Thu. Apr. 2: Jokic NOT MVP | LeBron to Denver? | Enough appreciation for Cale Makar?
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In this episode of Hot Takes with Goodman and Haertl, the hosts dive into several major sports narratives, beginning with a passionate debate over Nikola Jokic's MVP candidacy. Despite averaging a triple-double for the second consecutive season, Goodman argues Jokic is not the MVP this year due to his limited defensive impact and missed games, favoring Devin Booker or Devin Wembanyama instead. The conversation shifts to Wembanyama's professional lobbying for the award, which Goodman praises as a respectful, resume-based presentation. The hosts then explore LeBron James' potential free agency, dismissing rumors of a move to the Nuggets as implausible given the age and fit concerns, and suggesting Cleveland as a more likely destination. They also debate the underappreciation of Cale Makar, arguing that while Nathan MacKinnon dominates the headlines with scoring, Makar’s elite two-way play and rarity as a top-tier defenseman make him more valuable long-term. The episode concludes with lighthearted banter about team jerseys and superstitions, including the Broncos’ orange uniforms and the Avalanche’s Nordiques throwback jerseys.
Jokic’s triple-double season doesn’t automatically make him MVP—defensive impact and team context matter more than raw stats.
Wembanyama’s respectful, data-driven MVP campaign is a model for how athletes should advocate for awards.
LeBron James is unlikely to leave the Lakers for the Nuggets, even for a one-year championship run, due to fit, age, and loyalty concerns.
Cale Makar is undervalued in the MVP conversation because his impact isn’t reflected in traditional scoring stats, despite being a generational defenseman.
Team uniforms and superstitions—like jersey colors—can influence perception, but performance ultimately determines success.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening Day Memories and the Fan vs. Media Dilemma
The hosts reflect on the emotional significance of opening day and the bittersweet reality of being a sports journalist who can’t fully enjoy games as a fan. Goodman shares personal stories of missing tailgates and games due to work, emphasizing the trade-off between professional access and personal enjoyment.
Jokic Not MVP? The Case Against the Triple-Double King
“Jokic is not the MVP this year. If he had the most outstanding offensive player like they do in the NFL, sure. Give it to him. He's not the MVP this year.”
Wembanyama’s MVP Campaign: Professionalism Over Hype
“Webb and Yama served up his argument on a beautiful piece of China. And it's the way, to your point, the way that was presented.”
LeBron’s Free Agency: The Nuggets Move Is a Myth
“I don't see him leaving LA for that. I don't see him leaving right now as we sit here anything other than Cleveland.”
Cale Makar: The Underrated Unicorn of Defense
“It's just harder to find great defensemen that score. That's why, where you feel like I can go find my McKinnon. He's not going to be a 50 goal scorer, but I can go find that guy who can score 40 and then we have the best scoring defenseman. That's way harder to find.”
“You're not going to get a 50-goal scorer, but I can go find that guy who can score 40 and then we have the best scoring defenseman. That's way harder to find.”
“It's just harder to find great defensemen that score. That's why, where you feel like I can go find my McKinnon. He's not going to be a 50 goal scorer, but I can go find that guy who can score 40 and then we have the best scoring defenseman. That's way harder to find.”
“Jokic is not the MVP this year. If he had the most outstanding offensive player like they do in the NFL, sure. Give it to him. He's not the MVP this year.”
Hosts
Cale Makar
person
Nikola Jokic
person
Colorado Avalanche
other
LeBron James
person
Denver Nuggets
other
Devin Wembanyama
person
Nathan MacKinnon
person
Smokin' Dave's Barbecue and Brew
organization
Los Angeles Lakers
other
Emmy Awards
other
Tue. Mar 31: CUP or BUST for Colorado Avalanche | Broncos set at WR, RB? | Pros and cons of shortening NBA games
Hot Takes with Goodman and Haertl • 45m • 3/31/2026
Wed. Apr. 1: Sean Payton on ‘free-agency frenzy’ | Top takeaways from NFL owners meetings | More power in the organization for Bo Nix?
Hot Takes with Goodman and Haertl • 43m • 4/1/2026
Fri. Apr. 3: Impact of Luka Dončić hamstring injury | Rockies home opener today | Massive matchups for Nuggets & Avalanche tomorrow
Hot Takes with Goodman and Haertl • 49m • 4/3/2026
Mon. Apr. 6: Nuggets outlast Spurs in a thriller, now tied for #3 seed in West | Avs beat Stars, lose to Blues | NCAA national championship tonight
Hot Takes with Goodman and Haertl • 52m • 4/6/2026
Tue. Apr. 7: Nuggets rally vs. Blazers, move into #3 seed | Michigan beats UConn for national title | North Carolina hires Michael Malone as HC
Hot Takes with Goodman and Haertl • 41m • 4/7/2026
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