Transcript

Detroit Is Playing Inside the Three Point Line | Rachel Nichols & Chris Mannix

From Sports Illustrated · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 41 min · 8,547 words · 159 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Detroit Is Playing Inside the Three Point Line | Rachel Nichols & Chris Mannix", an episode of Sports Illustrated published January 22, 2026 (41 min, about 8,547 words). It mentions 19 people, works and ideas, including Rachel Nichols, Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Mike Brown, Warriors.

What this episode is about

The discussion centers around the introduction of Whimos, a new driverless ride-sharing service, as Rachel Nichols shares her positive experience riding in one. The conversation also touches on the evolving technology of autonomous vehicles and societal perceptions regarding their safety and efficiency compared to human drivers.

Key takeaways

  • Whimos redefine ridesharing: safer without strangers, they make traditional Ubers feel like a blind date gone wrong.
  • Detroit Pistons are embracing '90s nostalgia; defying modern NBA norms while proving that a strong paint game still wins championships.
  • Driverless cars are more than just tech; they symbolize a cultural shift away from human biases and towards automated safety.
  • Embracing Whimos means no chatty drivers—truly a blessing for those who prefer their rides silent and uneventful.
  • In a world of dynamic gestures, even our vehicles now silently chauffeur us, giving a whole new meaning to 'taking the back seat.'

Who speaks in this episode?

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 5:00: Rachel Nichols, Warriors, Detroit, Jimmy Butler
  2. – 10:00: Detroit, Duncan Robinson, Tan Langden, NBA Finals
  3. – 15:00: Detroit, Warriors, Oklahoma City, Jimmy Butler
  4. – 20:00: Steph Curry, Jonathan Kaminga, Jimmy Butler, Warriors
  5. – 25:00: Steph Curry, Warriors, Jimmy Butler
  6. – 30:00: Mike Brown, Nolan H. Brunson, Carl Anthony Towns, Steph Curry
  7. – 35:00: Mike Brown, Draymond Green, Carl Anthony Towns, NBA Cup
  8. – 40:00: Mike Brown, Carl Anthony Towns, Nolan H. Brunson

Notable quotes from "Detroit Is Playing Inside the Three Point Line | Rachel Nichols & Chris Mannix"

  • That might be worth it. When was the last time the franchise was in the NBA finals? Early 2000s.
    about NBA Finals · at
  • That's, a, valid, point., That's, not something that I've given a lot of thought to. Like the idea that whoever comes out of the West could be beaten up and possibly have a star injured.
    about Rachel Nichols · at
  • I, Well,, he, was, a, bearer, in, the, be, to begin with. He's a big guy. I know.
    about Cade Cunningham · at
  • Over the last few weeks. things have kind of come together. They've gotten some good chemistry. Steph Curry playing like the all-star starter that he is.
    about Warriors · at
  • You can't count on Jimmy Butler coming back and being Jimmy Butler next year.
    about Jimmy Butler · at
  • Yes, they should. Absolutely. When you have Steph Curry, you just say, Damn the torpedoes. Who cares about the four years after he's gone? we can get our draft picks back after that and you make.
    about Steph Curry · at
  • Carl Anthony Towns, he is not on the same page with Mike Brown. You know others have talked about this and I agree with them. The Knicks, they've probably always had these problems. They.
    about Carl Anthony Towns · at
  • I, mean,, come, on,, man., 32, to, four, on, fast break., Great, number.,, Mike, Brown, is, a really nice guy and a really good coach who I think is not the wrong fit for this team. I think he's a good fit.
    about Mike Brown · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • Rachel Nichols — Person · Main guest · 2 mentions · first at
    Appears as the featured guest and primary conversational partner, offering analysis on the Pistons’ roster-building, Warriors’ window, and Knicks’ dysfunction.
  • Steph Curry — Person · Referenced star player (Warriors) · 8 mentions · first at
    Central to the Warriors segment: discussed as an aging-but-still-elite cornerstone whose title window is impacted by Jimmy Butler’s injury and roster-building choices.
  • Jimmy Butler — Person · Referenced injured star player (Warriors) · 5 mentions · first at
    His ACL tear is framed as a season-altering event for Golden State, changing trade-deadline plans and raising questions about the end of the Warriors’ contention window.
  • Mike Brown — Person · Referenced head coach (Knicks) / decision-maker in controversy · 13 mentions · first at
    Portrayed as central to Knicks turmoil—especially his handling of the Draymond/Towns incident—raising questions about locker-room tension and leadership.
  • Carl Anthony Towns — Person · Referenced star player (Knicks) · 5 mentions · first at
    A central figure in the Knicks segment: defensive issues and role clarity are tied to him, and tension with coach Mike Brown is presented as a key storyline.
  • Jonathan Kaminga — Person · Referenced trade-deadline piece (Warriors) · 4 mentions · first at
    Discussed as a potential trade asset whose market value is debated; Butler’s injury changes his fit/importance and likely keeps him in Golden State.
    In the Western Conference. That path seems like it's completely gone right now. There were plans to do something with Jonathan Kaminga before the trade deadline just the other…
  • Draymond Green — Person · Referenced player (Warriors) in Knicks controversy · 4 mentions · first at
    Discussed for on-court antics involving Karl-Anthony Towns and as a flashpoint in evaluating Mike Brown’s leadership/relationship with his star.
    Just yep. Says what he says. he tries to drag Carl Anthony Towns by the leg during that game. Grabs him right by the leg. Dangerous play. Very dangerous play. Like you know guy 7 foot 250ish.
  • Nolan H. Brunson — Person · Referenced star player (Knicks) / locker-room leader · 4 mentions · first at
    Presented as the Knicks’ offensive engine and a leader who calls a players-only meeting, signaling internal accountability and possible coach-player tension.
    Jaylen after that game called a players only meeting and the substance of his message was we can't look at the coaches, we have to look to ourselves which is interesting…
  • Cade Cunningham — Person · Referenced star player (Pistons) · 1 mention · first at
    Used as evidence for Detroit’s rise and as the centerpiece of their inside-the-arc, physical identity; discussed as a top-tier creator impacting games beyond scoring.
  • Duncan Robinson — Person · Referenced shooter/veteran (Pistons) · 2 mentions · first at
    Cited as Detroit’s primary knockdown three-point threat and an example of the veteran additions supporting the Pistons’ young core.
    But you've got Duncan Robinson in that mix. Javvante Green has been a good player for them. They found the right vets that enhance the talents of their young players and they…
  • Tan Langden — Person · Referenced front-office executive (Pistons) (name likely mis-transcribed) · 2 mentions · first at
    Credited with roster construction and hiring decisions (e.g., JB Bickerstaff), framing Detroit’s team-building approach; transcript spelling suggests this may refer to Trajan Langdon.
    One, he hired JB Bickerstaff after Bickerstaff was fired in Cleveland. Like Cleveland just they ask JB when he gets to the second round of the playoffs. Was there four and a half years Detroit was.

