StatMan Sports Podcast

On the 1 year anniversary of Kobe's death, Steve reflects on how it has been for him and what he has learned in the past year. We all grieve different and he's still feeling the lingering effect of Kobe's death but he took the time to share the moments that lifted him during the past year, the lessons, the ups and downs and of course related it back to the sports world. You do not want to miss it! Support the show

This week Steve lets loose on you the audience who doubted his picks and explains why the Pittsburgh Steelers proved exactly why this podcast was started. You don't want to miss it! Also, he previews the Divisional Weekend and all the matchups! He also talks about the NBA Covid protocols and Kyrie Irving. Well, more about Kyrie Irving than anything. Telling a vivid story as to what Kyrie Irving has been thinking and what he learned this week about him. The numbers are there to be broken in the context and you will not want to miss it! Finally, we are two episodes away from the BIG 1-0-0!!!! Stay alert for the contest and giveaways!!!! Enjoy the episode! ---- To share your thoughts: TwitterFacebookInstagramstatmanpodcast.comSTORETo help out the show: Apple PodcastSubscribeiTunesSpotifyTuneIn

NFL Wild Card Weekend Preview Fittingly, an unprecedented 2020 NFL season remained unsettled until the 256th and final regular-season game. Washington's win on Sunday night clinched the NFC East division title (with a losing record, no less) and locked in the 2020 playoff field. The league expanded its postseason to 14 teams this season, meaning only the No. 1 seeds -- the Chiefs in the AFC and the Packers in the NFC -- will get first-round byes. The other 12 teams will compete in a six-game wild-card weekend that opens in just six days. Our playoff primer previews those matchups and takes a broader look at what each team must do to reach Super Bowl LV next month in Tampa, Florida, along with their updated chances via Football Power Index (FPI). ---- Enjoy the episode! ---- To share your thoughts: TwitterFacebookInstagramstatmanpodcast.comSTORETo help out the show: iTunesSubscribeiTunesSpotifyTuneIn

🚨NBA SEASON IS BACK🚨 2020/2021 NBA Preview: Champions, Pretenders, and Hopefuls! --- The arrival of a new NBA season feels like being trapped in a time-warp. While it’s been only two months since the Lakers captured the championship inside the bubble, the teams that didn’t qualify for the league’s restart haven’t played since March. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about the start of a new season, I am here to help you get sorted out! --- To share your thoughts: TwitterFacebookInstagramstatmanpodcast.comSTORETo help out the show: iTunesSubscribeiTunesSpotifyTuneIn

In this week's episode, Steve goes has a few stories to tell with some AMAZING numbers to share about NFL Week 14. He dives deep into the Steelers offense who were exposed for a second week in a row. Also, Jalen Hurts looked at Carson Wentz and said: "Hey, I am the Captain Now". --- More records were broken in Week 14 and Steve is all there to share his most interesting thoughts and ideas!!!! Enjoy the episode! ---- To share your thoughts: TwitterFacebookInstagramstatmanpodcast.comSTORETo help out the show: iTunesSubscribeiTunesSpotifyTuneIn

EPISODE 94 Overview NFL Week 13 Records Broken In this week's episode Steve put together the best stats and records from Sunday's slate of NFL games. From Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers, Travis Kelce, Darren Waller to Justin Jefferson, and Baker Mayfield. Lots of numbers and broken records in Week 13 is all you need to know for now. NBA Load Management He also talks about the new NBA policy about "REST". The never-ending debate about load management and resting players continued Monday, thanks to a new policy implemented by the NBA. This season, teams will be fined at least $100,000 if they are found to be resting healthy players for nationally televised games, according to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. Want to know what Steve, the StatMan thinks about this? TUNE IN! Support the show

After two weeks, Steve is back with some interesting number breakdowns as to why the Bucks traded for Jrue Holiday, how it impacts Giannis supermax contract. Also, David Griffin and Sam Presti should be getting GMs of the century awards, if such a thing exist. And we also break down what each trade thus far means for the Eastern and Western Conference teams. For anyone who thought the Golden State Warriors were finally free of the long and sleepless nights, anxiety, angst and all other psychological demons that are byproducts of a miserable season, please reconsider, because there’s one more remnant from that rubble they must deal with. Which is: How do they handle the reward for surviving that? To be more precise: What should they do with Draft pick No. 2? ---- Support the show

