of weeks after the Super Bowl. But this time is a whole month after March the seventh, of course, this is all speculation is probably going to happen. And let me tell Jordan how to call in it is a it is a number that we use on zoom a lot. Let me pull that number for you. And of course, the all star game is, you know, it’s usually mid season for the NBA season. And it’s something that everyone you know, everyone watches. It’s kind of like has more ratings in the finals. Not not all the time has ratings in the finals. But it does have a good turnout, good ratings have a it has a halftime show. And of course, the finals doesn’t have a halftime show, which is kind of very difficult to do that. Like the only entertainment is anthem sometimes. But we’ll have Jordan calling because his Internet’s kind of wavy. He runs on dial up, you know, he’s he’s only 18. And he might call him but we’ll see if he does. Of course, all star games next month in Atlanta, at the Hawks stadium. And of course, we’ll see a lot more of the NBA this next upcoming weeks here. At the sports cast. We do a lot of basketball, especially when football season’s out because this is the last weekend before the Super Bowl, that things will go that things will go more basketball. And of course the favorites for the NBA is the Lakers as as usual. And then of course you got and let me get in man. I’ll mute it. I’ll mute Jordan. Jordan, can you hear me? Yes, yes. Oh, Okay, so if you use your headphones or something your air pods or something to talk rather than like speakerphone, that’d be great.

Jordan Vargas 20:07
No, but I could just put it next to my ear.

Santiago Leon 20:11
Yeah, perfect. Okay, so Jordan Vargas, we just went through the all star game. So he feedback if you just turn off your speakerphone and just use your regular phone.

Jordan Vargas 20:23
Oh, I am on my regular phone. Okay, I

Santiago Leon 20:26
don’t know why I’m hearing feedback. It’s okay. Um, so Jordan, any any closing words for this all star game? You feeling good about these pigs?

Jordan Vargas 20:37
Oh, yeah, I do feel good about these. Very confident what I chose and hopefully they could put a good show for the NBA fans.

Santiago Leon 20:46
I know what it is. You have to mute your computer as we need to do. Okay. Yes, key. All right. Next topic. Of course. This is all basketball Show. I’m Kelly Aubrey. I’m learning how to take a role in the Warriors tell us a all about Kelly Aubrey with the warriors.

Jordan Vargas 21:09
Well, Kelly berry Jr. led the Warriors he’s kind of seen roll. We’re seeing more now. If you’re watching them. He’s He’s now having more put back dunks he’s having more athleticism. He’s having more moments to prove his athleticism. We saw him and Phoenix kind of played a role player a little bit. But now with the warriors. He’s kind of blending well and Steve Kerr’s really allowed him to do what he does best. And that’s just pure athleticism and get up and down the court to make some noise. And last night he put up 40 points. So we’re happy to see that.

Santiago Leon 21:41
Is he okay, so what position he plays. But we play small forward. Okay, now. Like, well, he replaced that Klay Thompson role a little bit or, or it’s kind of a different position.

Jordan Vargas 21:59
It’s a different position. Ooh, Ray does not have that shot like clay does. I think we can both agree on that one. I mean, you probably haven’t heard of Mrs. Kelly. So aside until he started to show up with the warriors and show some progress. But no, I would not say he is an extra clay.

Santiago Leon 22:19
But Kelly Aubrey, will he be enough to help the Warriors get into the playoffs?

Jordan Vargas 22:25
Yes, yes. As a real player. Yes. He does what he has to do, and he does it. Well. He didn’t have to put up 40 but he did. Well, that’s what any player but you still want good.

Santiago Leon 22:39
Warriors are sitting as Heaven’s place in the West Coast. 12 and 10. Of course, number one right now is the jazz clippers and Lakers. So the jazz are doing some movements, aren’t they?

Jordan Vargas 22:54
Yeah, they’re making some noise. making some noise.