Companies & orgs

  • Warriors — Company · Business focus · 9 mentions · first at
    Shortened name for the Golden State Warriors, discussed in the same context.
  • Golden State Warriors — Company · Business focus · 2 mentions · first at
    Discussed in the context of their current performance and future prospects in the NBA.
    Over the last few weeks. things have kind of come together. They've gotten some good chemistry. Steph Curry playing like the all-star starter that he is.

Concepts & topics

  • Bad Boys — Concept · Strategy · 1 mention · first at
    Referenced as a nostalgic era and playing style that the Pistons are leaning into.
    Have got like they are leaning all the way in to this bad boys nostalgia. And that's a smart play because the Bad Boys was that was the most popular era in Pistons history. but not only they leaning into it, they play like it.

Places & events

  • NBA Finals — Event · Core topic · 2 mentions · first at
    Mentioned as a significant event in the context of team strategies and aspirations.
  • Detroit — Place · Setting · 10 mentions · first at
    Discussed in relation to the Pistons' performance and the press room at Little Caesars Arena.
    Three-point line because it's it's the only thing they're missing really. And what I've heard is the feeling in Detroit is kind of like we heard about Oklahoma City last year…
  • Little Caesars Arena — Place · Setting · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned as the venue with the best press room in sports history.
    They're playing some good basketball right now. But I was in Detroit for, the, last, few, days,,, enjoying, the press room at Little Caesars Arena which is free, pizza, the, greatest, press, room, in, sports.
  • Oklahoma City — Place · Referenced location · 3 mentions · first at
    Mentioned in the context of team strategies and comparisons with other teams.
    Only thing they're missing really. And what I've heard is the feeling in Detroit is kind of like we heard about Oklahoma City last year or about Houston last year even, which…
  • NBA Cup — Event · Referenced event · 2 mentions · first at
    Mentioned in passing as part of the discussion about team performance.
    Agree with them. The Knicks, they've probably always had these problems. They were just masked by the fact they were making shots early in the season.

Full transcript with timestamps

All right, Rachel Nichols, Fox Sports One. Hello. All the smoke. Monumental Sports Network. I gotta read your bio before I

say, you, don't, have, to, do, this, every time. I, know., I, like, to, do, it., I, like, to,, you know,

put, out, your, credentials, out, there,, what you're working on these days. You know not that people people more likely to recognize you on this camera than they are. Recognize

I, feel, like, if, you're, here,, you, probably know who I am. That's, true., That's, true., Uh,, before, we get into the show, I got to tell you this. I I took my first Whimo today.

You, did? I, took, a, Whimo, to, the, studio., Can, you explain because some people don't even have that in their area. You say what it is.

Most, don't., Whimos, are, the, new driverless Ubers. Basically, ride shares, which I guess aren't really shares. They're just rides.

Um, with, no, driver., Uh, these, cars, are, all over downtown Los Angeles. They're all over San Francisco. I think they're in Austin Texas too.

Is, that, the, third, place? Um I, I've, always, They're, a, little, weird looking because they've got all the bells and whistles.

Well,, they, got, a, bunch, of, cameras, on, the side so they can sense what's going on. Uh, I had never taken one up until this point.

Where, did, you, ride?, Did, you, ride, in, the back seat or the front seat? Back, seat., Back, seat., I'm, not, Yeah,, I don't know. It's just weird. Like sitting in the front seat looking over and like I don't know.

You, can, actually, ride, in, the, driver's seat if you want. If that makes you feel better seat. No, I back seat. But like bottom line, it was great. It was great.

It's, fantastic. Like, I, I, I, don't, have, enough, good, things to say about this from a bunch of perspectives. First of all, everyone feels they can drive better than a robot.

Yeah., If, that, were, true,, then, the statistics of robot driving versus human driving wouldn't be in the robot's favor. Yeah, robots are safer and they are programmed not to get mad when someone cuts them off and they are programmed to sort of stop at the stop sign in the proper way and all that stuff.

Also,, if, you're, a, woman,, frankly,, or someone with kids, um there's been a lot of Uber assaults and driver I mean just getting into Think about this. When you're a kid, you were told over and over again, don't get into a car with a stranger. And for the last 10 years we've had people getting into cars with strangers. And by the way, the vast majority have gone very smoothly. But you can look at the numbers there, too. Like there is there's actually been an uptick in assaults and stuff and Ubers recently. And it's a very safe way to travel, but the safer way to travel is when there's nobody else in the car with you. I I like it for look Ubers, lifts car, ride shares, a lot of variance there, a lot of variabilities that could be there. Um, you could get a chatty driver. I'm not I'm not down with the chatty driver. I'm not I'm not here for you.

You, could, get, some, unique, smells in, some, of, these, cars, as, well., The, Whimo experience was uniform. It was a nice clean. I think they're Jaguars. Are they Jaguars?

