00:00Our Odyssey NBA insider is a gentleman named Danny Green.
00:03He's a former member of the Cavaliers.
00:05He's a three-time NBA champion.
00:07Danny's all over it, and he's brought to us by the all-new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
00:11Make every day epic.
00:13You see him on ESPN, and you hear him right now here on The Fan.
00:16Hi, Danny.
00:17Hey, Danny.
00:18How you guys doing, man?
00:18Good, good.
00:19We are well.
00:20How about you?
00:20Enjoying the playoffs?
00:21I'm well.
00:22Enjoying the playoffs.
00:23The playoffs were good.
00:24Last night was a good one, man.
00:25All the playoff games have been pretty damn good, so I'm enjoying them.
00:29Yeah, it was an entertaining game last night.
00:31There's no question.
00:32I don't know if it was the greatest played game, but it was really entertaining.
00:35You're sitting there, and you're watching this, and I've got to think, going through your head,
00:41all right, I played with Tobias Harris.
00:42I played with Paul Reed.
00:44I played with James Harden.
00:46I played.
00:46Maybe Paul.
00:47Yeah, and Paul.
00:49Maybe Paul.
00:49Paul Reed, excuse me.
00:50I played for J.B. Bickerstaff, kind of, even though he didn't play me enough.
00:57What are you thinking as you're watching this thing?
01:00You know, as a former retired player, you root for your guys, right?
01:03Which is hard, because I said I play with a lot of those Cavalier guys, right?
01:06It's like, I'm rooting for Don.
01:08I'm rooting for James.
01:09I want to see him bounce back and play with them.
01:10I'm also rooting for Tobias, like my guys, Long Island.
01:13I'm also rooting for Karras, Levert, like, you know, like, to see him get his get back.
01:18I just want to see a great series and a lot of good basketball, which is, we're getting a great
01:22series,
01:23but I want to say it's a lot of good basketball, but it's fun.
01:26Like you said, it's fun.
01:27It's entertaining.
01:28We get into overtime.
01:29Sometimes it gets messy.
01:30Sometimes it gets really good, but all in all, it's the playoffs and it's sport,
01:35and it's very competitive and intense, and last night was a fun one, so I'm just thinking,
01:40I'm trying to see the chess match.
01:41You know, I know Kenny from afar.
01:43Kenny Atkinson is another great New York guy, so yeah, I'm kind of rooting for different
01:49people on different sides, but I'm just trying to see how the chess game is being played out
01:53and who's actually stepping up and who's doing what and who needs some more people to step
01:58up, but yeah, I mean, I think most fans, as an NBA fan, you want to see more Game 7s.
02:03I think some of us want to see our predictions look better.
02:07We want to look smarter, so we want to see our predictions happen, but for me, I just want
02:10to see, you know, a lot of good basketball, man.
02:12All right, let me ask you this, because there's been a lot of, well, the coaches have talked
02:16about the officiating and the disparity in free-throw shooting.
02:20Cavaliers again last night, they go to line 38 times, they hit 31.
02:25I look at the disparity, but I don't look at this box score until the game's over, and
02:30I'm like, really, did it play out that way?
02:32How do you think the refereeing's been, and does JB have a point about the disparity?
02:38I see the Cavaliers taking the ball to the hole a lot, so you tell me.
02:44Yeah, even with the disparity, I understand what he's saying.
02:47He's not wrong, but I mean, I think they have to be more demonstrative and aggressive at
02:51the rim.
02:53Yeah.
02:54So, yeah, they need to force more, like, calls that happen for them in their way.
03:00But even with all that being said, like, they had opportunities to close and win the game.
03:04Like, I don't understand, you know, the last couple minutes, they've always had meltdowns,
03:09whether it's turnovers, bad shots, like, letting up shots go, three-pointers, like,
03:14some open looks, fouling guys on three-pointers, like, those things you can control.
03:18So, if they can control what they're supposed to, they still win the game.