In this iteration of the StatMan Sports Podcast we explore the idea or question rather of whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the right decision of signing Antonio Browns. Do they really need him? We then follow up on Steve's Super Bowl contenders thus far; their biggest strengths and weaknesses headed into the rest of the season. Segment One: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be the best team in the NFL, and that includes the Kansas City Chiefs, undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers or anybody else. The Buccaneers have the highest point differential in the NFL, at plus-80. The Buccaneers ranked first in Football Outsiders’ DVOA after six weeks, by a large margin. They have a very good offense and the defense is even better. And now they’re bringing in the most toxic player in the NFL, one who has been a problem for three teams and is likely to make it a fourth. Segment Two: Sports commentators with hot takes like to believe there's a clear dichotomy between Super Bowl contenders and pretenders. In reality, it doesn't work that way. Every team in the NFL has its strengths and weaknesses, and there are a number of teams that could win the Super Bowl every year. Who has the best odds? Tampa? Green Bay? Kansas City? Find out!!! Support the show

NBA GOAT DEBATE LeBron James has earned his fourth NBA championship and fourth Finals MVP, closing the gap on the ring total of all-time great Michael Jordan. As LeBron's legacy continues to grow, the debate of who is the GREATEST player in league history becomes closer than ever before. Few questions have engaged the world of sports as much as the question about the best or greatest sportsman of all time. Often the acronym GOAT – Greatest Of All Time – is attributed to someone who is the greatest at a certain skill. But often the word ”best” or ”best of all time” is mixed into the discussion and then it gets complicated. The first question to ask is about the difference between ”greatest” and ”best”. Doesn’t it mean the same thing? First of all, greatness is a measure of the merits and achievements over a complete career while ”best” is a perishable that has to be related to a certain time period. Things You Will Learn Today Jordan vs. LeBron: Playoff AveragesLeBron James vs. Michael Jordan: Awards and accoladesLeBron James vs. Michael Jordan: Regular season statsListen, Subscribe, and Follow!!! Support the show

In today's episode, we preview and breakdown the 2020 NBA Finals matchup between the 5th seed Miami Heat v.s. the 1st seed Los Angeles Lakers. Both teams had a particularly "easy" path to the NBA Finals nevertheless they were the best two teams in the NBA Bubble Post-season with both having a 12-3 record. The coincidence of this series is quite delicious and will own the intrigue and conversation until the ball goes up Wednesday in Game 1. LeBron James will be playing against the team he helped win a pair of championships. This scenario will get heavy airplay in the build-up, as it should; LeBron was a solid favorite to return to the championship round once the Lakers got Anthony Davis, while the Heat make for a surprise guest. The Lakers bring a pair of All-NBA first-team members while Miami hasn’t had anyone on that level since We break down all things Miami/LA this episode. Three things to watch Can Goran Dragic maintain his high level for yet another series?How can the Lakers take advantage of their size?Will the Heat’s young shooters cause problems for L.A.?Number to know 40.7 -- The Lakers have averaged 40.7 points per game in the restricted area in the playoffs. That's down from a league-high 44.1 in the regular season, but still 7.5 more than any other team has averaged in the postseason. By wide margins, the Lakers rank first in both field goal percentage in the restricted area (70.9%) and the percentage of their shots that have come in the restricted area (34%). LeBron James is responsible for almost half (48%) of their 610 restricted area points via his own buckets (87) and assists (59). The Lakers have shot better from outside the paint in the playoffs (37.7%, effective field goal percentage of 50.4%) than they did in the regular season (35.5%, 47.7%). But protecting the rim remains extra critical in regard to slowing down the offense that ranked No. 1 in each of the last two rounds (114.4 points scored per 100 possessions in the conference semis, 117.8 per 100 in the conference finals). That's why we may see a lot more 2-3 zone from the Heat in The Finals. The Lakers scored 39 points on 35 possessions against Miami's zone in the regular season and offer a different look than Boston with their two-big lineups. Though the Celtics got a lot more comfortable against the zone late in the last round, the Heat stuck with it, and it was critical in their fourth-quarter comeback in Game 6. Most importantly, while open jumpers can be found against it with proper execution, the zone keeps Bam Adebayo near the basket a lot more than the Heat's man-to-man defense. Against this particular opponent, allowing open jumpers is far more preferable than allowing shots at the rim. Support the show