They're, nice, cars., Yeah., Um, nobody talking to you except for like the voice saying, "Buckle your seatelt."

And, it, was, a, clean, ride., Drop, you, off. Get out. I, think, it, was, right, around, the, same price., I'm, down., I'm, going to, take, it. Going back.

One, more., One, more, convert., I am, a, convert., Bring, on, more, Whimos. Whimo to America. You can sponsor the show by the way, if you want. I'd be happy to.

Uh,, you, can, pay, me, in, like, coupons, or, you, know,, free, rides., Um,, all right., We have a lot we want to get into today. Uh we're going to talk a little bit uh about the Jimmy Butler injury, which of course is crippling for the Golden State Warriors. The Knicks continue to be in a freef fall. I don't know where that loss to Dallas ranks in recent franchise history, but it's got to be in the top five. Like that was a bad bad loss uh to Dallas. And the Charlotte Hornets

yes, break, up, the, Horn., Don't, break, up, the Hornets because they've been broken up before many times over, but they're playing some good basketball right now. But I was in Detroit

for, the, last, few, days,, uh,, enjoying, the press room at Little Caesars Arena which is

free, pizza, the, greatest, press, room, in, sports history. All Little Caesar's food wings, pizza, different kinds of pizzas. They've got a salad bar that you shove fried chicken onto. Like, it is the best press room, bar none. But the team

it's, gotten, pretty, damn, good,, Rachel. They are. And, and, they're, good, in, a, way, that modern NBA teams are not supposed to be good. They are zigging when every other team is zagging. They are a team that plays inside the three-point line. They are a team that pounds the paint. They are a team that defends the paint. They have got like they are leaning all the way in to this bad boys nostalgia. And that's a smart play because the Bad Boys was that was the most popular era in Pistons history. Um but not only they leaning into it, they play like it.

They've got a siriness to them, a physicalness to them. One through five. They got a 68 point guard in Kate Cunningham. Jaylen Durren physical. Isaiah Stewart physical. Oscar Thompson physical. Um, modern NBA teams don't win this way. They win like the Celtics like the Warriors. Uh, but the Pistons are putting a big bet that they don't need to be a prolific three-point shooting team to be successful at the highest level. Are you buying the strategy? I mean, they're number one in the East right now. Can you win in today's NBA playing the way the Pistons do?

I, think, the, strategy, is, great, for, the roster they have, right? And the question I have is, do the Pistons look at this upcoming couple weeks before the trade deadline to add another shooter so another scorer who maybe can operate a little bit more outside the three-point line because it's it's the only thing they're missing really. And what I've heard is the feeling in Detroit is kind of like we heard about Oklahoma City last year or about Houston last year even, which is, you know, hey we're going to see what we have. We're gonna see how these young guys play under playoff pressure and then we'll figure out the next season what we should do. In Oklahoma City's case, just staying with what they had largely, you know, after the Ax Cruiser trade was basically, hey, we'll get to a title.

Houston, they figured out, huh, we need to make a move here. And that's when Kevin Durant came in. Um, I I just don't know if in this year, in this situation where the East is such a mess and everybody else is such a mess, maybe you don't wait and see what you have. Maybe you do make a trade for sort of a second after Cade. And in doing that, you will get to the NBA Finals. That might be worth it. When was the last time the franchise was in the NBA finals? Early 2000s.

04., When, the, CH, 04 No,, no,, no., Weren't, they?, They, in, the finals before after that I don't remember. No, the the the going to work Pistons, the Ben Wallace rip. I thought they got there. I thought they got there one more year. Maybe not. Anyway, um that that Yeah, I mean the idea of being in your first finals in 20 years is good for your franchise. So, I I just I agree with the let's see what we've got method for a team like this in general. I think it would be the smartest play in any other year. I don't know. What do you think? Do you think that they should make a big trade? I I think you're dead on with their mindset. I talked to a lot of people in Detroit over the last few days and they do see this as the kind of year where they ride it out and see how well these pieces perform in the playoffs. See if they learn something which I think they did from losing to the Knicks in the playoffs last year. Um

I I do agree with you. They're probably a one more three-point shooting threat away from being really dangerous right now. Duncan Robinson's kind of the only guy that, you know, plus 40% from three-pointer. I think he's right around there.

Um,, that, you, would, consider, a, knockdown shooter. They got other guys that can shoot, but he's the one guy that you would consider a shooter. But the Pistons,

they, really, love, this, roster, almost almost to a fault. Like they they love the makeup of this team. They love the chemistry of this team. You spend some time in that locker room. These guys they really some great connectivity. One of the great things that well Tan Langden does some really good things. One, he hired JB Bickerstaff after Bickerstaff was fired in Cleveland. Like Cleveland just they ask JB when he gets to the second round of the playoffs. Was there four and a half years Detroit was right there to pick him up. That that was a feather in the cap of Tan Lang.

And he's also, you know, put the right veterans on this roster. Last year it was Tobias Harris and uh Malik Beasley and uh Tim Hardaway Jr. this year. Harris is still there and Harris has been a great vet. Harris is still there. Uh but you've got Duncan Robinson in that mix. Javvante Green has been a good player uh for them. They found the right vets that enhance the talents of their young players and they look they think and they think correctly that they can win the East with this group. They're three and one against Boston this year.

The Knicks are a mess. The Bucks are a mess. Is, Jason, Tatum, coming, back? Well,, I, mean, that's, a, separate conversation, but they're

not, though., It, is., It's, actually, not, a separate conversation. Even with Tatum back, I would still make the Pistons a slight favorite over the Celtics because I think the Pistons front court and physicality is a real problem for Boston. Like especially their bigs. The Celtics I was at that game on Monday and every time like the Celtics got in so much foul trouble early on. Every time like one of their bigs failed to come up with a rebound, Joe Mazulo's looking down the end of the bench like who's next? Like let's go get Jordan Walsh in there. Sam Hower, you're in and out.