Santiago Leon 22:57
Okay, that’s something to look at. We just spoke about the Lakers. LeBron James might be my VP surpassing with Wilt Chamberlain and Phil goals. Tell us about that. Mr. Jordan Vargas.

Jordan Vargas 23:09
Well, LeBron James did pass Wilt Chamberlain for the number three spot in the most vehicles made in the regular season. As I’m pretty young, I’m only 18 years old. But during my time watching basketball, I’ve seen LeBron break records over and over and over again. And it surprised you because he’s not just you know, making an impact. But he’s shattering these records. He’s doing a good job at it.

Santiago Leon 23:37
Like, do you think he wants to suppress this record or he’s more focused on gaining that sixth, fifth sixth championship?

Jordan Vargas 23:45
He focused on the championship, and that’s what champions do. They focus on the championship. And in order for him to get get there, he’s gonna need to put up these numbers. So it’s in the process. And that’s why he does it. Every every every year. That’s why does he say that he gets these achievements? Because he’s chasing that goal. And that goal in order for him to break some records?

Santiago Leon 24:09
Has LeBron slowed down this past season? Jordan, what have you seen of him this season so far?

Jordan Vargas 24:16
Well, I really haven’t been watching too much of the Lakers, even though they’re ranked pretty high in the West. But from what I’m gathering so far, is that he’s doing good. Every year, people expect LeBron to slow down a little bit, just because he’s getting older. But in fact, I think he’s just getting stronger. He’s gained more use of the game. He wanted, He’s really good. He won a championship in the bowl last season. So this season, he’s an approach with the same mentality of going for that championship and Mark and I believe he will get that. I’m gonna say it now the Lakers will win the championship. If he won the NBA championship in the mobile, then I believe he can make it out of the bubble. So it’s rare to see where things go.

Santiago Leon 24:56
And things are going to be different outside the bubble because you’re going to deal with trends. You’re gonna deal with like with fans at the opposing arena, of course. So things will go a bit different the bubble was you know, pretty neutral site of course you had like the zoom people and but didn’t make much of a court.

Jordan Vargas 25:15
It didn’t difference. Yeah, it travels in Galveston screens. So yeah,

Santiago Leon 25:22
Tommy’s gonna get you because in the West, you gotta go far.

Jordan Vargas 25:25
Yeah, because you know, everything. You gotta go east coast and East. Climate change the east and west different from the west. So, you know, it’s gonna be a little bit of adjustment, but we’ll see. I want to display the Lakers are gonna win the championship.

Santiago Leon 25:40
Like you’re and you’re calling it now who will be the East? representation?

Jordan Vargas 25:53
Because you are pretty confident you What would you add to say if you if you’re looking at someone to hear what you have to say,

Santiago Leon 25:59
Well, okay, I’m with my just Sports Center watching the NBA highlights I’m looking at it’s just not gonna be Brooklyn, to be honest. It’s gonna be Milwaukee or the Celtics. I will have to say the heat but I can’t say that confidently. I’ve been hurt I’ve ever heard good things I haven’t seen like they’re not what the heat are Number Number 13 in the east as that, you know, you’re 13 in February. That’s that’s not a good sign. I like the box. Of course, you got the Sixers, but sixers are probably gonna choke somewhere. It’s gonna be the bucks. properly, I can say the bugs and safe bet if I had to bet money right now.

Jordan Vargas 26:38
Yeah, that’s a safe bet. The bugs.

Santiago Leon 26:41
Now of course, I’ve been seeing good things for the Pacers in the Hornets. But of course, their fifth and sixth you’re not, you know, the semi final teams. You know, right. Then of course, you get the next and ninth. I look at board and that’s something that’s I mean, that’s telling me something I don’t know about you. Yeah. And then you got the Cavaliers at eight. That’s pretty good for them. The Bulls at 11th. Now, only two games away from the Knicks. But anyways, you say the bucks. I say the bucks. That’s fair enough. bucks and Lakers. Yep. Maybe the Clippers could be that. The second contender

Jordan Vargas 27:22
clippers would give. I would say clippers would give the Lakers a run for their money. I’m not a fan of the way they they? Yeah, I’m a fan too. I liked what he did in San Antonio. Like, and we went to Toronto. And like when I was at the Clippers, speaking about Toronto. Yep.

