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Welcome to Swish and Tell!
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The show where we recap stories you might have missed on thePeachBasket.net last
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week.
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Let's get right into it.
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Man, LeBron James at forty years old is just...
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he's like real-life superhero material, Jose.
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The dude is dropping twenty-five points per game like it's nothing!
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It's wild to think he's doing this while leading his team into playoff
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contention.Absolutely, Marcus.
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And then you've got Steph Curry, who's thirty-seven but still playing like he's
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in his prime.
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His fifty-plus point games recently are, frankly, unbelievable.
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And it really drives home how critical his shooting has been to Golden State's
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resurgence as legitimate contenders.Right?
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I mean, Steph's shooting forty percent from three while averaging thirty-five
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points in some games.
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That-that's not just age defying, that's ridiculous even for a guy in his
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twenties.You know, performances like these put a spotlight on how these
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legends have adapted their styles over the years.
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LeBron's been leaning on his basketball IQ and physicality, while Curry is
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just-he's a masterclass in movement and spacing.For real!
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And they're not just putting up numbers-they're making their teams legit
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threats.
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But, speaking of threats, how about Deni Avdija in Portland?What a breakout!
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Over the last ten games, he's averaging almost twenty-seven points per game.
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And he's no slouch on defense, either.
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The kid's proving he was more than worth that trade from Washington.Yeah, yeah!
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Makes you wonder: with him emerging like this, could Jerami Grant be on his way
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out in the offseason?
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I mean, Portland might wanna move some pieces to build around Avdija,
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right?That's definitely the buzz, Marcus.
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And it's sparking hope among Trail Blazers fans who've been waiting for a
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fresh face to step up.
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Actually, we got this comment on thePeachBasket.net the other day-a fan
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was gushing about how Avdija's energy has brought back excitement after such a
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tough season.That's awesome.
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I mean, we talk about stars all the time, but these kinds of stories?
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That's what makes the NBA so much fun, man.Exactly.
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These young players bring a spark that reminds fans why they fell in love with
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basketball to begin with.
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And it's just the start for Avdija, if you ask me.Speaking of young players
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stepping up, Jose, how about Adem Bona over in Philly?
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This guy's a rookie, but he's playing like he's been in the league for a
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decade.Bona has been, honestly, fantastic for the 76ers.
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His defense?
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I mean, we're talking about a rookie big who can pick up players like Giannis full
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court.
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That's-that's elite footwork and quickness right there.
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You just don't see that.Yeah, and not just defense, right?
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He's out there rim-running, grabbing rebounds, throwing down dunks like
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nobody's business.
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Dude keeps the defense on their toes, and he's still putting up, what, sixteen a
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game?Right, and he's already solid in the paint as a rim protector.
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Did you know he ranks in the ninety-fourth percentile for contesting
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shots at the rim?
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That's an incredible stat for a rookie.
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You know, Philly's gotta be thrilled they found someone not just athletic but so
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versatile.Oh, absolutely, man.
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Bona's out here changing games with energy alone, chasing loose balls,
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hustling on defense.
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It's contagious.
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And, you know, he's only gonna get better.The ceiling is very high for Bona,
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no doubt.
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But let's not skip over Stephon Castle, either.
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We're talking about another young player who's been incredible, especially
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considering the Spurs are in a tough rebuilding phase.Oh, yeah!
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Castle just grabbed Rookie of the Month for the second time.
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Two times, Jose!
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I mean, the Spurs haven't given fans much to cheer for this year, but this?
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This is big.It really is.
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And his game is so well-rounded-offense, defense, leadership on the court.
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This kid is stepping up big time and showing why he's critical to their
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rebuilding plans.
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Even with all the losses, moments like this give Spurs fans a reason for
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optimism.That's what it's about, right?
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Like, the Spurs aren't just tanking; they're building something.
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And Castle?
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He's the kind of player you wanna build around, especially with how he's staying
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consistent despite the team struggles.Exactly.
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It's a fine line they're walking-trying to develop young talent without
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completely giving up competitiveness.
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And honestly, Marcus, it reminds me of historic challenges that teams like the
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Thunder or even Golden State went through before they really hit their stride.Yeah,
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yeah, totally!
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You develop your young core, you let 'em take their lumps now so they're ready to
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shine later.
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Spurs fans know this all too well, especially after witnessing the glory
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years with Duncan and crew.And now, with someone like Castle leading the
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charge-and don't forget Wembanyama coming back next season-they've got the pieces.
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It's just about putting them together at the right time, Marcus.Marcus, talking
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about building for the future with young players like Castle and Bona really makes
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me think about the importance of great leadership.
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Speaking of which, let's pivot to someone who's never suited up for an NBA game but
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has left just as big an impact on the sport-Billy Donovan.Oh, no doubt, man.
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Billy Donovan!
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Hall of Fame-bound.
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He's one of those coaches who's built up a legacy that's just, like, undeniable.
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NCAA championships with Florida, success with OKC, and now guiding the
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Bulls.Exactly.
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He's always brought this unique ability to connect with players, to really get
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the best out of them-not just on the court, but as people.
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I mean, those back-to-back NCAA titles with the Gators?
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That was a clinic in how to mold a team and build a winning mentality.Yeah, and,
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like, when he shifted to the NBA?
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Dude didn't miss a beat.
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I'll never forget that OKC Thunder run in 2016.
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Remember when they had Kevin Durant, Westbrook, and Ibaka?
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I mean, they were so close to making the Finals, beating a loaded Warriors
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team.Oh, I remember that well.
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They were up 3-1 in that series, right?
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Yeah, Donovan had them playing exceptional basketball-just an incredible
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defensive game plan against a Golden State team at its peak.Right, right!
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And yeah, the series didn't go their way in the end, but what stood out to me was
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how adaptable Donovan was.
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Like, his adjustments during games?
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That's elite coaching.
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Totally transformed how OKC approached those playoffs.And you know, that
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adaptability defines his entire coaching style.
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Whether it's college players at Florida, superstars in Oklahoma City, or now the
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Bulls' young core, it's always about playing to the team's strengths and
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creating that sense of cohesion.
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His leadership has shaped teams for decades.For real.
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And the thing with Donovan?
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He's never about himself.
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It's always about the team, the players.
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That's why he's so respected, man.That respect extends beyond the locker room,
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too.
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His influence on other coaches, the strategies he's introduced-it's why this
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Hall of Fame recognition feels so well-deserved.
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He's a builder, a leader, and someone who's truly elevated the game.Absolutely,
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Jose.
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Congrats to Coach Donovan, man.
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The Hall of Fame's lucky to have a guy like him.
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And honestly?
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The game of basketball?
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It's better because of him.Couldn't agree more, Marcus.
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Well, that's all for today's episode, everyone.
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From basketball's incredible veterans to its rising stars and iconic leaders,
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there's no shortage of stories that make this sport so special.
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Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time on Swish and Tell.
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