Hardwood Knocks, Episode 560 — MAILBAG: Harden-Embiid Fit, Best Rookies, Blazers, Cavs, MVP Teammates, Wiggins vs. Randle
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MAIL TIME. Your latest batch of questions has Hardwood Knocks talking about the supporting casts of the top MVP candidates; the future of the Cleveland Cavaliers; a Julius Randle vs. Andrew Wiggins hypothetical; the onset success of the James Harden-Joel Embiid pairing; historically tight NBA playoff races, the Portland Trail Blazers’ outlook; Robert Williams III’s finishing; the value of Russell Westbrook triple-doubles; and much more! TIMESTAMPS
🔘 Intro (0:30)
🔘 Historically close NBA playoff races (3:12)
🔘 Early impressions of the James Harden-Joel Embiid fit (9:20)
🔘 Worst non-star trades (15:15)
🔘 Favorite/Least favorite players to watch (21:25)
🔘 Andrew Wiggins vs. Julius Randle (24:40)
🔘 Should the Blazers really be interested in Jerami Grant? (27:49)
🔘 Are this year’s Cavs last year’s Knicks? (32:06)
🔘 Should NBA adopt Elam ending full-time? (37:28)
🔘 Who wins a playoff series first: Pacers, Magic, Rockets or Pistons? (40:40)
🔘 Highest PERs/VORPs for rookies on playoff teams? (43:31)
🔘 Are Russell Westbrook’s triple-doubles actually valuable? (45:49)
🔘 Robert Williams III’s finishing at the rim (49:20)
🔘 Usage rates (50:15)
🔘 Do some people still dislike stats? (52:46)
🔘 Which MVP candidate has the worst supporting cast this season? (54:29)
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