Santiago Leon 27:39
Toronto is not Toronto’s at 10th my veterans was not not gonna be a contender this year, as well as they were last year in the bubble. Anyways, another talking point, Rookie of the Year. What’s going on there? Mr. Jordan Vargas.

Jordan Vargas 27:58
Well, on the Eastern Conference lamella ball won Rookie of the month. Now feeling

Santiago Leon 28:03
good about him lately?

Jordan Vargas 28:06
He is I think he’s doing much better than his older brother Alonzo. Now, you know, I there’s you can go in depth about that and go back and forth for a little bit about that. So I’m not gonna go too deep in that. But I think James Wiseman, on the Warriors on the west, might take Rookie of the Year it’s going to be between him and romello. But I have faith in my mental mellow. I like his playing style. And what we’re seeing now is people starting to doubt him saying, Oh, you know, he’s all hype, but he started putting real numbers. And he’s making a real impact on the Hornets. And he’s really driving the energy up. So, and lamella was called being the happiest rookie. Yeah, no one who said coach said no one’s happy to be in the NBA except for the bubble ball. So I think the energy and his hard work is really going to all pay off. So I’d say between Wiseman and ball

Santiago Leon 29:01
and I do remember you saying last month or two months ago that lamella Bell lamella ball will be the best ball player from the volleyball family from the bunch cuz there’s about two other ones coming up, right?

Jordan Vargas 29:16
Well, there is Leanna noble in the middle, who has had a on and off pro career you sign with the Detroit Pistons he signed. So he’s I gave him he’s had. He’s signed with NBA teams. He’s worked out with NBA teams, but he’s yet to play a game. So we haven’t really seen much of him yet. So I really couldn’t tell you what lianza was all about the pros. Last time you played professional basketball with full metal ball in Lithuania. But Melo is much better than jello and Alonzo.

Santiago Leon 29:49
Well, we’ll see where the ball family’s impact in the NBA will be and of course lamal ball is definitely what are your thoughts on the ball family.

You know, I How to hope and Lonzo ball to be honest, Jordan I really thought he was going to be a a a Laker for life didn’t pan out that be I guess, at the pressure and of course how he shoots is not what people expect them to be kinda disappointed but with lamella ball, I think in my, my family’s name cause a little bit and I hope and I hope he succeeds. Is that of course a little bit loud. But you know, very entertaining. Like his style. He’s still coaching in Lithuania, right?

Jordan Vargas 30:38
Who levar

Santiago Leon 30:41
levar ball the the father?

Jordan Vargas 30:44
No, he’s levar balls back in the States. Okay. He is he’s just showing that in Chino Hills right now. He is trying to get his little son. He’s trying to get his middle son up and up and going.

Santiago Leon 30:57
He’s probably he’s probably their agent as well.

Jordan Vargas 31:02
Well, the boys are signed with le Melo and Lee Angelo are solid rock nation and Lonzo ball assigned with love. Well, Brian James is sports group. Forgot what that is called.

Santiago Leon 31:17
Now in the lifeboat dine with. We had to memorize that right, Jordan? Yeah. Maybe we should start one. Anyways, all star game, March. Jordan, how can people vote? How can people get that nice graphic to vote? You know, for the NBA All Star game?

Jordan Vargas 31:38
Well, all you go is do you go to nba.com on your computer, and you go to nba.com. And there is a section that says vote for the All Stars, and you press vote. And you can select your players and they you just there’s a basketball court with additions all over it. And you can click the addition and it shows the position that’s played and we really supply in that position. It’s fairly easy. And when you’re done, you submit it. And there’s an option to upload the graphic that you chose, or the graphic that they give you that you saw on display. And you can share that out and express how you feel who should be in the all star

Santiago Leon 32:15
and you can share it share it with us or you text me if you have my number or or text Jordan. You know and access what what our thoughts are. Before we go, Jordan give us a James Harden update How is he jealous in Brooklyn.

