Hour 2 - Draymond Green Does Get It, After All + NBA.com writer Shaun Powell
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In this episode of The Odd Couple, Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington dive deep into the controversy surrounding NBA tanking, sparked by Draymond Green's public criticism of the league's leniency toward teams that intentionally lose games. The hosts debate whether the NBA's current fines—$500,000 for flagrant tanking—are meaningful deterrents, especially when billionaire owners can easily absorb such penalties. They argue that real consequences must come in the form of lost draft picks or player restrictions, citing historical precedent like David Stern’s tough enforcement of draft pick penalties. The conversation expands to include the impact of tanking on young players like Ace Bailey and the broader integrity of the game, especially with increased fan awareness due to streaming, social media, and gambling. Later, the hosts welcome NBA.com writer Shaun Powell, who weighs in on playoff contenders, the Pistons’ resurgence, and the debate over award eligibility with the 66-game threshold. The episode closes with the humorous 'One's Gotta Go' segment, where the hosts debate the legacy of famous sibling duos in sports, ultimately deciding the Klitschko brothers must go—despite their nine-time heavyweight titles.
Tanking in the NBA is more visible and damaging today due to streaming, gambling, and social media, making it harder to hide.
Fines alone are ineffective against billionaire owners; real penalties should include loss of draft picks or player restrictions.
Young players like Ace Bailey are harmed when teams tank, limiting their development and visibility.
The 66-game threshold for MVP eligibility is controversial but was voted on by players, so it’s unlikely to change.
Fans who pay $400 for games deserve refunds if star players don’t play, especially in nationally televised games.
Intro and Sponsor Segments
The episode opens with multiple podcast promos from iHeartRadio, including Humor Me with Robert Smigel, Sports Slice, How Hard Can It Be, Point Game, and Hurdle, setting the stage for the main content.
Draymond Green Confronts NBA Tanking
“Players get fined for everything. Saying this, cussing on the ref, not wearing this, wearing these shoes, doing that, don't wear that, didn't talk to the media. And you have organizations, organizations who are clearly flagrantly tanking and the NBA is hanging on to those two $500,000 fines.”
Why Tanking Is Worse Now
“People are paying attention more than ever to stats and what's going on. And so they see this. You got streaming games. Stuff's being globalized. It's all across the world.”
Solutions to Stop Tanking
“If it's players or draft picks in essence, then that may have to be his way as well.”
Guest Interview with Sean Powell
NBA.com writer Sean Powell joins the show to discuss playoff contenders, the Pistons' potential, and the 66-game rule for MVP eligibility. He argues that media rights are tied to playoffs, not regular season, but acknowledges fan dissatisfaction.
“Players get fined for everything. Saying this, cussing on the ref, not wearing this, wearing these shoes, doing that, don't wear that, didn't talk to the media. And you have organizations, organizations who are clearly flagrantly tanking and the NBA is hanging on to those two $500,000 fines.”
“If the stars aren't playing, get a refund. It would change everything.”
“People are paying attention more than ever to stats and what's going on. And so they see this. You got streaming games. Stuff's being globalized. It's all across the world.”
Hosts
Guest
NBA
organization
Draymond Green
person
Adam Silver
person
Shaun Powell
person
Wladimir Klitschko
person
Vitali Klitschko
person
Eli Manning
person
Peyton Manning
person
Ace Bailey
person
Cade Cunningham
person
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