In today's episode we question, answer and even re-vamp the NBA MVP criteria because it looks like we end up having dumb debates about it or we just don't understand what the criteria is anymore. What does MVP even mean? Best player? Best player on the best team? Best numbers in the regular season? Best performing player? Also, we talked about notable Week 2 injuries in the NFL that will have deciding impacts on teams playoffs aspirations. You'll Also Learn ---- Enjoy the episode! Support the show

We are back after a two weeks with the NFL Kickoff to tell you that Tom Brady is washed (kinda) and also to explain why the Clippers are finished after being forced into a Game 7 by the Nuggets. Things You Will Also Learn: We then finally recap NFL Kickoff Week 1 and the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. We pick the Miami Heat reluctantly in Game 7 in the end. Enjoy the episode!!! Support the show

The first chapter in the book of Luka Doncic Legend was written on a Sunday afternoon, when Doncic capped off an all-time playoff performance with an overtime buzzer-beating triple to tie the Mavericks’ first-round series with the Los Angeles Clippers at two games apiece. Doncic took the shot defenses want him to take at this time in his short NBA career, a leaning, step-back three. But moments often transcend numbers, and sometimes it takes only a sliver of daylight to turn a ho-hum, go-home-in-five series into a dogfight. Even more than putting a scare into the favored Clippers, Doncic has put the NBA on notice: This feels like Tiger’s “Hello world” or Jordan at the Boston Garden in 1986, a moment when you know something special is on the way. Doncic’s historic performance puts him in a room entered only by Oscar Robertson and Charles Barkley — at least 40 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in a playoff game — with a jaw-dropping 43-point, 17-rebound, 13-assist showing — all while being a game-time decision on a sprained ankle he sustained in Game 3. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show

NBA Playoffs is in Good Hands (NBA Bubble Edition) After Day 1 of the NBA Playoffs we can say with certainty that the NBA is in good hands. Its future is bright with young stars like Luka Doncic becoming the first player ever in NBA history with 40 point in his debut. Donovan Mitchell scoring 57 points (3rd most all-time) despite a loss against the Nuggets, Jamaal Murray scoring 20 points in the 4th quarter + OT. Fred Van Vleet being the first Raptor in history to have a 30 point/10 assist game. That is just the introduction of many other records that were set by individuals and collective teams on Day 1. We explored all 4 games, project future outcomes and give a look into the mindset for teams on Day 2. Today's Games (NBA on TNT) Things You Will Also Learn Resources Used StatMuseBasketball ReferenceStatsheadSupport the show

After a week hiatus, I am back to give you my NBA Power Rankings Top 10 NBA teams going into the NBA Bubble playoffs. I also share a not no nice experience on Twitter with another fellow tweeter, and I round it off with Damian Lillard taking Skip Bayless soul in a Monday afternoon tweet. NBA Power Rankings It was impossible to predict what would happen during the season restart after 4 1/2 months off. But even expecting the unexpected, we have to be surprised by the performances of some teams in Orlando. The title favorites have seemingly had a tough time adjusting. The Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers are a combined 7-10. The Lakers have had the worst offense in the restart, and the Bucks ranking 11th defensively over the last 11 days may be more shocking than that. Both Milwaukee and the Clippers lost to the Brooklyn Nets last week. The Phoenix Suns probably shouldn't have been invited to the restart. But they were, they have their first five-game winning streak in 5 1/2 years, and they're still very much alive in the chase for eighth and ninth place in the Western Conference. The San Antonio Spurs went to Orlando to develop their young players and they've found themselves in the middle of that same chase. Two playoff series in the East are set. The No. 1 seed Bucks will face the No. 8 seed Orlando Magic, while the No. 2 seed and defending-champion Toronto Raptors will face Brooklyn, the 7 seed. We also know that the Boston Celtics are the No. 3 seed in the East, while the Lakers are No. 1 in the West. Everything else will be determined in the next seven days, with the Western Conference play-in series taking place on Saturday and, if necessary, Sunday. With the top teams all stumbling, there's no obvious No. 1 in this week's rankings. Fortunately, this isn't college football or basketball, and the rankings don't really matter. Feel free to disagree. Support the show