Jordan Vargas 32:33
James Harden is doing good in Brooklyn. We saw Kyrie came back. Katie is back. Now harness back. The trio is in full effect right now. harden is in his prime. I’m not going to say in his prime, but he’s getting there. He’s feeling uncomfortable. He knows he has leaders 200 leaders on the team. So really, it’s just three great players all together. And I thought there would be a problem with them sharing the ball. But no, they all seem to know each other’s role on the floor. They know each other’s you know, strengths and weaknesses. So they kind of all level that out and with the head coaches Steve Nash, I think is great.

Santiago Leon 33:10
Yeah, that Steve Nash is interesting how he will do as a coach I Dustin Nash was was an awesome point guard. A Hall of Famer point guard, and would like to see how it flows in Brooklyn interesting setup. But we’ll see if the Nets get it together by the playoffs and I think Jordan thinks they likely will.

Jordan Vargas 33:32
Oh, I think they will.

Santiago Leon 33:35
Jordan, anything else before we get into predictions?

Jordan Vargas 33:40
No, just really touched on everything. Yeah, everything I want to talk about.

Santiago Leon 33:45
Exactly. Things are going well with the NBA. Let’s go on with predictions. pelicans at Indiana Jordan, who you got? gonna be a good game. Okay. Oh, by the way, Zion will probably be in the all star game. Yeah, man. He’s doing

Jordan Vargas 34:05
great. We got to see him we’re gonna have to see him come off the bench but yes, he’s doing good. He kind of awkward I saw the other day. Yeah. And and we saw him one of his bigger problems with his weight and you seem to manage that.

Santiago Leon 34:22
At an early age, man, why become like bar crazy. Chicago, the madgwick at Amway arena, or Amway center. don’t remember exactly who you got Jordan.

Jordan Vargas 34:39
See what a question Chicago that’s how am I gonna back down? Chicago Lando

Santiago Leon 34:44
is doing fairly well. I believe

Jordan Vargas 34:48
that’s why we’ve seen some upsets though. We’ve seen some upsets in the NBA.

Santiago Leon 34:53
Of course there is. There’s always gonna be an upset. Anyways, Toronto, Brooklyn. Milwaukee at the Cavaliers Midwest, Darby,

Jordan Vargas 35:07
Milwaukee,

Santiago Leon 35:09
Utah Jazz at Charlotte.

Jordan Vargas 35:14
I have to say, the close jazz right now. But say, yeah, Utah.

Santiago Leon 35:20
What’s up with this Utah team? What I mean, the first place in the West. That’s that which is hard to be at. Is this something that I mean, is Utah a force to be reckoned with?

Jordan Vargas 35:30
Honestly, I don’t know too much about Utah. I don’t think a lot of people do. So you

Santiago Leon 35:37
check them out. I take him out by next week. And come back to me. Why is Utah first place in the West? I will do that. Let me know. Okay. Finally, the wizards Bradley Beal plays there at Miami.

Jordan Vargas 35:52
Man, how much you go since Miami is involved in that one.

Santiago Leon 35:56
I won’t pick Miami. I mean, Georgia has been on Chicago. They’re gonna win everything. You know. I don’t pick Miami to win this game. Why not? Right. Okay. It’s unbeatable again.

Jordan Vargas 36:07
I’ll go Miami with you have a man like hero like Duncan like Butler.

Santiago Leon 36:13
And I will get into deep on that. How is the West broken bill combination going is Westbrook settling in and Washington good fit there?

Jordan Vargas 36:22
Yeah, I think he’s settling. He’s trying to you know, kind of find his role. Bill’s been there for a while. So it’s like Westbrook’s, the new kid on the block right now. He’s trying to find his rules how to find where he gets more comfortable. But bill right now is dominating. So that’s that’s gonna take him far. But I believe Westbrook is blending to blend in well.

