Kiki and Sonia are All-Stars, the Wizards Trade for Cam Whitmore and Ship Out Kelly Olynyk

Isaac, Troy, and Wardell lead off the latest episode of the show by recapping the last week of Mystics basketball, which leads to a discussion surrounding the team's two rookie all-stars: Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron (09:35). After that, the crew breaks down the Wizards recent trade with the Rockets to bring home DMV-native Cam Whitmore (21:41). They also discuss Washington's decision to move Kelly Olynyk to San Antonio (28:14).

Also on today's show:

(35:53) 👑 King of the Court of all-time Las Vegas Summer League players

(49:05) 🎤 Trivia Time from the Line on the past Summer League scoring leaders

(59:38) ⏱️ The Last Shot

It’s basketball with the signature beltway flair, banter, and bold opinions. Let’s hoop.

Chapters

• 0:00 Mystics Last Week
• 9:35 Kiki Irafen and Sonia Citron named as WNBA All-Stars
• 21:41 Cam Whitmore trade reactions
• 28:14 Kelly Olynyk trade reactions
• 35:43 King of the Court: All-Time Summer League Rosters
• 49:05 Trivia Time from the Line: Summer League Edition
• 59:38 The Last Shot

Transcript

0:02

Five days. You work one whole day to day. Come on. In five days, you work one whole day to play. Come on, everybody, play your roller to it. Saturday. Saturday. Saturday. Saturday. Saturday. Saturday. Day. Saturday. Saturday. Good morning. DC. Time to wake up and enjoy another beautiful day in the capital city. And, well, capital city capital. That's right. It's time for the Capital Hoop Caucus. And I am Wardell McCabe. As always, I'm joined by my two co-hosts. First is a man who was looking to invest in selling seashells by the seashore. It's Isaac Guimaraes, and to his left is a man who was looking to invest in packs of pickled peppers. It is Troy Halliburton. Gentlemen, we enjoyed the heat this fall. So far this season. It's too hot. Too hot. It's too hot right now. I'm not feeling it, man. I'm just glad it's not raining every single day anymore. I know, man. Oh, my goodness. We had that week long stretch of thunderstorms that seems to be easing up and to ease up. What better way to enjoy the day than with this episode of the Capital Hoop Caucus? And for those who are just joining us for the very first time, who do not know who we are. Well, we're three hoop heads from the DMV who are set on the path to becoming the absolute best basketball player on the radio in the entire D.C. area. And we're really glad that you are joining us on this journey. And, well, with that in mind, let's go ahead and start off today's show, because there's a whole lot for us to get through because we're going to be breaking down some of the Wizards recent trades, some that we really weren't expecting and some that we kind of were a little bit a few listen to a few weeks ago. It's also time for the Las Vegas Summer League, so we'll be building our own all time summer league teams when this week's King of the court. And to close it out, as always, will have trivia time from the line. But before getting into that, there's quite a bit of misses topics to go through. So let's go ahead and kick off the Beltway beat. All right. Let's just first launch with an update on the last week of mystics play. And for everyone's reference, we are actually recording this on a Wednesday. And the will explain a little bit later as to why that is. But since the last time we spoken to you, all mystics have gone one and one. Last week, they had a 7592 loss to the Minnesota Lynx in a rematch of their first game. And then they also had an 8179 win over Chicago at the Eagle Bake Arena. But first, let's just start off with that game against Minnesota. Washington was actually responsible for one of the Lynx two losses this season, that loss coming on June 24th in Troy. When we were recapping that week, you did make it a point to note that one, the feast of Collier was not playing in that game. She did, in fact, play in this rematch. And, well, it didn't go to Mystic Side. So my question to you is, how is it that the mystics adjusted to her playing in this one? Well, I mean, the physicality isn't the, you know, frontrunner for WNBA MVP for for no reason, like, she she really showed that, you know, she she's probably the best player in the WNBA right now with with angles and kind of being in a little bit of a slump. And I think that the mystics really had a chance to, to, you know, touch and feel with one of the great teams in the WNBA. And it really shows them how much, room they have for growth and improvement. I, I have to agree with you. When Nafisa Collier is out there, you're looking at a whole totally different Lynx team. And it's something that this young mystics team couldn't find a way to respond. And when you're playing against an MVP or it was actually gonna be one of the best players to play in this league right now, it does. Sometimes you keep your hands off the wheel like it is what it is. It's one of those moments. Where they couldn't really reach her level in this one, and this was their first time playing her this season. But Isaac, they play her again early next month. What adjustments do they need to make in anticipation for that game? Well, if I'm Sidney Johnson and you know that you have the defensive force of Kiki Raven and Sunny Citroen, my hope is that they put Sonia on her and hopefully Sonia can find a way to try to, like, seal off in force in the physical year to make someone else win the game for them. She had 28 points in this last. In this first time outing against this young mystics team. Find a way to lower her points percentage and make somebody else win the game for them. Somebody else that we wouldn't expect. I would want to put some some size on that, so I would probably look for Shakira to try to try to get in there and try to, you know, push her off her spots a little bit more and, and not really allow her to just, just have her way down low. Well, that's, that's something that I think if we can move on to their mystics win over Chicago, that's something I think that Washington was able to exercise a little bit more, as obviously they went against Chicago's massive front court and Shakira still showed out there. They had their win there. Isaac, what do you think was different in their game against Chicago? I think Shakira just found her way. She had her way. And I think it was more of a mental game toward the end, when you win by free throws. And there's an old saying and phrase that I've learned in high school that there was this fan when I was playing that always say this, free throws win ballgames. And at the end of the stretch, the mystics locked in together and they got it out. A good win. But Shakira Austin had her way down there. And I think she got mentally in range of reasons. Head you know the old school DMV, DMV rivalry and especially in a little more lore to it, angel Reese was her freshman and a former recruit when she was at Maryland. So I guess it got into Angel's head a little bit and they just couldn't convert. I well, it's interesting you bring up Angel, Reese, Troy Angel is a player who over the past month has been stringing together some truly stellar performances. What is it that Washington did in the closing moments of another close game that really stood out to you? The thing that I think that stood out and that game against the sky was the fact that they, they really, kind of forced Angel Reese offer a spot. So, like, she was, she was like the pick and roll game. She was like, really get into the basket early in that first half and really just getting whatever she wanted. And I think that they did a really good job of like forcing her