Name is Kea, you're in and out. Luca Garza, you're going to get some minutes. I think that front line of Detroit is going to be a problem for this version of the Celtics if they can get another big in Boston.

Yeah, maybe, that's, a, different, conversation. I, only, asked, because, Jason, Tatum, worked out the other day in front of

Oh,, he, did, that, on, purpose. Of, course, he, did., You, know,, I, mean,, the Celtics are the masters of doing things in secret, right? I mean, you only see what they want you to see. And he had a full

45, minutes, 45, minute,, you, know,, practice, basically in front of the media. media to your point, media never gets to see this. Media, occasionally, [clears throat], sees Tatum putting up some shots, but the media is usually restricted to these videos that Tatum posts on his YouTube page.

Right., So,, this, was, very, much, a statement. And I guess that's a little bit why I'm wondering sort of where Boston is inquiring a big where Detroit is and do we need I mean they kind of need the opposite thing of each other.

Yeah., um, in, a, year, where, I, mean, we'll talk about the Knicks like there's not that many contenders to get to the finals and getting to the finals is a big deal even if you don't think you can win or even if everybody else doesn't think you can win.

Yeah., I, I, look, if, I'm, Traan, Langden, I ride this out. I I see I see what I got. Like

I, mean, I, think, that's, what, they're, going to do. The, East, is, is, self-destructing, around the Pistons. I mean yes Boston is a wild card with Tatum. I'll agree with that. Although Tatum, like I don't know where he is exactly, but I I keep getting told by people, don't expect him back any imminently. Okay? There's still some boxes to check. I think I wrote that in my newsletter this week. Like still some boxes to check

with, Jason, Tatum., Um, and, when, he, comes back, you can't expect him to be anything more than like 75%.

No,, but, just, the, defensive, pressure, he's going to take off of Jaylen. I, agree.

I, mean,, against, the, the, Pistons,, like Jaylen's getting took Jayen at 32 points. They need 28 shots to get there. Like

Pistons, will, live, with, that., they'll live with that type of of, of, output., Um,, I, just, think, for Detroit, you can probably get to the finals with this team. Kate Cunningham is a legit top 10 guy. Absolutely.

Duran, is, a, monster., He, should, be, an all-star this season. And, look,, you, get, to, the, finals

and, god, knows, what, kind, of, guerilla warfare like the Western Conference team that comes out is going to have to go through. Like they're going to come out whether it's like Oklahoma City, Denver the Lakers, the Rockets, you name it. Like they're gonna have to come go through hell for the beginning of the first round. Then they're gonna have to go through hell and hello, here come the Pistons who are going to beat the crap out of you over six, seven games. Like

I, think, if, you, you're, Detroit,, I understand that the pathway is narrow but you can see a championship with this group. Like you can see it. They're still young. They're still

uh, there's, still, a, lot, of, development needs to be done. But if, you, get, a, shopworn, version, of Oklahoma City or Denver in the finals you can you can clobber them some more and pull out a win.

That's, a, valid, point., That's, not something that I've given a lot of thought to. Like the idea that whoever comes out of the West could be beaten up and possibly have a star injured someone big on their team injured

that, could, be, a, different, pathway, than we expect for an Eastern Conference team. I just I like Detroit so much. And so part of me is just like, let's go for it. Let's go for it. But I do understand they kind of feel like they're going for it even without making a move. And a lot of it's going to rest on Jaylen Duran because, you know, can he develop even more? Can he do even more? And maybe this is the group. I don't know. I I just think there's there's and we're talking as said we're going to talk about it, but like the East is like a mystery right now.

Yeah. And, it's, kind, of, hard, to, future, plan. No., Kate, Cunningham, is, such, a, stud though. Like he was horrible shooting the ball against Boston. Could not buy a bucket, but he was impactful by having 14 assists and zero turnovers.

He, is, so, good, at, that, impacting, the, the stat sheet in other ways. And it's

he, has, gotten, so, much, stronger,, too. I, Well,, he, was, a, bearer, in, the, be, to begin with. He's a big guy. I I know. It's just so funny that as they started doing better, what last season or the season before, I can't remember. Last season, people were people were like "Man, Kade Cunningham." And you're like "Yeah, he was the number one overall pick." Like, he's that good.

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A tough story developing now in Golden State. The Warriors have been on a run over the last few weeks. Uh things have kind of come together. They've gotten some good chemistry. Steph Curry playing like the all-star starter that he is. And then this week they take a body blow. Jimmy Butler tears his ACL. Done for the rest of the season. Most likely done for the mo uh most of next season. Jimmy's in his mid-30s. These are not injuries that are easy to recover from. 9 to 12 month recovery time is usually uh the window. Uh and now the Warriors are kind of in a predicament. Um you know, they had a narrow path to victory in the Western Conference. That path seems like it's completely gone right now. There were plans to do something with Jonathan Kaminga before the trade deadline just the other night against the against the Raptors. Here comes Jonathan Kaminga off the bench and played pretty well. I mean that was a

bad game. They gave up what 145 points in that game. But Kaminga came off the bench and gave them a spark especially

20, points, in, 21, minutes,, seven, of, 10. And uh yeah, they had I mean, yes, they lost 145 to 127, which is doing nobody nobody looked good in that game in terms of uh defense. No, but um you know, he led a 30-point comeback at one point. So,

and, Mike, Dunlevy, had, I, thought, the, line of the year, dude and, you, know, what, I'm, talking about.

This, is, fire, in, both, senses. I, think, I, don't, want, to, butcher, the line. So, let's play the clip of what Mike Dunlevy had to say.