Santiago Leon 36:47
Exactly. Westbrook I mean, huge fan. If you didn’t know Jordan, I always said that. He has that Mamba mentality. That killer instinct. But due to his limitations on height and being a point guard, you know, he I mean of course curry has that I

Jordan Vargas 37:02
mean, but he makes up for that and strength though. You got to say that. Was that? The height? Westbrook?

Santiago Leon 37:08
He’s six six right or something like that?

Jordan Vargas 37:12
around there? I don’t know. But he got the strength though.

Santiago Leon 37:16
Yeah, he has a string of the killer instincts just for some reason. Either. He’s not in the right team. Maybe. Maybe we’ll be with Washington but just hasn’t. Something’s missing. I don’t know what it is. Maybe him and maybe him and Joker should combine together?

Jordan Vargas 37:34
Yeah, I would. I think for a lot of NBA fans, that would be something that would be i would

Santiago Leon 37:41
i would build the altitude and deal with jokers anyways, Superbowl weekend this weekend of course. Jordan. I know you’re an NBA guy. But I’m sure your eye on someone. Oh, he’s a city Tampa Bay Buccaneers. mahomes. Brady, who do you got?

Jordan Vargas 37:55
I got mahomes mahomes. And most people in sports guys are picking the Chiefs that mean Victor. The only two people on this podcast are making the bucks. I’m against the Tampa. I mean having I think what’s impressive is that gronk and Brady were supposed to not play anymore. And then they decide to rejoin. They decide we’ll go let’s go back in the NFL like one one last time. Come on one last time around the block and then they’re gonna go to Super Bowl again. So give it to them. I give it to I wouldn’t call it you know, the last dance because I think the level of greatness is a little bit different. But no, it’s

Santiago Leon 38:35
terrible. Dude. Brady and Jordan are in the same VIP club. You know that?

Jordan Vargas 38:43
I will say that too. I mean, I wouldn’t say that because Michael was the first of his kind to really do what he was doing. We’ve seen people perform like Brady before. Good point.

Santiago Leon 38:53
I’ll give you that. I’ll give me that.

Jordan Vargas 38:54
Anyways, but I would. I would say Brady’s a goat though. I will give you that Brady’s a goat.

Santiago Leon 38:59
But a minus goat compared to Jordan. a light coat. Okay, okay, baby, go. baby goat Okay, raw Twitter Poll Question of the day Jordan wish sports team wears red. The best color red options are Alabama, Chicago Bulls Liverpool or the or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jordan Vargas 39:22
Chicago Bulls. Come on.

Santiago Leon 39:26
easy question.

Jordan Vargas 39:27
Jordan. I would I would also my second one would be the tie though. I kind of like that Maroon? From the bucks. No, from Alabama. Yeah.

Santiago Leon 39:37
Interesting. You say that because a Twitter follower. A Twitter follower was telling us to Alabama doesn’t really actually wear red. They were like, like Crimson Tide or like a different type of red. Could be Maroon.

Jordan Vargas 39:49
Yeah, so it’s like a maroon.

Santiago Leon 39:51
So I got it wrong. Maybe when I wrote this poll question. It’s okay. It’s still close. All right, man. It’s it’s pretty much like the red fan. Okay,

Jordan Vargas 40:00
all right. There you go.

Santiago Leon 40:02
Alabama’s winning 48% not surprised because most of our followers are Alabama fans. Chicago Bulls came second and 35 Liverpool at 13% and the Buccaneers at 2%

Jordan Vargas 40:16
not bad right? Got the you know,

Santiago Leon 40:20
you know anything about Liverpool

Jordan Vargas 40:25
now unfortunately you don’t pay attention to international soccer that much except you know with World Cup time then then I’ll tune in but they

Santiago Leon 40:36
sent me last is soccer related. Anyways, Jordan Vargas, what is the best way to reach you? Especially Twitter.