outside of the paint to, to make sure that, okay, if she's, if she's going to get those touches that they at least that she's going to start like, outside the restricted area, not just catching the ball like right below the basket and just being able to lay it up. So I think just being physical with her and, and forcing her to offer spots and, and really, you know, making her have to work to get to the basket. Right. Well, another thing too, I want to bring up from these past two games. And, you know, I think this is something we may have to come up with a new nickname for a member of our show here, but last week we were talking about some rumors that were coming up around a player on this roster right. And I'd asked what would the best solution for her be? How does she she grow from this? And Troy, you mentioned Leah Edwards has the ball out and she's kind of done that and limited stretches these past two games against Minnesota she had 14 minutes, but she had 15 points and she shot 6% from the field against Chicago. She's out four for seven from the field to drop an eight points. So I think I think the prophet may be a new nickname for Troy. I think that could be something that we don him. I think my question to you both, though, is, obviously we mentioned with Minnesota the goal should be to to get big. They have another big on the roster. How do you anticipate them utilizing a player like Lee Edwards in this next game that they have coming up against Minnesota? Yeah, I really think that they need to take advantage of Aleah Edwards is, versatility. The fact that she is, a frontcourt player who has, you know, some guard skills. I think, you know, the thing that makes her special is the fact that, you know, she is so mobile on the perimeter and I think that that was one of the key things that, you know, that that that the mystics looked at when they drafted her last year over injuries is the fact that she had more versatility where injuries is more of a, you know, dominant low post scorer. Whereas Aliyah Edwards has shown the ability to, you know, stretch the defense a little bit and you know, I think that as she has, gotten healthier over the course of this season, that her game continues to, to flourish. And I think that, you know, she she the best has yet to come for what we can see from Ellie Edwards. To add to that and to piggyback on what you said, which just beautifully, articulate to what Aliyah is, she's such a versatile player. And this is this is the reason why the mystic mystics drafted her. She can guard multiple positions and kind of give you a different situationally defensively as a team. I see her kind of helping out on that defense wise. Or you put her straight on with their, with Shakira to where you doubling Nafisa Collier or any of those top level scorers that love the get their way. The difference between her and Angel, we're talking just both players. And why that would make sense is because Angel is not that versatile. When you go into those situations to where, like, okay, if you have someone taking their way, she might be helpful and do that down low. But if, let's say, if he starts pulling up from the wings or any type of player like that, you're kind of stuck. So with Aliyah, her strength is that guarding all multiple positions and also being a perfect help side defense when she's healthy. Yeah, there's no there's no telling the sky's the limit. Well, let's let's shift the conversation toward another member of the front court of the mystics who has been showcasing her own strength so far this season. Kiki area. And as was mentioned earlier, both her and Sonia Citron. They're both All-Stars. This past Sunday, July 6th, it was announced that both of them would be All-Stars, the first rookie teammate duo to be All-Stars since 1999. So this is a pretty massive, massive deal for the team, Isaac, what are your thoughts? Like I've been saying the entire year since the season, coach, rookie of the year, I mean, it's incredible. It shows that the mystics deserve an A-plus of drafting a perfect duo that could I have seen running DC for a long time, especially with Sonia's the way she's playing and she's growing every single game. Like she's not just not just showing that she's A33 player. She is showing that like, oh, I could possibly be the leading scorer at some point. I'm I'ma take over, just give me a couple of years. So that's the beautiful thing about it. But like I've been saying, they're both should be coworkers of the year. All right. We'll see if that narrative sticks. I mean, they have finished in the top three. Both of them for rookie of the month for the first two months of the season. Paige Becker is being the other. So there is still some competition there. It also should be noted. No. No, sorry. It should be no. The Becker's also is an all star. So an all star starter. Yeah. I think that this race is definitely still open. But I think for, for Sonia and, Kiki to be named all stars, I think that it shows that the, the, the, the WNBA coaches are taking notice because they, they're the ones who, voted and for the for the selections for the all star reserves. And I think that they got it right, you know, and I know that that was a great topic of conversation. And, you know, you know, whether the mystics should have had two, all stars, especially, two rookies. But, you know, I think that that Sonia Citron and Kiki Griffin have come out and really elevated the Washington Mystics play over the course of this season. Like when we talk about the mystics coming into this year, they have they had a 14.5 win total. And you know that there already won nine games this year. And I think a lot of that has to do with the play from these amazing rookies. And so you know, shout out to the WNBA coaches for I believe getting it right. Absolutely. And you know, not only were they both selected as All-Stars, they were also both selected by Team Caitlin Clark. So they'll be playing together. Troy, what can the fans expect from these two in this all star game? Yeah, I think that they can expect the same thing they they see from the mystics, these young rookies during the, regular season. I think Sonia Citron is, is really just growing and blossoming into such a wonderful basketball player. And I'm so impressed by her, is that she always makes the right basketball play. Her decision making is, you know, like, is really, I think, her superpower as a basketball player. And to me, I think that as she continues to grow and develop more confidence that she's only going to to be more assertive and, and really go out there and, and show the world that, you know, she can hang on the same level as a Caitlin Clark or a Paige Beckers. I mean, you see her in these closing moments of these games. She's a player who is not scared of the moment whatsoever. It feels like she's stone cold out there. The these, these games, which for Washington tends to typically be within 2 to 3 possessions in the final closing stretch of each game. And she's making the absolute right decisions over and over again. It's pretty remarkable to see. But one thing that I think should be a note is obviously there's always conversations when all star teams are announced, and one of the the easiest conversations to have are players who have been snubbed. And there are some people who think that someone in Washington may have been snubbed. Isn't that right, Troy? Yeah. So there is a lot of conversation on the internet about, Brittney Sykes being snubbed and that, you know, that the mystics had two players make the All-Star team and not and neither one of them was their best player. And to me, I think that the assertion that Brittney