The podcasting world has grown 1000% over the last few years, filling ears and niches with every topic imaginable. But never before has a podcast led to the hiring of an NBA coach…

Before we get into it, accept the challenge below and predict how draft night plays out for a chance to win your choice of Enjoy gear (and bragging rights, of course).

Today’s Lineup

Coaching Carousel

Lakers hire former sharpshooter JJ Redick

Since the conclusion of his NBA playing career, JJ Redick has hardly left the NBA spotlight. He’s hosted podcasts, appeared on First Take, and recently called the NBA Finals on ABC. But now, he’s leaving the booth behind for the harshest spotlight of all: Los Angeles.

After very publicly flirting with Dan Hurley, the Lakers went with Redick as their next head coach. He already has a strong relationship with LeBron James, thanks to their work hosting the Mind the Game podcast together, but this is Redick’s first time as a head coach at any level (other than elementary school). However, given his playing experience and acumen for the game, there’s no reason to think Redick can’t be the long-term solution the Lakers have been searching for since LeBron came to town.

🏀 🏀 🏀

Monty Williams dismissed after one season in Detroit

Wanna know just how tough business is in the NBA? One year ago, Monty Williams signed what was then the most lucrative coaching contract in the history the league, a six-year deal worth $78.5 million. Now, he’s out of a job.

On Friday, Williams was officially dismissed by the Pistons following a tough season that saw Detroit (a) win just 14 games and (b) break the record for the longest single-season losing streak in NBA history. New President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon made a big statement with this firing, his first major move as he looks to help the franchise start fresh in the season ahead. All the best to both Detroit and Monty in their next chapters!

A Thunder-ous Swap

Bulls receive: Josh Giddey

Thunder receive: Alex Caruso

You’ve heard of Barbie and Oppenheimer, but get ready for the biggest summer blockbuster of them all… the Caru-show!

One of the best parts of the offseason is seeing hoopers find new homes, and this weekend trade gave us just that. This deal isn’t terrible for either team: the Thunder are looking to win now with their young core so they added a stud perimeter defender who brings an immediate impact to their lineup, while the purgatorial Bulls add a young player who has shown great flashes, albeit not without some personal controversy. An intriguing swap to kick off trade season—we can’t wait to see what juicy deals the GMs of the world serve up next!

Enjoy the Journey: Zyon Pullin

We’re back again with another incredible story about one of this year’s NBA draft prospects! But first, we have a question. Have you ever struggled with finding the exact right time to do something? Maybe you’re about to take a huge step in life, but you’re just not sure whether or not now is the right time to take it?

Well, you’re not alone. Making those kinds of decisions can be really hard, and they require intense amounts of intelligence and patience—two qualities that Zyon Pullin has exhibited wholeheartedly throughout his draft process.

Zyon started his college career at UC Riverside, averaging 12.0 PPG in 77 games as a Highlander. But after initially entering his name into the 2023 NBA Draft, Zyon removed himself from draft consideration and transferred from UC Riverside to Florida for one more year of college ball.

This ultimately ended up being a great decision by Zyon, and it helped him in a few different ways. First, he was able to play another year in college and develop his game even further—he averaged 15.5 PPG on 44%/45%/85% efficiency during his year as a Florida Gator.

But secondly, and just as importantly, he got to dip his toes into the world of professional basketball and prepare himself for his eventual rise into the NBA.

“I’ve been embracing the journey,” Zyon said. “Going through the NBA Draft process last year helped prepare me a lot. It’s all just about showing these teams what I’m capable of at the next level. It’s been great for me to compete and get back in front of teams’ faces and showcase what I did at Florida.”

Basketball has always been at the center of Zyon’s life. His dad, who played NAIA ball, instilled a love for the game in him at an early age.

“He was the one who put the ball in my hands, and I started learning the game from there,” Zyon said.

Now, he has a chance to make it to the NBA—an opportunity Zyon doesn’t take lightly.

“It’s super special to be able to put myself in this position,” Zyon said. “But it’s all about continuing to enjoy the process throughout and keep working, because nothing’s guaranteed.”

And as for what he thinks he can accomplish at the next level, Zyon has big goals for himself both on and off the court.

“On the basketball side, I want to be a part of winning culture,” he said. “Being a contributor on a championship-level team is the biggest thing. I’m continuing to showcase that I can be one of those reliable guys, and I hope scouts are seeing that. And off the court, investing is something I’m starting to get into a little bit. I’ve also always had aspirations to get into real estate, so that’s another thing I’m hoping to do down the road.”

Three in the Key

Signing Off

And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. This week, remember that success is often found in details. Take your time and do things the right way and you’ll be amazed how nice it all feels. Talk soon!

-Walker Carnathan