Yeah., I, mean,, I, think, as, far, as, the demand, um I'm aware of that. Uh I think when you you know in terms of demands when you make a demand there needs to be demand um on the market. So we'll see where that unfolds but heard um always with these guys I tell them I'm willing to work with them um you know want to help people out uh whether that's JK um or any player on our roster. So we're good with you know if that's his wishes trying to figure that out but we got to do what's best for organization and that's what we'll do. That that was that was something that Mike Dunlevy clearly he knew the question was going to come

and, he, had, that, answer, ready, to, go. I, mean, it's, great. And, by, the, way, I, I, just, I, feel, like, we should be I know the whole game especially in these couple weeks before the trade deadline. It's kind of like John Morant coming out the other day and being like my heart is with Memphis or whatever he said. You know

there's, literally, been, no, team, that, has emerged that has wanted to trade for him.

True., so, that, of, course, the, player's going to say that. Um to have Mike Don Levy just be honest about this is refreshing at this time of year and I'm

I, was, refreshed., I, also, don't, think, they can trade him now. Yeah,, I, I, don't, Well,, he's, right, that the market doesn't exist. When I've talked to different executives about Kaminga, there are teams that would want him. He's 24 years old, something like that. And there's a belief that outside of Golden State, he can blossom into the 15 to 20 point scorer. He can be a two-way type of guy. Look, he's got incredible athleticism and the offensive talent is there

but, teams, aren't, willing, to, give, draft picks to get Jonathan Kaminga. You could trade Jonathan Kaminga for Malik Monk. You could trade Jonathan Kaminga for some of the Raptors players with years left on their contract or to New Orleans for some mediocre contracts. You're not going to get a Trey Murphy out of New Orleans or Herb Jones out of New Orleans. You're not going to get the kind of impact player that would that before the Butler injury that Warriors thought would would make sense there. They're,

you, know,, really, the, only, way, to, trade Kaminga from what I can gather is if they just want to offload him. It's like you just want to be done with them here. You take this guy, I'll take this guy. We'll wipe our hands. But now though, to your point

what, do, they, do?, Like, the, one, of, the reasons Kaminga, one of the the timing of his recent slide

coincided, with, the, Jimmy, Butler, trade, right? Like he was he just didn't fit playing alongside Jimmy Butler. Now that Butler's gone

you, need, him basically., Yeah., So,, so, let, me, put, the question to you. Like

short-term,, long, term, here., Like, what, do the Warriors do? Like they're clearly out of contention for a title this year. You can't count on Jimmy Butler coming back and being Jimmy Butler next year. Steph Curry is 37 years old. What? Draymond Green mid30s and clearly declining. What do you do? What is the What do you think Mike Dunlevy has to be thinking about this team right now?

It's, hard, for, me, to, answer, that, because I thought they should have done more a couple years ago. Like this is something that drives me crazy. I said it the entire last year LeBron was in Cleveland and still getting to NBA finals. By the way, when you have a player who is going to end up as one of the what top 15 whatever we everyone can argue where he is, but top 15 of all time, you put in every chip you have as early as you can and as long as you can because this is not going to happen again. Look at every franchise that has had one of these guys. They then go through a lull afterward. No matter how much you try to plan, no matter how much you sit there and say, "Oh, we're going to plan for the future. We know he's LeBron's leaving or we're going to plan for the future. We know Steph is going to retire." I mean, there was those conversations what at the beginning of last season where uh Steph and Draymond

were both like, "We don't want them to trade away the future. You know, they shouldn't franchise shouldn't do that." Yes, they should. Absolutely. When you have Steph Curry, you just say, "Damn the torpedoes. Who cares about the four years after he's gone? we can get our draft picks back after that and you make serious moves the entire time until you're done. Now, if they trade Jimmy Butler's contract, which is basically what they would be doing either now or in the summer to your point, Steph's 37. Like, he got injured last year during the playoffs at a critical time. You They just should have done this when he was 35. They should have done this when he was 34.

And it just I I don't know. You win a title in 22 and you gota you gotta go like you got to put the gas down after that

and, say, look, look, what, we, just, did., This is a capable viable team. How do we make sure that we have Steph surrounded by that much talent again?

Does, this, slam, the, door, shut, on, a, on this Warriors dynasty? We've seen Steve Kerr Steve Kerr has

you, know, admitted, the, obvious., Yes,, we are a fading dynasty. This to me is a wrap. Like this is it. The question I think moving forward is how committed are you to Steph Curry retiring in a Warriors uniform? Steph Curry is going to be a starter in the All-Star game. Steph Curry is still the best shooter in the NBA. Steph Curry is still, one, of the, best, clutch, players, in the NBA. Steph Curry is a guy that if you put the right talent around him can still be the number one guy on a team trying to win a championship. There's not that many guys you can say you can make that case for. But even with that talent, it's just hard to see how the Warriors regroup and put a championship team around him. That's the question I would have about the Warriors moving forward. Like how committed are you? And this isn't a conversation for like now.

Like they're not this is this is a conversation for the offices. Why I said long term, right? Like when you look at at at this roster like it may need to result in a tough conversation with Steph Curry. Like how how committed does Steph I don't this is I knew you were going to say this conversation all over again.

I, don't, necessarily, disagree, with, you here. I don't necessarily disagree with you. Like plus Steph Giannis is the one and look Giannis just keeps kicking that door open. Like he keeps kicking it open. Like he does these interviews where he says one thing then he's doing gaggles where he's saying another. Like Giannis is not closing this door. Giannis is out there and this is not going to be a Giannis conversation, but Giannis is out there like basically saying like I don't know like I don't know what's going to happen. Like he doesn't have any say in the matter. He has every say in the matter. Anyway Steph is not saying I want to be gone.

Steph is not putting the pressure on the words. In fact, Steph and Draymond have done the exact opposite.

That, which, by, the, way, is, my, problem. Yes., Steph, have, said, they, have, said, like don't do anything that would turn this team into a bottom feeder for the fi next five years after we're gone.

Why, not? I, don't, disagree, with, you, there, either. I think we're on the same page.