03:22And that wasn't just last game, that was the game in Cleveland as well.
03:25Like, you had leads, you had good possessions, you just, you had dry possessions, and you
03:29didn't execute, or didn't score, or you turned it over.
03:32So, he does have a point.
03:34Referees, I mean, you're always going to have issues with them.
03:37One foul on Assault Thompson was a little bit like, whoa.
03:43But you can't, so you can't rely on them.
03:45And they're going to be bad on both sides.
03:47People always, both teams are going to complain about the referees.
03:49That's just part of the game.
03:50So, you got to find a way to control your controllables.
03:53Danny, is it weird being an analyst, though, seriously, after playing all those years in the
03:56league and not being able to say anything about the referees?
03:59And now I give you the opportunity to say something about the referees, and it's got to be a little
04:03different.
04:04Yeah, for sure.
04:05I mean, as a player, man, I was complaining, and I was never a big fan of a lot of
04:08them.
04:09Now, it's like, you know, I'm not going to get on them.
04:12It does me no good.
04:13There's certain things I would like to see changed when it comes to how they referee the
04:16game.
04:17You know, like, I would love to see less flopping, less foul baiting happening, and referee
04:21differently, because that's me just being a biased defensive player.
04:25But yeah, man, I think they're doing the best.
04:26The speed of the game is fast.
04:27It happens very quickly, and it's hard for some people to keep up.
04:31It's hard for a lot of players to make decisions that quick of time.
04:33Let them referees call them.
04:34So they're human.
04:35I respect the ones that say, I'm human.
04:37I made a mistake.
04:38But the ones that don't want to talk to you or listen, those are the ones that are hard
04:42to get along with and relate to.
04:45Our Odyssey NBA insider, Danny Green, joining us.
04:48And insider calls are brought to us by Hyundai and by the all-new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
04:52You can learn how it makes every day epic at HyundaiUSA.com.
04:57You were with James Harden in Philadelphia.
04:59And when James was in Philadelphia, there were some playoff things that added to a reputation
05:05that I don't like at all for him.
05:07Last night, he had a terrific all-around basketball game, and he's had some great moments in this
05:13series.
05:13He's struggled a little bit.
05:14But what do you think about James on this team and James in the playoffs?
05:19I think James is a great fit for this team.
05:21If he plays the way we know he's capable of, that's the only issue, right?
05:24People have an issue with him that his production, his aggressiveness drops in the playoffs.
05:29And the biggest thing for me is if you just play solid and don't turn the ball over,
05:33that'll give your team a plus.
05:34I don't expect him to do much at this point.
05:37I mean, a lot of people don't.
05:38But I think he's a really good fit.
05:40As you can see, when he's playing well and those other guys thrive,
05:43it opens up the floor for Ed Mobley, Jared Allen.
05:45They get easy baskets, easy dunks, and he also can score.
05:49But he's a great facilitator.
05:50He's one of very few guys that have been able to adjust his game from being an elite scorer
05:53to an elite point guard passer and being an assistant.
05:56So I think he's a great fit and allowed Don to be off the ball some
05:59and also not exert as much energy.
06:01There was another point in the game yesterday where Jalen Tyson was getting aggravated,
06:06drew a tack.
06:07I didn't draw a tack, got a tack.
06:10And then, you know, this is another one of those box score moments
06:13where you look at the end of the game.
06:14That was it.
06:15They were done.
06:16Kenny was done with them for the night.
06:17He only played three minutes.
06:19How important is it to keep your cool when you're playing in the playoffs?
06:23Say that last part again.
06:24I'm sorry.
06:24Sorry.
06:25I didn't mean to.
06:25I just coughed in there.
06:27How important is it to keep your cool while you're playing in the playoffs?
06:30Because, I mean, I think it cost Jalen some time last night.
06:34Yeah, very important.
06:35As you can see, I mean, some guys, part of the game is getting under people's skin, right,
06:38and antagonizing you.
