Tim Legler on Concern Level For Jokic, ENOUGH TIME For Nuggets to get Healthy, Jamal Murray, & More

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1:00This episode is brought to you by Marvel Television's Daredevil. Born again, season two, streaming March 24th on Disney Plus. Charlie Cox and Vincent Denoffrio are back, and Kristen Ritter makes her highly anticipated return as Jessica Jones in an all-new season. As Mayor Fisk tightens his grip on New York City, he marks Daredevil as his top target. Matt Murdock fights from the shadows, hoping to bring down Fisk corrupt empire and reclaim his city. That's a good idea. I don't miss Daredevil. Born again, season two, streaming March 24th only on Disney Plus. I've got the privilege of talking a little nuggets basketball with Tim Legler. Tim, appreciate you making the time. The nuggets aren't an interesting spot in their season. Nikola Yokech has been in some headlines about how he reacts to the whistle, not necessarily playing his best basketball. What have you seen from Yokech? And I can't believe I'm asking this Tim, but are you concerned at all with his level of play? I'm not. I'm not. Look, here's the thing. I'm located outside Denver. So I understand. Like, my perspective might be a little bit different.

2:02I think people in Denver, they love this team. They want to win another championship. And I think sometimes they overreact a little bit to some of these things. I'm not worried about Yokech. Now, the whistle stuff a little bit. And I think in general, it's more or less about like complaining about the whistle as much as it is. Sometimes some of these theatrics he gets involved in with other players, like where he's trying to just overtly so over the top draw attention to trying to get a call. Right. Where it's like, it's almost distracting. Like for his game, he's too talented. He doesn't need that stuff. I think, and I saw it two years ago, where it's like to me was just reached the level where like, I would like watch film on him and be like, what is he doing? Like, why isn't he so wrapped up in this situation with this player? And it's a win for the other team, because he's so good if he just plays basketball and beats you with his fundamentals. And that's most of the time. Now, he was better last year, I felt like,

3:03but he's back at it a little bit more here lately. And I think that's why I started to draw some attention. That's a little bit more concerning than anything. I'm not as concerned about his game. And I'm not don't think that like his incessant, like, you know, talking to the officials is anywhere on the level of some other guys around this league that for me, it's a major problem. I don't consider it that with Yoke. So I'm not as worried right now about him or the state of the team. I think it's maybe some people are a little bit Denver. I just believe when you look at their team and you look at them whole and healthy and everybody slotted in to their role and their impact to me, which they haven't really had, that to me is the team that I would look at and say, that's the team, I think, that's the best chance to take it on the Thunder. Now, spurs have changed that narrative for sure. They've arrived sooner than we thought. So I think you'd have to include them in that mix as well. Then you've got tabs teams like Houston and Minnesota and the Lakers, like that next group of teams. They don't give a night you go, yes,

4:04other nights you watch them and you go, nope, they're not going to happen. They're not ready for it this year. So there are those three teams are kind of up and down in terms of how I believe it actually of the three, I'd say Minnesota is the most viable, legitimate, consistent threat now, which is how well they played. But I still look at Denver whole because everybody out there so that guys can then, if they're doing more than they're capable of right now, they can slide into that role they're more comfortable with. Get Aaron Gordon back out there who's so important to their winning. I still have a lot of faith in this team. I know it's been a little bit of a struggle here, but I still have faith if they can find that. And there's enough time before to play off stuff established that rhythm. I still have a lot of confidence in this team. I was just going to ask if you think there's enough time. It is not much, but you know, last season, the nuggets were in a rough spot heading into the postseason. Obviously they made some leadership changes and they were able to turn it on just like that. So when you have a court that's played together as much as they have, you know, perhaps there is more than enough time here. Covering the game last night, the nuggets have been talking about they think their defense is much improved coming out of the All-Star break.