Trade, I, mean, I, just, don't, get, it, when you have Steph Curry and again this is and maybe this is still look at 37 he's still all those things. So maybe you do have this conversation again in this off season. Okay. So Steph Curry goes and wins you another title with a bulked up roster because you have mortgaged your entire future to get better players around him. Okay. And then what? For the next three or four years after he retires or after he declines or whatever it is, you don't have a team that makes the playoffs.

Okay. I I just I there is no fan in Golden State I can imagine wouldn't make the trade of let's just have one more amazing run with Steph that ends up in a title because we we mortgage the future and then for the next three years sits around and and you know look fans will complain about anything because it's miserable to live through a rebuilding cycle but it every team goes through a rebuilding cycle and I would certainly trade okay we have to go through another rebuilding cycle. The first rebuilding cycle in what? How many years? Since 2015.

Yeah. Like, we, have, to, go, through, our, first rebuilding cycle and at that point it'll be 10 12 more years

because, we, got, we, did, the, best, we, could. And by the way, not just the best for the fans and getting another title. But don't you owe it to him? He built that arena. He has made them more money than you could ever expect. Don't you owe it to him? no matter what he says, cuz he's always going to say the right thing to absolutely triple quadruple down on we can do this one more time with Steph. And I guess my frustration is I don't know at this phase of where their team is and what they have and his age if that's even possible anymore

in, terms, of, roster, building., But, I, I just I I don't understand why this didn't, you know, they lucked into Jimmy Butler in a lot of ways.

And, that, kind, of, gave, you, an, almost false sense of, hey, they really are loading up around Steph, but they could have done it all the way. They could have done it more.

You, know,, where, I, think, this, team, went wrong, and not went wrong, I guess what when we look back at the recent history of the Warriors, the one of the great whatifs, I think, and this is applicable to both teams I'm going to mention here. um not doing a deal for Lowry Markin a couple of years ago. Yes, you remember they were talking intensely about that.

Throw, more, at, Utah., By, the, way,, the Warriors have not drafted well recently. So, I would

give, up, one, of, the, one, of, the, hiccups, to that deal is, that, they, didn't, want, to, give, up Brandon Pajinsky, who at that time was coming off, I think, a really good rookie year. Now, he's kind of leveled off since then. Um but that would have been a deal that made sense for both teams. like the Jazz who I know under Danny A very tough to deal with as Danny has often is but the Jazz would have gotten some young piece some draft picks not had to give Larry Markin a contract that I still don't think makes any sense for them and Golden State would have gotten it all

perfect, example, we, want, to, hold, on, to pods because he's a good young player screw that I'm sorry I agree but you you get the better older player around Steph when you can every minute you have with a legend like that playing at the level he's playing. I I just I don't get it.

No. So,, would, you, trade, Jimmy's, contract this this summer? To, who?, Like,

I, mean,, there's, always, someone, who, wants to absorb money. I, I, don't, know, what, you're, getting, back for that. Like, I don't think there's a deal that

it, just, clears, up, room, to, go, get, someone else. Yeah., But, I, I, don't, know., I, I, I, just don't I don't think there's a deal out there that they can make given their talent that they have to deal that makes them substantly better. I I think, you know, if that window was just slightly open, it's now completely shut. I don't think And I think what the real conversation is is this summer when they have to really evaluate where they are.

They're, not, going, to, trade, Steph. I'm, not, saying, they're, going, to,, but, I think, like, I, think, that's, I, I I, don't want them to trade Steph.

But, I, think, but, if, this, is, the, f, but this is the future. No,, you, are, rushing, someone, off, of, a stage that they don't

I'm, not, rushing, off, the, stage., I'm, just saying like if you don't trade him

Yes., this, is, what, you're, going, to, be, a team that's clawing its way into the playin mix and a western conference is only getting better like this is who you are.

I'd, rather, do, that, with, Steph, Curry, than accelerate the bottoming out process.

Keep, Steph, keep, you, probably, would, have kept Paul Pierce and KG back in the day too.

I, mean, look., Yeah,, there, you, go., Yeah,, that's, what I'm saying. Well,, they, I, don't, know., There, was, there was more frustration on both sides at that point. And by the way, that had to depend that that being the success that it was. Getting rid of Paul and KG depended on the enormous stupid decisions of several franchises.

I, agree., But, you, can, always, count, on a, franchise, out, there, to, make, a, dumb decision to overpay and to offer you the sun, the moon, and the stars. I'm just I'm, just, saying., All right., Um,, another team that needs to make a decision.

I, I, I, mentioned, this, at, the, top., I, don't know where this recent Knicks loss to Dallas on Monday ranks um in terms of worst losses in franchise history, but it has to be way up there. The Knicks going into that game were 2-8.

Mhm. Um, their, defense, had, completely cratered. 29th in defensive efficiency going into that game. Yep. Offense is middle of the pack. Not very good either.

They, were, at, home., They, were, healthy. They were playing the zombie Mavericks who were Cooper Flag and a bunch of other guys. And they're down 30 at one point

on, national, TV, on, MLK, day. National, TV which, is, sort, of, I, mean, that, is, that, is

they're, down, 30., I, think, it, was, the first half they were down 30. Like they were getting

their, asses, kicked, [snorts] kicked against the a Mavericks team that has this, much, interest, in, winning., Yes.

For, the, podcast, audience, I'm, going, to zero zero interest in winning. They don't want to win games. They want AJ Demansa. Yes. They want Darren Peterson. They want Cam Boozer. They want a high draft pick. And they went into Madison Square Garden where Naji Marshall seems to have great games all the time. They went into Madison Square Garden and beat the be Jesus out of the New York Knicks. There are some real problems in New York right now. They can't defend anybody. Carl Anthony Towns, he is not on the same page with Mike Brown. You know others have talked about this and I agree with them. The Knicks, they've probably always had these problems. They were just masked by the fact they were making shots early in the season.