size is the mystics best player is just it's just kind of like, I don't know, propaganda at this point because for for a lot of people, who are you know, fans of the mystics and observers, you know, I think that Brittney Sykes, at this stage of the season is probably the mystics, like third or fourth best player. And so, you know, for people to to get so up in arms about, you know, her not making the All-Star team. I think a lot of that has to do with just, you know, how well-liked she is around the league. I think that, you know, people really enjoy, slim as a person. And I think that they, you know, with her being in the WNBA for, nine seasons and not never having made an All-Star, I think that, you know, people saw this as the opportunity, as her best opportunity to make the All-Star team. And so, you know, I think that people are really more just sad for her with her not getting that opportunity. But to me, I like I said, I think that when you look, when you break down some of, you know, her efficiency numbers, you know, you're shooting 36% from the floor, where they're having the highest usage rate on the team leading their team in turnovers. I think that there is a lot to be said about the way that she, plays on the court and how that, you know, some of the things that song is that and Kiki have done have been more impactful to helping the mystics when this season. And so I think that they are well deserving and doesn't mean that slim isn't deserving. I think that, you know, she she'll have more opportunities in the future, but this just wasn't her year. I'd have to agree with you. I think another reason to I think so many people are upset that Sykes wasn't picked is somewhat of a shock of how this season started, right? She has never been known as a volume scorer, and she started this first five games averaging over 25 points per game. Right. That that was crazy. It was absolutely baffling. And she was shooting pretty solid splits. But as I said, she started out over that 24 point per game mark in the first five games. Right now she's at that 17.5 per game mark. So she's really come down a little bit more. And part of that is because of the rookies rising up to their potential, right. They are kind of taking a little bit more of the lion's share of the load here. And I think that's kind of how it should be. She is more of a defensive player. She is more of a player who is, I think, a complementary piece. And we're seeing her really feel that right now in the role that she's adjusted to over the past six or so games. And so I think my question to you, Isaac, is, do we think that a player like Sykes can still fit in with this? The timeline that this team has right now? Yes. But I feel like it's not going to be for very long. I feel like it's like for this year only, Brittney Sykes is serving a purpose as as in the role that she's in currently as a winger. Until Georgia Moore gets back. And then we have to see from there. I don't think Brittney, I don't think the way she's playing right now is a long term solution, nor it will be like realistically given on who they've drafted, who's coming up in the draft that potentially could land in DC. It's a nice stopgap for her and she's having a great year. So I feel like if everyone's saying like, oh, the All-Star should be the one to give her flowers, it should. She's going to get some postseason awards for the way she's playing, without a doubt. Oh for sure. I think if they can make it to the postseason too, I think she'll be the player. That would probably be the most valuable to the squad in that she has the experience of doing so. So I guess my my question to you, Troy, is how is it does this team adjust going forward? And in the short term, now that we know who the all stars of this team are, do we see adjustments on the floor to try to to run the game through Kiki and Sonia in the fourth quarter a little bit more often? Yeah, I think that, there are adjustments to be made, with, with having the ball more in Sonia's hands. As the season, as the season goes on. But I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that, Brittney Sykes also was injured, you know, for, for portions of this season. So she's missed games. And so I think that over the, over the games that she's missed the mystics have really shown that, you know, that they can really move the basketball when when you when you don't have somebody, you know, coming down and, and taking a lot of the shots. You know her shot profile I think is one of the things that is, is concerning for the development of, you know, Sonia with her playmaking skills. And so, like with Brittney being the point guard of the team, but not really focusing on getting her teammates involved, I think is something that the mystics should probably look at, of, you know, trying to course correct over the course of this season. And how would you recommend they try to make those course corrections? I think, to put the ball in Sonia, the hands a little bit more. I think that when you when you come down to these like end of game situations, Sonia has really shown the ability to, to make the correct basketball play and also get her teammates involved. And so, you know, when, when you look at what Shakira did when, when they won the game against this guy that, you know, she was picking and rolling to the basket and and getting fouled. And I think a lot of that comes from being able to move the basketball, not just having them come down and take highly contested, you know, jump shots. And you know, for me, I think that the biggest thing is to just get the movement, the the flow of the offense going in a way that that allows more people on the team to be involved. Well, with a change like that. Isaac, do you think that this All Star weekend can give the team the opportunity to sort of reset itself after the break? Oh, yeah. I mean, a lot of these, it gives them an opportunity to really evaluate. And I probably gives the coaching staff not only just to like the reset and, and like, you know, refresh, but it gives a chance really look at the film and say, all right, where should slim get the get Sonia set up for shot? How does the how like even break it down even further? Like how can we set them up in the right position to score and also get back in transition? Or to even help slim even still score and still shoot at a high, high volume. But you got it now involved these rookies that are now all stars that are now proven and capable to score. So this is a great film. A week of rest, probably at the beach. Or if they decide to go home outside of the market. All right. Well let's let's just loop it back to that all star game before we close out this segment. Troy, I just want to ask you, what's your what's your prediction of next weekend's game. Do you think Team Clark wins it? I think I think Team Clark is going to take it just because that the mystics players are on there. But also Caitlin Clark is going to go out there and put on a show to. So you know I'm excited to to to see you know what Kiki can go out there and do you know playing against some of these the the the bigger name frontcourt players across the WNBA? You know, I think that she's got, you know, her work cut out for her. But, you know, I'm excited to see what both rookies can go out there and do and showcase their talents in front of the league. And I think. I want to believe that Team Clark's going to get it. But I feel like, Team Collier, it's gonna have a little chip on their shoulder. There's a lot of. I've seen some Twitter talk saying that Caitlin only selected her friends or people she felt comfortable with on the roster. So I have a weird