06:40And I was shocked.
06:41I mean, I see Tyson, you know, he kind of got into it a little bit.
06:45Like, he had to keep his cool.
06:46I think that took away from his game some.
06:49I was shocked to see even Isaiah Stewart keep his cool when he kind of gave him a little extra.
06:53And I'm like, okay, you know, he's actually being mature and smart.
06:56Because usually in that type of scenario, situation, Tyson kind of antagonizes him.
07:00Beef Stewart's probably getting ejected.
07:02But it's very important, especially this time of year, you've got to be able to not cost your team anything
07:07and be a plus.
07:08You don't want to have any negative on anything.
07:10So, you've got to be smart and mature and keep your cool.
07:13So, it's very important.
07:14Danny, I thought Tobias Harris has been outstanding and one of your former teammates.
07:18And he had a rough game last night.
07:20And watching Detroit, it just, it was like, boy, do these guys have some offensive issues.
07:28They need to get some help on this.
07:29How do they do that if they want to stay alive in game six?
07:33Yeah, they do.
07:35And it's crazy because, like, you know, I'm close with the Harris's.
07:38And Mr. Harris and Tobias has been a great player his whole career.
07:42I've always loved his game.
07:44Last night, he had a rough one.
07:46Yeah, but he had a rough one last night.
07:47But he was on me a little bit by saying, because I said, I don't, Tobias Harris shouldn't be your
07:52number two option.
07:53Which he shouldn't, but he's capable enough to be that.
07:55But Jalen Dern's been your number two option.
07:57And when Tobias Harris doesn't play like your number two option, now he's getting slacked for it.
08:02It's like, yo, he's not supposed to.
08:03They're putting him in a position that he's not supposed to be in.
08:06But, yeah, he's been great.
08:08They need help.
08:08And I think Paul Reed should have been integrated more in the offense like earlier.
08:13But you need some more from Dern.
08:15Jenkins gave you some.
08:16But you need some bench production.
08:17It hurt them that Duncan Robinson was out.
08:19But the biggest thing for them, I think, is just not turn the ball over and use the defense as
08:22a fact if you don't have enough scoring.
08:23So they've got to figure that out somehow.
08:26But K, yes, K does need help.
08:27Tobias will play better.
08:28Jenkins gave him a night.
08:30You're getting nights from different guys.
08:31But as a collective, they've got to find ways to get more scoring and hold guys like Max Struis under
08:3620 points coming off the bench.
08:38Max impacted the game, Danny.
08:40And when you're coming off the bench, if you can do that, as a guy who played that role, hit
08:46the three-pointers, that had to kind of bring a smile to your face.
08:50Yeah, I was happy for him.
08:51I mean, he's a vet, man.
08:52He's been in the finals, and he's been there.
08:54He just showed that last night.
08:55And he was that factored.
08:57He was the reason why they were able to win.
08:58Like him and Schroeder picked up the slack for them.
09:01Detroit needs to find guys to do the same.
09:03And Paul Reed has been one of those guys.
09:04I don't know if it's Javante Green.
09:05But those two guys helped them win that Orlando series in that game six turnaround before they went back to
09:10Detroit.
09:11So, like, I don't know if they can find it from those two or whoever else.
09:14Dennis Aikens has been playing well, you know, keeping K a little fresh, being off the ball some.
09:18Tobias has had some great games since last night he struggled some.
09:22Karras gave him a game in Cleveland.
09:23They've got to find a way to continue to do that.
09:25I mean, I've picked Cleveland in six.
09:28That was my prediction.
09:28So, I would love to look like a genius.
09:30But the NBA fan in me would love to see, you know, seven games in these series.
09:35You know, we talked a little bit about James Harden and his future.
09:38And, like, I genuinely – maybe I'm just misguided.
09:41But I think he actually likes playing here.
09:43And I think he's enjoying his time.