They're not making shots right now. Male Bridges, some of his fourth quarter numbers, second half numbers, bad. Jaylen Brunson, all-star starter deserves it. Has not had the same impact on the offensive end of the floor. Um to the Knicks credit, the players are not blaming Mike Brown, but something is a miss in New York. When you watch the Knicks, what are you seeing? They're not blaming Mike Brown to us. Yeah. Which I appreciate.

And, Ramona, Shelurn, at, ESPN, reported, that Jaylen after that game called a players only meeting and the substance of his message was we can't look at the coaches, we have to look to ourselves which is interesting because that implies there had been some looking at the coaches. So look, we know at least with Mike Brown and Cat that has been an issue. It's been an issue since the beginning of the season coming out of training camp. cat saying the equivalent I'm not going to quote him exactly but something like I don't know what my role is here

um, you, know a, lot, yeah, not, on, the, same, page defensively that kind of thing um look this is a team if you have a team with Carl Anthony Towns and Jaylen Brunson you have decided that one of your defensive strategies is to have to play balls to the wall defense every night effort right and that is what we are not getting from the Knicks right now. So against the Mavericks, they were 32-4 in fast point breaks. 32-4. That is an effort stat. The Knicks need to have 100 110% effort every night on defense. It's kind of Lakers problem too, right? If you have a team that is built in a certain way that you have prioritized offense over defense, and that's what a cat trade was you have to play all out New York as we saw them at times over the last few years. No one is going to bleeping get a get it over on us on our court, right? I mean, that is that has been a character trait of the Knicks, and I understand

why the front office thought they could lean into that and bring Cat on board but it's not how they're playing right now. They are not playing with that toughness that made New York fall in love with this group of players. And I don't know if it's some sort of protest against the coaching staff. I don't know if they're tired. I mean, this is a team that for the first chunk of the season this roster played well enough to be at the top of the East at times, win the NBA Cup. So, they're capable of it.

I, mean,, they're, capable, of, it., And, there was the banner, Dolan. There was a quote coming out of practice yesterday, I think,, where, one, of the, guys,, I, forget who said it, was maybe McBride, I don't know. I don't want to incorrectly quote anyone. Um, who said, you know, we got a little got a little careless after winning the cup or something to that nature, but I I just

stupid, careless, after, winning, the, cup, but, or, just,, you, know,, too, excited, or too kind of could didn't come down from it, you know, the right way.

Also, stupid again., Yeah,, I, know., But, I, don't, I, don't want to misquote him because I don't have the quote in front of me. Um but uh this is a group that is capable of getting back to that level.

Um, is, it's, just, effort., It's, just trying. Yeah., Um they, have, to, try, more.

Mike, Brown. I, mean,, come, on,, man., 32, to, four, on, fast break., Great, number., Um,, Mike, Brown, is, a really nice guy and a really good coach who I I I think is is is not the wrong fit for this team. I think he's a good fit. That being said, how Mike Brown handled the game in Golden State

was, among, the, most, insane, things, I've seen this season. So, you have Draymond Green who clearly hates Cat. like something going on there. Long-term hatred. Never apologizes for it either. Just yep. Says what he says. Um he tries to drag Carl Anthony Towns by the leg during that game. Grabs him right by the leg. Dangerous play. Very dangerous play. Like you know guy 7 foot 250ish like you can get hurt that way.

Um, after, the, game Mike, Brown, is, on, camera, hugging Draymond. I know they played they player coach. Mike was an assistant on that cur staff for multiple years. won championships, all that. But Draymond Green just tried to take down one of your stars. Yeah.

And, you, hugged, him, afterwards., And, then at the press conference, Mike Brown dismisses Draymond's antics

as, just, that's, how, Draymond, plays, and then turns it on, Carl, Anthony, Towns., I, mean,, that, was Rachel.

That, or, that, should, have, been, whiffle ball for Mike Brown. Yeah. That should have been the easiest way in the world to back up your star. Don't hug Draymond after the game. Get in his face a little bit after the game. Say that's Draymond. you shouldn't do. You shouldn't be grabbing my guy like that. And then when you're teed up on it afterwards by a reporter again, whiffle ball, you should have said that was nonsense. That was that could have hurt my guy. Draymond should be fine suspended. He should have gone after even if he didn't believe it.

Yes, that, would, have, been, an, easy, way, to, make nice with Draymond Green. And he didn't do it. I was astonished by that.

But, you, know, that, and, I, know, that., So therefore, I know Mike Brown knows that right? So, the fact that he didn't do those things, not an accident, not oops I forgot. Right. Look, everybody is human. Coaches are human. Front office people are human. The Dallas Mavericks traded Luca Donuch because they were frustrated with him. That I mean, that's it. That's that's the answer. They were frustrated with him. It is a crappy reason to make that trade. It was a terrible trade. Mike Brown from the outside appears frustrated with Cat and you are less likely to defend someone or you know punch in the air for them if that's how you feel. Again, everyone's human in this situation and I just it was crazy to watch that happen. I totally agree with you. But also it was clearly for a reason and and maybe not even consciously in the moment that Mike Brown decided, "Oh, I'm going to act this way. But something made him

act that way. And again, I think we we don't quite take into account all the time what the day-to-day frustration is. We talk about it on the players side. They're frustrated with the coach. John Morance's frustrated with the coaching the style or whatever, or they've lost the locker room or however we say it. Coaches get frustrated, too. Front office people get frustrated, too, and sometimes make not the best decisions because none of us make the best decisions when we're angry or frustrated. And that was not a good decision on Mike Brown's point. And the fact that they then went to Sacramento after that game and Mike Brown is sort of celebrated in his homecoming there I'm sure didn't help either.

I, think, when, the, history, is, written about this season, however it plays out next year and beyond that game against Golden State is going to be a flash point. Like how

they, were, losing, before, that. Forget, no,, I'm, not, saying, the, result. How Mike handled the Draymond thing.

Yeah. Like, I, I, have, not, talked, to, anybody, in Towns's camp about this, but I can't imagine that sat well with him. No

like, I, can't., And, look,, whatever, you think of Carl and how he's played, you can't win without him. You can't do anything without him playing at a high level. I I I honestly was just all the coaches we've covered over the years.