feeling that Paige, because she's going to actually try to show out and say, I am the rookie of the year and try to shut me up and prove me wrong, saying there's no coworker of the year. It's not going to DC to come to Dallas. I I'm my money personally is on Collier's team. You're right only because Nafisa Collier is on the team. So I think that I just think the roster is something about it too. And that's a good point. All right. Well that's our topic for the conversation so far. But we're going to take our first break here on the other side of the break. We'll carry on the Beltway beat to break down some of the Wizards trades. You're listening to the Capital Caucus on ESPN. 630 in the ESPN 630 app. What do you got? It can take you to me. Maybe you guys, while I'm at it. Back when I head to head. Good morning and welcome on back into the Hoop Caucus on ESPN 630. I'm Wardell McCabe, and I'm joined, as always, by my two co-host Roy Halliburton and Isaac Guy Jim Harris. Thank you all so much for joining us. As we mentioned at the top of the show, there have been some Wizards trades that kind of came out of nowhere, I would say. And so we're going to go ahead and break them down right here as we continue on with the Beltway beat. But one of those trades brought someone back home to the DMV. Isn't that right, Isaac? Yes. Yes they did. Yes they did. Cam Whitmore is coming home. The the Wizards traded for Cam Whitmore and only sending a couple two second round picks for him. It was a sweet trade. I have to say that first all then he's going to get into it. But it was it was possibly the perfect trade in my opinion too. I think they found their missing scorer. I think they found their missing school. They found their missing. So you agree with that, Troy? I think they found a score. I don't know, I don't know if he's the missing piece for for the Wizards. I think he's he's a flier. I think when you look at, what, Raphael Stone, the the general manager of the Houston Rockets, where he said when, when when asked about, Cam Whitmore, he said that, you know, they wanted a chance to give him to an opportunity to go, play somewhere where he can play and make mistakes and that he wasn't going to have that opportunity to to do that in Houston anymore because they're trying to win a championship now. And so when, when you talk about a player that you know, is not able to play in a playoff rotation for a winning basketball team and that, you know he's going to come here, it's not going to be perfect. Like he's coming here to play through his mistakes. But the what the Wizards are doing is giving them another bite at the apple with an opportunity to to to get a, a future star player. You know, if he can come in and continue to to, to develop as a player and, you know, show that he can do more than just score to basketball. Yeah, I think that's part of the reason why he's no longer in Houston is the fact that, you know, he to me is a little bit one dimensional as a basketball player right now. You know, he he really is solely focused on scoring the basketball. And so you know I think that that scoring is definitely something that the Wizards need. But you know he's going to have to come in and you know adjust his game because you know it's everything isn't about him. And you know while he was traded for by this front office he wasn't drafted by this front office. So I would I would think that, you know, the young players that they draft would, you know, have priority over, you know, a high priority over him as far as, you know, focusing on their development. Well, I think it's interesting you bring up that quote from Raphael Stone. I think some of his words that he exactly said is we're just not in the business of player development anymore. Which one? Credit to them because they should not be. I mean, they should be a contending team, but I think that does, as Troy alluded to there, it does speak to where they feel Whitmore is right now. It's a player who still does need a lot of development. And Isaac, you heard Troy walk through some of what it is that cam is good at. He is a developing scorer. What are the areas of growth that they need to prioritize with him? With him is to kind of have developed that mindset that I gotta find a way to improve. I help my team without scoring. So whether it's just being a two way guy at that 6 or 7 frame that you can play both sides defense. I actually knew a guy, former friend of mine at Villanova who said that that was one of Cam's butting heads with, Kyle Neptune at the time at Villanova, that he thought that he was just so focused on scoring that he wasn't the best two way guy, especially the system like Villanova, where it's like, you kind of got it. It's all for one, two, all for nothing. So the Wizards give have that opportunity to try to develop that into him, try to instill that mindset in like, hey, find ways to help your team win without just scoring the basketball. We're talking about him as a scorer. What kind of scorer is he? Is he someone who can space the floor a little bit? Is he someone who tries to drive inside? He's just he's a classic in my eyes from watching him at Summer League and then just watching him in college and then a little bit of the rockets. He's a classic slasher he can get to. He can get to the basket. He's someone that's like, if you give or take and hopefully refs are nice to him. He's someone that can get pretty efficient when he has a solid mid-range. I think he needs to still improve on that three point shooting, but he's someone like, if you get him going, if he gets a rhythm, he he's kind of hard to stop. All right. Well I think that could be a fun addition to the team is they have players who are really more focused on like passing the ball as opposed to actually putting it in the basket. And so we do need a little bit of that in Washington. I do think it should probably be worth noting. He is one of several wings that is now on this roster. So I think my question, first, Isaac, is where is he even fit in this rotation? Man, I don't know, because like, I do know in my eyes how if I was Coach Keefe, I want to put cam coming off the bench a little bit because you have some vets still there and you still want to develop the guys you have, but maybe, maybe start him a couple games, depending situationally. It's very it's very difficult to see because once again, cam still has a lot of work to do. And when you're trying to mess with that young core and hopefully we see how that fades out. But he's going to be starting in certain situations. I think Cam's best role is to be the microwave scorer off of the bench. I think that, you know, he he really has to develop a lot more parts of his game if he wants to be a starter in the NBA. And I just don't see him being that caliber player right now. I wasn't. He's he's going to be if he's coming off the bench, he's going to be fighting for those minutes and it really will be trial by fire. You know he's going to have to earn those minutes. And it got kind of even more congested after another trade. The Washington broke down through. They ended up shipping off Kelly Oleinik isn't that right Troy. Yeah Kelly Oleinik the Washington Wizard. Grand opening. Grand close. We hardly knew the you know I think that, you know, if you if you looked at Wizards Twitter they were you know up in arms about you know this guy the trade being officially going through. And you know I think that a lot of people still haven't forgiven him for what he did to the Wizards in the game seven of the 2000, 17 eastern Conference semifinals, in which, you know, he just went absolutely berserk. Just hitting three point shots and