5:05Namely the physicality they're bringing to the table. Do you see that? And you know, again, the injuries make it so hard to evaluate this group, but is there hope for them defensively? I think it's been, I mean, there are times that it's looked really good. I don't think it's consistently been on that level. So maybe, you know, some of those comments are at their best since the All-Star break. Is that some of their best defense? I think you could probably say that. Consistently doing it enough for long enough stretches in games, possession by possession. I still think there's, there's work to do there. And it's really just like a consistent effort in a physicality. You know, and look, some teams, you can find it. I thought, you know, I just did the Knicks Oklahoma City game the other night. And the Knicks had decent metrics defensively the first half of the season. But at no point, which you look at Democrats, it's a physical defense. And when they ran into really physical teams, they got manhandled. And Mike Brown kept using that word in, you know,

6:05when he would describe his team, physicality, lack thereof, they have found another gear with their physical, and what we're really talking about with physicality, what you really mean, doesn't mean you got a bunch of bruises like the 90s going out there laying people out. Physicality defensively, what that really means is fighting guys for real estate where you're forcing guys further out on the floor. Catches aren't as easy. Cuts aren't easy to be had and receive the basketball because you're impeding progress. That's really what you're talking about. And then finishing off possessions with making sure you get somebody on your back and it's a collective team rebounding effort so you hold teams in one shot. It's not like you're going to all of a sudden turn into the bad boys' pistons or the Knicks in the 90s. That's not what we're talking about. It's just attention to detail on impeding progress when cuts. Ball handlers not getting free dribble runs at the rim if they beat their guy because guys are stepping in. Committed effort on a glass like a little bit harder push and transition defensive.

7:05That's what we're talking about. It's really a fine line sometimes with teams. The Knicks have found that I think Denver has found some of that just not as consistently as they need it. You're juggling a lot but you can still squeeze in a financial plan. With the Northwestern Mutual Financial Advisor as your partner, it's not only possible, it's personalized. So if you're tying the knot, closing on a house or welcoming a little one, you'll be ready for whatever life tosses your way. It's the right time to feel less stressed and more certain. That's a better way to money. Let's get started at nm.com. The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This episode is brought to you by Marvel Television's Daredevil Born Again Season 2, streaming March 24th on Disney Plus. Charlie Cox and Vincent Denofrio are back and Kristen Ritter mix are highly anticipated return as Jessica Jones in an all-new season. As Mayor Fist tightens his grip on New York City, he marks Daredevil as his top target. Matt Murdock fights from the shadows,

8:05hoping to bring down Fist's corrupt empire and reclaim his city. Don't miss Daredevil Born Again Season 2, streaming March 24th only on Disney Plus. Yeah, hopefully that's another area for them. You know, where Aaron Gordon can help out when he comes back if he can stay healthy. They have been enjoying a very, very capable and efficient Jamal Murray this season. He's an all-star. He had 45 against Utah. He played really well against the Lakers last night. Does this version of Jamal, which in my opinion is the best he's played since the 2023 postseason, does this just inspire that much more belief for you that some version of a healthy nuggets can contend for a title? Definitely, absolutely. And I think, look, you said the best he's played since that postseason run. I think it's the best start to start to this point in the season. We've ever seen Jamal Murray. Totally. He's been unbelievable. And, you know, he's been available, clearly feels good physically. What he represents for me, not just the load that he can take off of Yokech

9:08in the course of the games when he's playing this well, it's when he's playing this well, your chances in close games are so improved if Jamal Murray looks like this, because he's so good at deciding games. He's done it throughout his career and there's been times he hasn't been able to do that, because he hasn't been 100% right physically or maybe wasn't in a great stretch when you needed it to be. It wasn't in rhythm the way he is now. When you see Jamal Murray playing like this this consistently all season, it gives you great hope that in those key moments, man, tie game four minutes to go, game two of a playoff series when you're down 0-1. That's a game you have to have to win the series. Even though it's only 1-0, teams don't come back from down 2-0 very rarely. Those are the kind of things I'm talking about. It doesn't even sound like a huge high-pressure stakes moment, but it is. That's what I mean. When he looks at this good, his propensity to get you through those moments

