Hard Screens Podcast: Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, MVP Talk

By Colby Giacubeno | Feb 26, 2016

Dec 20, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (L) high-fives Hassan Whiteside (R) in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trailblazers at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /

The Hard Screens Podcast returns as Shane Young and I talk a plethora of topics in the NBA as we enter the last quarter of the regular season.

This week’s podcast kicks off by taking a look at the Miami Heat. What will happen with Chris Bosh? If he misses the rest of the season, can they still be considered a dangerous team in the playoffs?

Hasaan Whiteside has been downright dominant since the All-Star break averaging 21.6 points and an absurd 18 rebounds per game, but does he become a liability defensively against smaller lineups? Goran Dragic has been brilliant in Dwyane Wade‘s absence, should Erik Spoelstra consider playing them separately more often?

The Detroit Pistons are doing all they can to stay in the playoff hunt. The Charlotte Hornets have been hot (7-3 in their last 10 games), but the Pistons remain just one game behind and will look to make a push in their final 24 games. The acquisition of Tobias Harris before the trade deadline could actually help them immediately rather than waiting until next season. Shane and I discuss this in depth.

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We also cover some award conversations including Coach of the Year and MVP. Terry Stotts has been working miracles in Portland. After losing 4-of-5 starters last summer, the Trail Blazers were projected to be one of the worst teams in the league.

What about Brad Stevens? He’s one of the most intelligent coaches the NBA has to offer and helped make Isaiah Thomas an All-Star this year. Besides Thomas, the roster is comprised of a bunch of role players who have managed to hold onto third place (34-25) in a much tougher Eastern Conference.

The Most Valuable Player Award is one that always causes a debate. But what if we took the award literally for value? Damian Lillard would have a strong argument to be considered. However, that’s not how the award is decided, so Shane and I give our top five candidates eligible for this season’s MVP.

More hoops habit: NBA Power Rankings: Week 18

Towards the end of the podcast, we touch on Jahlil Okafor and the Sixers possibly giving up on him if an attractive trade comes along. Can he adjust to the complex defensive sets of the NBA?

Don’t forget to follow Shane (@YoungNBA) and I (@ColbyG_NBA) on Twitter to stay up-to-date with all of our latest articles and future episodes!