09:45He said some things about –
09:45Andy's come to this determination somehow, Danny.
09:48And we're still trying to figure out exactly how.
09:50Well, because of everything that he said.
09:51I think he likes playing here.
09:53I think he genuinely does.
09:53I think he likes to win, man.
09:55Because, you know, it's like –
09:55All right.
09:56Well, it's less load, you know, carry for him.
09:59And L.A. with the Clippers, he had to, like, carry on a different load.
10:03And they weren't winning as much.
10:04They turned around.
10:05But he wants to be in the playoffs.
10:06So, he's in a situation where he doesn't have to –
10:08doesn't require a lot of him to be the superstar.
10:10And he can win games and be in the East and be competitive.
10:14So, I think he does like it there.
10:15And also, he has an opportunity to, you know, get his extension there,
10:18if that, you know, may happen or not.
10:21See?
10:22See?
10:24He played.
10:24We didn't.
10:25And he gets it.
10:26Yeah, I know.
10:26And he said he likes to win.
10:27Well, who doesn't like to win?
10:28Yeah, well, it just happens to be in Cleveland right now.
10:31And he likes getting paid.
10:31Maybe the game getting paid is good, too.
10:33I think he likes being here.
10:34I think he's playing well.
10:35I think he's got the opportunity in front of him to tell his naysayers,
10:39you know, be quiet.
10:40Because I'm on a team that can win.
10:42And now we've got a chance that we're one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals.
10:46How good are the Cavs when both Evan Mobley and Jared Allen have big games?
10:52Sorry, I said that last part again.
10:53I'm sorry, man.
10:53How big or how good are the Cavs when Evan Mobley and Jared Allen can both have big games
11:00like they did yesterday?
11:02Yeah.
11:02I mean, that's the goal.
11:03To me, everybody's talking about James Harden.
11:05James Harden, to me, is Evan Mobley.
11:06When he takes his game to another level, because he can affect the game on both sides.
11:13Everybody talks about how important or big Wemby is, right?
11:17Evan Mobley can block shots, protect the rim, and also score on the other end and shoot threes, too.
11:22So he could be just as important to the Cavs as Wemby is.
11:26And when you have a backup like Jared Allen who can help him with the rebounding
11:30and protecting the rim, that can control us at a whole game.
11:34So, yeah, I think they're the ones that kind of dictate the series.
11:36Because, you know, if you outplay Jalen Dern and you also give him a plus, like you give
11:40your team a huge advantage.
11:42Because Jalen Dern is a guy they relied on throughout most of the season to score and rebound.
11:45So, yeah, Evan Mobley and Jared Allen, when they step up, that's when it's curtains.
11:49But you said you get plus some Max Schroes here and there, Schroeder.
11:52And, of course, James and Don do what they do.
11:54So, this series, if they were mature and able to win on the road or play like they play
11:58at home on the road, this series should have been over in five or six games.
12:01Does your prediction happen, Cavs in six?
12:04I think so.
12:05They've been perfect at home.
12:06I don't see why.
12:07They did.
12:08Unless they're something, some way, somehow, they tricked us off.
12:11You know, and, you know, certain guys don't show up.
12:14But at home, they've been great.
12:15And that's the reason why they've been undefeated at home.
12:17They finally got their road win that they needed.
12:19They should close out this game at home.
12:21So, Danny, great watching you on ESPN.
12:23You do great stuff.
12:24And it's always wonderful to have you with us.
12:26Thank you, buddy.
12:26Thanks, Danny.
12:27Appreciate you guys, man.
12:28I said enjoy the playoffs.
12:29Good luck.
12:30I'm sure we'll talk again soon, hopefully.
12:32Looking forward to it.
12:32Thanks, buddy.
12:33Thanks.
12:34Danny Green, our Odyssey NBA insider, is brought to us by the all-new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
12:40You can learn how it makes everyday epic at HyundaiUSA.com.
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