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the 2020 MVP and DPOY. In today's episode we will study this in depth and make the clear as to why he will win both awards by a wide margin. We also covered Alyssa Nakken becoming the first female coach in major league history, and the NBA setting a date for the season award votes. Overview: Giannis case for MVP and DPOY He's the best player on the league's best team and having a ridiculously dominant season at both ends of the floor. Another season, another opportunity for Giannis Antetokounmpo to simultaneously contend for the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. Seriously, the extent of his dominance is getting out of hand. Somewhat buried beneath James Harden's historic scoring eruption is Antetokounmpo's own nightly salvos. He's averaging over 30 points...in barely 31 minutes per game. You will Also Learn Basketball reference HTMLfirst female coach in major league historySupport the show

In today's episode, we explore the recent Madden NFL ratings, the issues we have with them and why they matter in 2020. We also talk about some interesting occurrences in the NBA bubble, and finish it off with our hot take on the Washington NFL franchise and the name change. Madden Ratings It's ratings reveal week for "Madden NFL 21," meaning intense debate among fans about the best players at each position as a tease ahead of the Aug. 28 release date. While EA Sports has deflated player ratings across the board in recent years, reducing the number of players in the high-90s, it still handed out several 99 overall marks for the upcoming season. The remaining ratings will be released throughout the week as part of an ESPN special reveal. You will also learn Support the show

Patrick Mahomes contract, which he signed a 10 year, $477 million dollar extension with incentives that can potentially make him $503 million. This is sports history with lots of numbers involved so we break them down into details, how it plays out for the chiefs, and ultimately, did it change sports contracts forever? If you are questioning why Patrick Mahomes got that big deal? Here is how his first 31 games have gone thus far. ☑️ 76 Pass TD (most ever) ☑️ 9,412 Pass Yards (most ever) ☑️ 108.9 QB rating (highest ever) ☑️ 24 wins (tied for most ever) ☑️ Super Bowl Champion ☑️ Super Bowl MVP ☑️ MVP --- You will also learn Antonietta Collins Support the show

In today's episode I am running solo again. Over the weekend, Cam Newton landed a job with the New England Patriots and the NFL is losing its mind in the positive way. We talk about the implications and impact this will have in the AFC East, the AFC as a whole and how Cam's nine year career will play a big role in this. We follow that up with a reconsideration of the NBA Bubble procedures. A few NBA players who are suppose to report to the bubble have tested positive. This will without a doubt put strain on the franchises to make decision on their roster they didn't necessarily planned come July 30th. You'll Also Learn ---- Enjoy the episode and visit our archive! Support the show

An anonymous tip line to report rules violations. Pre-approved golf outings. Protocols for how to properly disinfect basketballs. Table tennis is allowed — but singles, no doubles. The N.B.A. on last Tuesday night detailed its elaborate plan for resuming play this summer by sending a 113-page handbook to team personnel, with a heavy emphasis on health and safety protocols as the league seeks to salvage its season amid the coronavirus pandemic. We sat with screenwriter and contributor to @bballbreakdown, Nice Kicks and former Lakers Nation, Andrew Ungvari to talk about all the details in this handbook and what we expect to come from this all. You'll Also Learn ---- Today's Guest Resources: Twitter: @DrewUnga --- Andrew Ungvari Biography Andrew Ungvari is a Los Angeles native and a Lakers season ticket holder since 1989. ---- Enjoy the episode! ---- To share your thoughts: TwitterFacebookInstagramstatmanpodcast.comSTORETo help out the show: Apple PodcastSubscribeiTunesSpotifyTuneIn