Jordan Vargas 40:46
The best way to reach me is the real jdV 2324 Michael Jordan, but I have more active on Instagram which is my podcast name courtside with Jordan. CLU, RTS, Id WJ. You can find me there and you could see updates on my exclusive interviews and I actually have a couple coming up that people NBA fans would like to would love to hear. So pay attention paint us. Stay tuned and I’ll say that during the vlog guys definitely follow those Twitter accounts, Instagram accounts. And Jordan, what is your Tick Tock? My Tick tock, tick tock, man. Interesting,

Santiago Leon 41:27
I think almost like every 18 year old that I meet has a tick tock. Yeah, no, that’s good, though. I’m not a fan of tick.

Jordan Vargas 41:35
I will. Yeah. Tick tock, though, but uh, no, I’m

Santiago Leon 41:40
not a you pass on that. Yeah, it’s okay. Yeah, this is not for me. Anyways, you can reach us at the sports cast at the sports cast dotnet or on our website, the sports cast net. You’ll see the latest news and articles we had. We just posted an article by who’s better Jared Goff Matthew Stafford, everyone’s saying Matthew Stafford so I’m convinced that is the case. And of course, this weekend is the Super Bowl. 6:30pm Jordan Vargas. Any Super Bowl traditions. What do you like to eat on the Super Bowl? Did you see pizza or you just have water? And that’s it.

Jordan Vargas 42:12
Oh, we have tacos. We have Taco Bell. Taco Bell. I get the cheesy gordita contract with the Baja Blast. I get like four of them. And then we go get some hot wins that we just pop in the oven. You have it? That’s like and have a coke. You can have a good time.

Santiago Leon 42:30
And good time. You could have anything on the Super Bowl even Taco Bell.

Jordan Vargas 42:35
But I’m happy. What do you what do you have?

Santiago Leon 42:37
I’m gonna try get Papa John’s. I’ll Papa John’s guy. I know. It’s gonna be like, you know, three hour wait, but I’m gonna do my best to get Papa John’s and I’m gonna get Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Jordan. How’s that sound?

Jordan Vargas 42:49
Wow. How about that, Jordan? Man, I haven’t ate all day since I was in school. So

Santiago Leon 42:56
Jordan, you can do whatever you want, dude. Take advantage of your metabolism right now. Dude, I’m serious. It gets tougher when you get older. Krispy Kreme. Is there Krispy Kreme nearby? You?

Jordan Vargas 43:11
Yeah, there is. Okay. Good.

Santiago Leon 43:13
Because some people say Krispy Kreme.

Jordan Vargas 43:15
I’ve never had a Krispy Kreme donut. I’ve had glazed rooms, but not had a signature Krispy Kreme. Don’t do that the

Santiago Leon 43:21
gold standard for doughnuts. That is the Michael Jordan.

Jordan Vargas 43:26
I’m gonna hold it up to its hype

Santiago Leon 43:28
as well and make sure you get a freshly baked or freshly warmed up whatever. If you get it from a box warming up in the microwave for like seven seconds and that will do it.

Jordan Vargas 43:39
Really seven seconds and seven seconds.

All right. Okay. All right, man. hold you to it.

Santiago Leon 43:47
Anyways, Jordan, it was great talking to you. And

Jordan Vargas 43:53
it’s always a pleasure talking to you.

Santiago Leon 43:55
And keep in mind guys, we’ll have Jordan more often these next couple of weeks as football season is pretty much gonna be drying up. NBA will be soothing in with a sports cast. So Jordan, you’ll see more of Jordan Jordan Vargas is our sports cast. NBA contributor. He also does a little bit of college basketball. So we’ll have him and Ryan Chris a little bit more often this couple of weeks because basketball is in full swing right, Jordan?

Jordan Vargas 44:19
Yes, it is.

Santiago Leon 44:20
All right. God bless. Watch the Super Bowl and rock and roll

Transcribed by https://otter.ai