putting the Wizards out of the playoffs. So, you know, to to me, I think that this was another shrewd, move on the margins, for, for Wil Dawkins. To me, it really wasn't about the player that went out or the players coming in. It's about to me that the the, the cap space that they can create. But by getting rid of Kelly Lennox,$30 million contract, you know, they, they really put themselves in position to, to to be a major player, over the course of this season in the trade market because of, you know, how much cap space they're going to have. All right. Well, I think that's something we probably should note too, is, they did receive players back. It was one player left, two more players came in. This was a roster that was already kind of congested as it was. And right now, as it stands, there's 17 people on a standard contract. It feels like another move has to be made, obviously. And so, Troy, do you have any insight there? Yeah. So what I think people need to realize is that, the way that the way that the NBA rosters are constructed, that you can hold up to 21 players during the off season. And so a lot of these like it's good to have, you know, a high number so that they can come in for, for training camp and, you know, have live bodies, think that they can go out there and play. But there are a few players that are on that roster that are counted that have non-guaranteed money. And so, you know, I would be looking at, you know, guys, a guy like Rashawn Holmes, who, you know, only has $250,000 guaranteed on a on a salary of making 13 million. And so there will be opportunities for the Wizards to, to to be able to, you know, share some of that. Some, some of these roster spots. May shared some of these players today so they can, you know, get the roster down to 15. But, you know, I think that the biggest thing is that they're really, building up this, this sense of competition. And so, you know, they these guys are going to be able to come in and really compete with the with the players that are already here. And then you add in Dylan Jones and you add in, you know, AJ Johnson's and all these other guys that are that they're going to be coming in and competing. So you know that it isn't guaranteed that even a guy like Justin Champagne is going to be on the roster. He's his his contract is non-guaranteed. And so, you know, I think that iron is going to shop an iron. And we're going to see over the course of this summer league, you know, who the Wizards, like, and, you know, they're, they're really competing with each other for their roster spots in their futures in the NBA. Well, I. Think that's why this team is so fascinating. I mean, normally when you have a team that everyone predicts is going to be, again, one of the 2 to 3 worst teams in the league, you're usually accustomed to seeing those teams rosters constructed in a way that purposely tries to tank. But this Wizards team, they're really putting it out there for these players to fight for their spot, to fight for every single last minute. They have to earn everything here. And I think that's going to be really cool to see in training camp and when the season actually starts. But before we get ahead of ourselves, obviously they received some players in this one with both Malachi Branham and break Blake Wesley from San Antonio. Isaac, do you have any insight on those two as players? Those are good guards and good wings that you can add on, and I think they're just going to add on to a very interesting training camp. I think they're both I don't, in my opinion. I don't believe that they will be part of the Wizards roster come start, come October or after training camp. I feel like they're going to be, part of another deal that's pending. But I think it's it's fun to have this. It's fun to have that type of depth, especially. So I'm excited to see what happens. All right. Well, you mentioned they are guards. It should be noted they've got a big man on their roster. How? Troy, do you think this team goes forward with the roster as they have it? Yeah. Well, I mean, Alex is is definitely, you know, luckily, they when they put out the, summer league roster, it showed that Alexander has gained 20 pounds over the course of the season. And so, you know, I think that that is something of note that, you know, he he's going to have to really, you know, get his physicality up and I'm a I'm not man. If the was his winning play like a lot of five out basketball where they you know Alex saw as the lone big man on the on the on the court. And you know that he they have you know four players around him and really focusing on you know, you know, trying to play five out and and and really this this is the modern brand of basketball. When you watch the NBA finals, with the Oklahoma City Thunder versus the Indiana Pacers, you know, that's the kind of brand of basketball that was being played in those games. And, you know, I think that the Wizards are trying to be forward thinking with how they're building this, this team. And so, you know, how is basketball going to be play, you know, in 2027, 2028. You know, they are they develop into players that is going to be conducive to that playing style. And so right now I think that this is a very much an experimental phase for the Wizards. And and as Will Dawkins has alluded to, you know, they're still in their deconstruction phase. And so, you know, being able to go out and, and try to build this sense of competition with the with the young guards will be a big part of what they do to fortify what is they're trying to build, for sure. And I think, as he said, SA will be someone who will be more versatile, use as the sole big man. A lot of these lineups, because I guess it was a little rude of me to overlook it. They do have a Holmes and he is technically a big man and he is still on the roster. But I guess Isaac to close things out for you, summer League is already kicking off for us. Is there a chance that they use this period to to try to gauge whether they can find a backup force? Yes. And not only just from the summer league roster, but I can assure you enjoy. Probably agree with me here. They're probably scouting the other rosters too, as they look, saying, all right, who's over there that we can take in like, I mean, I hate to say this, I'm praying and this is the fan to me, so forgive me. There is a big man on Charlotte that does want to also come home. Shout out to my little brother Josh, do our hopefully comes home, but more than likely not so. But yeah, know I feel like they're going to be scouting as well, looking at the other teams and also just seeing what fits with SA and how, because who knows the five out option might just work for them. All right. Well if you guys needed any reason at home to watch these Summer League games I think we just gave you plenty of reasons right there. Speaking of which, it is Summer League. So we're going to take our break here. When we come back, we'll walk through some of the king of the court action as we go through some of Summer league's pasts and build out our own starting five squads for the all time players in the summer leagues history. This is the capital who caucus on ESPN. 630 in the ESPN 630 app. Different. I never met a girl made to feel the way that you do. You're all right. Never miss commitments. We feel like we do your outside, so be fine. Oh, look, I'm very busy, cause here I come. But I'm. Good morning and welcome on back into the cabin. Luca is on ESPN 630 alongside Troy Haliburton. Isaiah. Guys, Ramirez. I'm Wardell McCabe and folks Las Vegas Summer League is here. And just so everyone knows, we're recording this before the Wizards first game of Las