Mhm. I, I'm, sure, that, 90, plus%, of, them, would have handled that interaction differently.

Yes. Easily, would, have, not, hugged, Draymond and would have backed up their guy.

But, what, I'm, saying, is, I, think, Mike Brown would have handled that interaction differently on a different day.

You, think? Yeah., I'm, I'm, sure, Mike, Brown, is, looking back at that night and thinking

I'm, sure, he, regrets, it, now., I, just, can't believe he did it in real time. Like he had two chances to he had time to let it settle and he he he could have backed up Draymond the presser. Forget the hug right? You know the hug that happens in the moment you run into a guy. But at the press conference, he is telling

reporters, that's, just, Draymond. Yeah, Draymond, being, Draymond., But, Town's, got to play better. Come on. Like come on with that. Again, I think yes, 90 something 95% of coaches would have done that

differently,, but, that, includes situation. I, mean,, but, that, includes, Mike, Brown. Like I I am sure that if Mike Brown had that night to do over again, he would do it differently. But again, people are human and when you're upset and frustrated, again, all of this is pointing to me of no, the Knicks have not come out and thrown Mike Brown and her staff under the bus. And that's probably because they don't deserve to be thrown under the bus. But there's clearly tension there because Mike Brown isn't defending his player because Jaylen Brunson is saying in a players only meeting, "Hey, we can't worry about the coaches. We have to worry about ourselves." That that all says something even if they're not saying it out loud.

I, don't, think, a, trade, is, coming, though. Um I know Nick's fans are probably clamoring for one. Um

yeah,, you, came, out, and, said,, "So, there's Steve Pa who covers the team every day and has forever. Um came out and wrote that he expected that that the Knicks are what? Shopping. I have it here actually. Um, discussed a Carlin Anthony Towns trade with the Memphis Grizzlies Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets among others. Also came up when discussing potential Giannis and Tuba trades with the Bucks, which we know.

Um, Nick Source told Popper that the team is not actively shopping towns, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they're not discussing. and you came out and said yesterday

I, Yeah,, I, wrote, in, my, newsletter, that, I from what I'm told the, Knicks, focus, has, been, kind, of nibbling on the fringes. Like they've got um Gershon Yabiselli who unsurprisingly was not a great signing.

Um, and, they've, got, Dier,, the, young, kid who they can dangle in a deal, get to about like I think it's like $8 million in a trade. They're looking for another ball handler. They're looking for perimeter shooting. you know, Jordan Clarkson, another guy that I didn't think I didn't think it was going to make an impact early and he hasn't shot the ball well um this season. So they're looking for somebody to supplement be the seven eighth guy uh off that bench. They're not looking to deal Duce McBride who's got a great contract and and they want to keep him.

The Town stuff like you know they know that at some point if they want to do a deal for Jianniso, you've got to have Towns on your roster because you've got to make the money work. Like Towns has a huge contract. Like it's going to take towns probably male like male Bridges some other pieces. They don't have draft capital that they can deal. Not significant draft capital like they got that Wizards pick but

you, see, what, Trey, is, out, till, are, they going to reevaluate after the All-Star break.

I'm, so, happy, about, this. I, told, you, this, though., I, told, you, this. They were never going to play Trey Young.

Dude,, I'm, I'm, I'm, not, going, to, feel, good about this until the last day of the season. I I just need

You, or, I, have, a, better, chance, of, playing for the Wizards than Trey Young does.

That, That's, fine., That, is, fine, with, me if they just this pick needs to stay. And by the way

I, mean,, yeah, they, traded, away, the, guy, that, was helping them win, CJ McCollum, was doing a lot for that team. Now you keep Trey like Trey, we're gonna I think they I don't I'm paraphrasing, but like they'll think about it after the All-Star break. I think after the All-Star break, you might hear about like

look,, he's, had, knee., I, don't, know, what you're talking about. They're, going, to, send, him, to, Germany, for that PRP, the old stuff.

I, don't, know, what, you're, talking, about. He's had serious knee issues and you don't want to hurt your new asset. And I just think they're being responsible.

Well,, you, can, uh and, I, want, them, to, keep, being responsible until the last day of the season.

If, you're, a, Wizards, fan, keep, being, very, responsible. If, you're, a, Wizards, fan,, don't, be concerned about losing that draft pick.

I, I, think, if, you're, a, Wizards, fan,, you have been beaten down over four decades of not even making the conference finals. And anything bad that could happen is a fear that it will happen. So my concern is well earned

and, I, want, this, franchise, to, keep, being very responsible about Trey's in

said, like, a, a, friend, of, the, franchise. Just, saying. Said, like, a, friend, of, the, franchise.

Said, like, a, native., Said, like, someone who would like some, tough, times., I, agree, with, that.

Sad., Sad., John, Wall's, coming, back, next week. That's exciting. And, there's, your, wizards, talk, for, the week.

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "Detroit Is Playing Inside the Three Point Line | Rachel Nichols & Chris Mannix"?

Rachel Nichols (Guest), Chris Mannix (Guest).

What is "Detroit Is Playing Inside the Three Point Line | Rachel Nichols & Chris Mannix" about?

The discussion centers around the introduction of Whimos, a new driverless ride-sharing service, as Rachel Nichols shares her positive experience riding in one. The conversation also touches on the evolving technology of autonomous vehicles and societal perceptions regarding their safety and efficiency compared to human drivers.

What is mentioned in this Sports Illustrated episode?

19 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Rachel Nichols, Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Mike Brown, Warriors, Carl Anthony Towns. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Detroit Is Playing Inside the Three Point Line | Rachel Nichols & Chris Mannix"?

The episode runs 41 min; the transcript is about 8,547 words in 159 timestamped sections.

More from Sports Illustrated

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated January 25, 2026.