10:08or hit a couple big shots to help you navigate that, get that win, get the series to 1-1. We're now you're back on even footing and you've got the best player on the floor. That's what I'm talking about with Jamal Murray and he looks more capable of going on that kind of run again now than at any point since their title. Strong agree on that. Last one for you, Tim, Cam Johnson. I think really fits into this lineup when everyone's healthy and they're playing well. He's had some availability issues. He struggled recently in big games. I know you're a big believer in his game in the fit and Denver. Do you still think it's going to turn around and he's going to end up having a positive impact for them down the stretch? I'm not 100% convinced of that. You know, and I definitely was in favor of the move. You know, Michael Porter during a big year for the nets we all know that, but I mean, most of those games, you know, that's not a competitive environment. So you put up numbers. We know Michael Porter Jr. is talented. Nobody denied that. When you talk about fit and propensity

11:08to help you win another title, I thought Cam Johnson was really good fit. Now he has struggled. It just hasn't happened for him. Sometimes that happens to guys. Does that mean it's going to be like that forever as long as he wears a Denver uniform? No, but to think that all of a sudden now he's going to find that when he hasn't really found it all year and even some of his comments recently indicate, like I'm not even sure like where he's at right now between his ears in terms of his own self confidence. And that's a tough thing. Man, when you go through every player goes through it, you go through those stretches. And it's just tough. It's just everything is less fun. And it's just more of a grind. And it's more of a work than it is like this enjoyable rhythmic environment that you find yourself in, where you can't wait to get up, go to the arena because everything's happening for you. And you fit and you're winning games and you're a big part of it. He hasn't felt a lot of that. And so as a result, you know, he's doubting things a little bit. He's questioning himself down on himself a little bit. Is he going to be able to turn that around and have this consistent run that the nuggets need him to over the last, you know, 20 games and instant opposed season?

12:10I don't know. That's my answer. I wish I could tell you definitively. I'm going to see into the future. I just know that right now, he is not in a good place psychologically. And from a confidence standpoint, you know, that's got to turn around. Now, sometimes it could only take a game or two. Right. Amazing. So that is possible because the talent is there. But he, it's not like you, he was playing great. And then all of a sudden, hey, what's going on? Then you could go, okay, he'll get back there. He hasn't really found a stride at all since he's been there, really, with exception of some little bursts of the season. And he had injuries to deal with and everything else. So I wish I had more confidence that it would absolutely happen. But I'm wondering a little bit if it will happen this year. We'll see if it all comes together for Denver down the stretch. He's Tim Legler. I'm Brennan Boat. Don't forget to like and subscribe. For a limited time, get one of these Jimmy John sandwiches. Jimmy chips and a drink for only $8.99. Choose the fan favorite turkey tom with all natural turkey or the Pepe with smoked ham and provolone. The $8.99 meal deal at Jimmy John's.

13:10Oh, that's good. Limited time at participating locations. Valid on turkey tom and the Pepe 8-inch homing. Food chips and regular fountain beds. Upcharges apply on bottle beds, premium sides and desserts. Not valid with other offers. Tax add-ons extra. You're juggling a lot. But you can still squeeze in a financial plan. With the Northwestern Mutual Financial Advisor as your partner, it's not only possible, it's personalized. So if you're tying the knot. Closing on a house. Or welcoming a little one. You'll be ready for whatever life tosses your way. It's the right time to feel less stressed and more certain. That's a better way to money. Let's get started at nm.com. The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This episode is brought to you by Marvel Television's Daredevil born again, season two, streaming March 24th on Disney Plus. Charlie Cox and Vincent Denofrio are back. And Kristen Ritter makes her highly anticipated return as Jessica Jones in an all-new season. As Mayor Fist tightens his grip on New York City,

14:11he marks Daredevil as his top target. Matt Murdock fights from the shadows, hoping to bring down Fist's corrupt empire and reclaim his city. Don't miss Daredevil born again, season two, streaming March 24th only on Disney Plus.