Vegas Summer League. Why? Well, because our hosts have a flight to catch. Isn't that right, Isaac? Yes we do. Troy and I will be covering the Wizards postgame, and a lot of, coverage throughout summer. League will be leaving here shortly, soon. And also giving you some fun, exclusive digital content as well. Yeah, man, get excited to get out to the desert and, you know, get with the movers and shakers in the NBA. This is a the best part about summer league is the fact that every team is out there, every NBA agent is out there, all of the scouts are out there. So this is where you really get the good scuttlebutt and conversations of trying to figure out, you know, what's going on around the NBA. It's going to be like Disney World for NBA fans and, well, for everyone who is wondering what that means, as Isaac and Troy were just saying, they're going to be boots on the ground in Las Vegas for the entirety, not the entirety of Summer League. The first weekend of Summer League. Let me let me not sign you all up for two weeks. That would be crazy. But basically what you all can expect is some social media content. Isn't that right, Isaac? Yes. So out there at Summer League, we're going to be talking to everything from the movers and shakers to even just fans. I know last year I kind of went out there like a lost puppy dog, I found fan, I found, actually Capital City Go-Go fans on the strip, which was very odd. And I also found some Wizards fans that flew out there. So we'll be meeting with some Wizards fans, hopefully some listeners of our show. And as well as all the movers and shakers at this lovely basketball festival or as I call Coachella, the Coachella of basketball and Summer League. So I'm excited for it. You'll be posting things on the social media feed and where can they follow you? Always on Cap Hoop Caucus. X and then also the Capitol Hoop Caucus on Instagram. All right. Cool. And for anyone who, let's say is like me and doesn't follow anything on social media, do not worry, we'll still have some content for you will be dropping a special episode of the Capitol Hill Caucus on the podcast feed. It'll be a compilation of sorts of the exclusive interviews that our team here is going to be conducting when they're out on the city. But with that in mind, since it is summer League, we figured we'd have a little bit of fun this week with this addition of King of the court. When each of us builds out our own starting fives. For all of you to tell us who built the very best teams for this week, we're drafting all time players in the history of the Las Vegas Summer League, and when we draft them, just so everyone knows, we are drafting them not at their NBA peak, but at their Las Vegas Summer League peak. So if you get a player, let's say like John Wall, you're not getting John Wall's peak, you're getting summer league, John Wall Peak or another wizard for reference, you're not getting game 82. Alex. Sorry, you're getting summer League. Alex. Which I think was, something of a conversation about last year. So without any further ado, are you ready to start? Yes we are, yes we are. All right, well, one of us is more excited than the other, so we'll go ahead and start with Isaac. How about you go ahead and choose your first player. Point guard Lonzo Ball. Lonzo ball for point guard. All right. That was that was actually going to be my pick. Is it really. Until later that that that Lakers 20 was that 2017 summer league squad. That was the best some of these guys ever. Assembled ever ever. Yeah. But for me, I'm going to go with, from my point guard. We're going to all summer league roster. I'm going to go DMV native Josh Selby, something like that. I like that Josh Selby, man. He was out there getting busy, I like. Yeah that's a that I like it. I like I'm gonna go a little deeper in the bag for, for my point guard. Take you back to the oh six rockets. I want to take John Lucas a third. I had a. Feeling. It was one of the. Yeah. Right. Listen, that summer, he averaged 27 or 23.7 assists and he nearly shot 50 4090 in summer league. So I think that's something to note. But also I think it's pretty cool that he also coached in summer league a few years ago. So you know, for a fact he'll be able to run the show. I think that that's going to be my point guard. Well, let's go back to Isaac. What's your next big at the wing? I'm gonna go with Anthony Morrow. Oh, I got to go with the Anthony Morrow man. Had 47 points. Absolutely. That's it's. It's. Tell you you couldn't stop. Him. You can stop him. He was he was a dominant force. It was crazy, right? Yeah. No. Anthony Morrow, the hoop state legend from North Carolina. All right, Troy. I'm gonna go. I'm go Glen rice. Junior. Oh, okay. A wizard and, a former another former summer league MVP, Glen rice junior was out there putting in work. And, you know, I, I really think that, you know, when that was that 2013 summer like he was I there's no way that I didn't think they glamorized junior was going to be like the next, NBA superstar. Right? I was like, yo, bad Bill. Move over. Dudley just didn't take it. Oh, no, I did. He he almost. I feel like he he must have darn near played as many Summer league games as he did NBA games. All right. Yeah. The grand opening. Grand closing for him. Yeah. You all right for? From my two. I think I'm gonna have to go with Lou Williams because I feel like he had a couple mean summers back there. Granted, that was back in the day when they didn't really have age restrictions on the summer league. So he was like 25 years old going against those guys. But Lou Williams is my to who do you have next Isaac. At center I have Kevin Love okay I have Kevin Love. His Summer League debut. I mean, he had average 18 points and 13 rebounds. He was just doing everything. And this was pre UCLA final Four big Kevin Love. Yeah you still get. Kevin Love doing. Kevin Love. You know he was like a solid. So Kevin Love at my center. All right Troy. Let's see. Well since I since I already said that the 2017 Lakers team had had the best summer league roster ever, I got to go with another player off of that roster. I'm going to go with former wizard Kyle Kuzma okay. Yeah. Yeah. Kuzma as summer league. You know this before he had you know a lot of weird takes on the internet. And and and just you know quit on the Washington Wizards. You know he was once a guy a low first round pick out of University of Utah. And, you know, he was just on the fringes of being in the NBA. And, you know, he really, you know, kind of asserted himself as a future, you know, NBA quote unquote star. I know that that phrase gets thrown out very loosely. But you know Kyle Kuzma summer league man that that guy was special. All right. Well I'm going to I'm going to match you with a power forward here. One who I think gives me a little bit more experience. You know he's someone who somehow made it two three summer leagues. I'm going to go another former wizard Andre Blotch I think that he's got he's going to give me a lot of you know, he's he's going to stay calm and cool in these situations in these tight games because of the experience he brings. Some will go Andre blind Isaiah good you up next. I have Nickeil Alexander-walker as my next pick. I, I like I'm a two way type of guy. I like playing both ways. And for him being he would know his role on this roster and he had an incredible summer league. Shout out to the Virginia Tech Hokie himself playing his heart out. And it's kind of hard to mount a niche actually isn't the way he played. All right Roy. Man, I'm going to go with I think this guy only played one Summer League game, but it is his debut summer league game. Really made the ground shake, caused the earthquake. I'm gonna go with Zion Williamson. I like that you showed up and. And the earth, like, was like. Yo, we are, like, really off kilter right now. His debut looks so fun. I know, I like even as just a fan on me. Like, you know, this is just great. This is just fun. Like, it was. It felt entertainment. It felt so entertaining just watching it. Yeah, I know what I remember that just being one of the most random nights in NBA history, because it was the Zion Williamson Summer League debut. They had the major earthquake and then they didn't. They had a major earthquake off the court when, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George announced that they were going to the, the Clippers, they all of that was like in like an hour time span. So oh. Man, what a time. It was like man. Like a basketball fans dream. That was that was you know what that was. That was the absolute peak of being a Pelicans fan. And they all went downhill from there. My next player I'm going to go small for one player who just I mean he lived up to his reputation in the NBA as well. A guy who somehow managed to average three steals per game in summer league, which is just sick, if you ask me. Tony Allen, I'm gonna go, oh, for Tony Allen, he averages like 14 points a game that summer league, which is like probably his career high in any form of level of basketball. So I'm going to go with him on that one because I felt like he was actual dog that time. But Isaac could have next. And I believe this is my last pick. I feel like some people are going to hate me for this, because it was a tough decision to come to this. It come to this. I might have to go with Donovan Mitchell, for as my last pick is summer League debut was wild. Am I not as crazy as Zion's? But it was like, oh, Utah has a franchise player again. Like it was that he didn't trade for. It was very it was very fascinating. And he lived up to the it lived up to the hype. I mean, we got spider out of it. So yeah, Donovan Mitchell is my last one. But honorable mention for me, it was going to be between the heat either him or Damian Lillard. All right. It seems like it's his strong choices Troy. I'm going to go with beardless James Harden I met my man Jim. Yeah I'm going to go go with my guy Jim Harden. Yeah. No. But Harden when he, when he was OKC you know, I think that a lot of people were very curious when they made that, that, that selection with, with him with the third overall pick. And then he went out there and played in summer league and and show people that Sam Presti might be a genius. So you know I think that James Harden you know he's developed into, you know, a system unto himself and so you know I think that that all started with him playing in the Las Vegas Summer League. All right. Well I had to close out my roster. I'm going to go with a guy who, after seeing him play, I thought he was going to be a legit big man in this league, someone who had explosive rebounding potential. I'm going to go with JJ Hickson. That is a guy I legit thought was going to take over the league. And then, you know, the. Cavaliers thought that I wouldn't he wouldn't trade him for Amari stardom, which is absolutely crazy right. I mean he killed it in summer league. And then the real game. He was like oh yeah he killed us earlier. We cannot trade him for my side of my. You just see him grabbing rebounds. All right. Let's let's just go ahead recap everyone's roster Isaac yours you got Lonzo ball Donovan Mitchell Nickeil Alexander-walker Anthony Mauro and Kevin Love Troy you've got Josh Salvi Glen rice Jr Jim Harden Kyle Kuzma and Zion Williamson. And for myself I've got John Lucas the third Lou Williams Tony Allen Andre Bloods and JJ Hickson. Let us know at home who it is that you think won this King of the court. May I just go around the room first? So Isaac, you came in with a lot of confidence. Do you still feel confident in your team? Yes. I still do. I have to feel confident. Although we're. I'm a little small ball side. I got guys I can play defense. I mean, Prime Anthony Morrow, obviously he was a role player. But like during that time that summer league, he was giving you 47 and also getting rebounds. Like what are you going to do? And then same with Kevin Love I'm extremely confident with it. Lonzo ball was looking like Jason Kidd out there. Like come on out like I'm so excited about my roster I was like this is fun. I was like Prime Anthony Morrow is just a ridiculous thing to think about. But Troy what do you think about your squad? Hey man, if I'm going to go out to Vegas, I'm going to I'm going to definitely take, Jim Harden and Zion Williamson with me. And so, you know, there's these these are guys that, you know, I'm we're going to win on and off the court out in Vegas. I fair enough I feel the same about mine. I've got Lou Williams and Andre Bloods I feel like we're definitely gonna have some fun out in Vegas or in some real trouble. It really. You know, it's, We're going to take our final break here when you hear us. Next, we'll be closing out the show with trivia. Time for a line. There's a Kevin Cox on ESPN 630 and ESPN 630 up. Next. Don't you have a beef? Have me on me. You can go back when the day comes and you're down. And I wrote trouble I'm about to drown. Oh no, I'm coming. Oh, no. I'm coming. Good morning, everyone, and welcome back into the capital who caucus on ESPN 630. I'm Wardell McCabe, joined as always by Trey Halliburton and the guys Cam Harris. If you are just tuning in, let me catch you up on what you have missed at this point. We started today's show recapping the last week of mystics basketball, which then led to a discussion about Kiki Area Finn and Sonia Citroen's first all star selections. After that, we broke down two of the Wizards recent trades and how it will affect the outlook for the roster going forward. And then after that, we had our King of the court this week to to build out our all time starting fives on the Las Vegas Summer League. History. Any of that sounds like it was a little bit of fun? Well, do not worry. Do not stress. You can always catch the show after the fact on the podcast feed. Wherever it is that you get your podcasts from now. Well, as you all know, when I start recapping the show, that means we're drawing toward the end of the show. But as always before it is that we hit our curtain call. I always have to make way for our next host. Do you? Do you? Do. Hello, everyone, and welcome to Trivia Time from the line. I'm your host. I know you all know the name of the game, but let's get to the name of the game. Which is this? To score more points in your, opponent. We'll have, five minutes on the clock, during which our contestants will have to correctly guess as many players names as possible. And that's our prize category of our choosing. And, well, it means it's time to reveal this week's trivia category. Go ahead and flip over those papers. You'll be naming the scoring leader for every year of the NBA Las Vegas Summer League since 2004. And for reference, every player had to have played at least two games that summer. When you make your guests, please provide the year they led the league in points per game, their point total, their team and their position along with their name. Are you both ready already? Like last year? Yes. Isaac, are you ready to defend your crown? Yeah. All right, let's get on to, Let's first start with the reigning champion, Isaac. Let's go with 2005 20 points per game. New Orleans Hornets shooting guard J.R. Smith. It is j r Smith Troy. All right. Let's go with 2010. Washington Point guys go with John Wall. It is John Wall Isaac. 2004 25.7 points per game Denver power forward Carmelo Anthony. No. Troy. Let's go with, 2012 Portland point guard Damian Lillard. It is Dame Isaac. I look at this and let me see. Oh 20 1629 points per game power for Utah. Trey Lance it. Is Trey Lyles Troy. Oh all right let's go with George. 23 Houston power four. Let's go with Jabari Smith. It is Jabari Smith junior Isaac. I have to go with it. Oh it's too soon. The years are starting to like starting to feel blurry. Let's go with, Brooklyn 2021 oh 27 points per game. Oh, well, I think I'm overthinking it. Oh, pass on me. Oh, we're moving on, Troy. Let's go with, 17, Utah. Shooting guard. Let's go with Donovan Mitchell. It is. That's why, Why am I overthinking this? Isaac got. Jesus. It's 2014, 24. 24.7 points per game. That's more for Bradley Beal. No, Troy. Oh, wait. No 20 1424 points per game. Small forward. That's Otto Porter. It is not oh you. Yeah Isaac. Oh that's very very interesting. I think a magical summer that year. Oh oh 2014 24.7 points per game Kelly Uber. It is not Uber. Hey, Troy. Oh all right. Let's go with, Oh. 0000. Let's go new Orleans Pelicans 15. Is that Austin Rivers. It is not Austin Rivers I like. This is an interesting one. Interesting. Oh 920 6.8 points per game. Golden State Warriors high for Draymond Green not. Draymond Green Troy. Let's let's go with 25 points per game Philadelphia point guards that Lou Williams. It is Lou Williams I egg This is a this is interesting okay. For. 20 for 28.5 points per game Denver shooting guard Christian. Bruh. It is not Christian Brown. Troy. Oh. 1321 points per game. Portland shooting guard. Is that, C.J. McCollum. It is C.J. McCollum. Isaac. Oh. Oh, I think it was 20 2127 points per game Brooklyn shooting guard Cam Thomas. It is Cam Thomas Troy. All right 14 Washington small four. Is that Glen rice drink. It is Glen rice junior. I think oh. This one's, Okay. Oh, oh. You're gonna have to pass me on this, all right? Troy, 2018, Atlanta power four. Is that, John Collins? It is John Collins. I was like. Oh, 2019 San Antonio. Oh, 30 points per game. Shooting guard. Oh, for the final guess. Javonte Murray. Yeah. No. All right. Let's go ahead and tally this results. But not before first revealing the remaining answers. First up, in 2004, 25.7 points per game. Denver Nuggets power forward Nikola Skyward stealing. And next 2006 24.8 points per game. Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Randy Foye, a 2008 29.8 points per game Portland point guard Jared Bayless, wow, 2009 26.8 points per game. Golden State Warriors power forward Anthony Randolph next up, 2015 24.3 points per game. New Orleans Pelicans point guard Seth. Curry. What. 2019 30 points per game San Antonio shooting guard Lonnie Walker the fourth and finally, 2024, 28.5 points per game Denver Nuggets shooting guard Julian Strother. Let's go ahead and tally those results with a score of 8 to 3. Once again retaking the throne, it's to oh. Boy. All is back. Right with the universe. Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa. You losers don't get to speak. Your microphone is cut. That does it for us here at trivia time. From the line by. All right, guys, this we go. I'm not. I can't let that slide. George is going to try to, put the whole, you know, the world's healing type of thing. I mean, no, that's crazy, that's crazy. I put up a decent. But I have to pass on a couple of them and some of those names. It's just like, wow. I mean, I just I just went with the players that you drafted for your summer league team. And felt like you just. Gave it to, You know. All right. Well, I mean, it does kind of sound like all is right as the world. I do hear birds chirping outside. It's crazy. Maybe it is just because we're closing toward the end of the show. But as is the custom, every episode before it is that we close out. We always have to do so with the last, which is when each of our hosts has 24 seconds to speak on anything basketball related beyond the limits of the DMV. It could be a shout out. It could be a hot take. Whatever it is, it's 24 uninterrupted seconds. All that is known, though, is that when you're 24 seconds is up, your microphone does, in fact, shut off. So, Troy, are you ready to take your last shot? Yes, sir. And, shout out to the Wizards for, you know, never putting that Kelly Oleynik jersey and, Murphy in the team store that just that's Doug. Just shout out to them for never having us having to to even look at it. And then same store went on. We don't have to like Kelly Olynyk. Yeah. Just makes me stretch my skin. You think anyone makes a fan made one. They they're going to hang it up with the Carmelo Anthony. Atlanta Hawks jersey. All right I think. Shout out to my good friend Deuce McBride on his national NBC debut. It's a little random one, but he he did his thing for NBC promoting What's to come. And I'm excited for that. And I'm excited for Summer League. That's really it I got really there's my 24 seconds is kind of random. So I'm just gonna fill it in there. So me and sure excited to get some work done. All right. Hey, any all right. Well, this past week they revealed the covers for two K. And to my surprise, one former DMV legend Carmelo Anthony. He's on the legends cover. I thought that was just pretty cool. Yeah, I think it's just something to note for a second. I was like, am I by to game for the first time in the decade? And I realize I'm too damn cheap to even pay for a new console, so it's just a cool novelty to shout out to Melo. And yeah, I feel like when the nuggets start winning it. All right, that'll do it for us here. On another episode of the Capital Hoop Caucus. Troy, for our listeners, where can they get more of your work there? You can always find me on the platform formerly known as Twitter, now X at Troy Halliburton. Make sure you talk to me. Nice. And, mentioned. And Isaac, you can always find me on X Ike, IRA write and on Instagram and Isaac Agyekum Harris 2 to 4 and also follow me or follow everybody at the Cap Hoop Caucus on X and as well as Instagram at the Capitol. Who caucus. Yes. Do in fact follow the show on social media. And if you can, subscribe and rate and review the podcast wherever it is that you get your podcast from. If you question whether or not we're there, do not worry. Open up that app. Whatever it is that your preferred platform is, go ahead and search Cap Hoop Caucus in your search bar. I promise you we'll be right there. Click on us clicking and listen to a few episodes. Give us a rating review. Share us to your friends. It means the world to us, and it really does help us to continue to do what it is that we love to do for you all. But as I said, it's been another great episode for anyone who's not listening to the podcast, who's listening on the radio side, then well be sure to stick around, because we got a lot of baseball coverage for you. Today starts at 1230 as the Cubs travel to New York to take on the Yankees. Max Reed will take the mound for New York upset of Matthew Boyd with first pitch scheduled for 105 eastern, the Glanville Mike cousins will be on the call for that one, and right after that, we'll roll into the Orioles Radio Network, presented locally by sprinkler. For those local six six, nine. Baltimore will be hosting Miami with Trevor Rogers on the mound for the O's.

First pitch is scheduled for 4: 1:03:10

05 p.m. eastern. You can catch it all on ESPN 630 ecom ESPN 635 or 630 on your local Am dial. Signing off rise the guy Jim Harris, Troy Halliburton and myself. We're down McCabe. There's been another episode of the Capital Caucus reminding to stay hydrated. It's good for your skin, darlings. Be kind to one another. We'll see you all next week.