Hour 1: NBA Play-In Games Reactions, plus Alan Shipnuck on the Likely End of the LIV Golf Tour

0:00Rich Eisen:For some of us, personal finances aren't just personal. They include a lot more people than ourselves. Loved ones, neighbours, the communities we call home, and the causes we hold in our hearts. At Thrivent, we help plan your financial picture with the bigger picture in mind. Because even though our business is helping guide your finances, our ambition is to make it mean so much more. Thrivent, where money means more. Connect with us at Thrivent.com. K-Pop Demon Hunter's Saja Boys Breakfast Meal and Huntrix Meal have just dropped at McDonald's. They're calling this a battle for the fans. What do you say to that, Rumi?

0:39It's not a battle. So glad the Saja Boys could take breakfast and give our meal the rest of the day. It is an honor to share. No, it's our honor. It is our larger honor. No, really. Stop. You can really feel the respect in this battle. Pick a meal to pick a side. Ba-da-ba-ba-ba. And participate in McDonald's while supplies last. This is The Rich Eisen Show.

1:02Rich Eisen:Hey, everybody. Can't get enough of The Rich Eisen Show? You're in luck. You can find us everywhere. Watch us weekdays on Disney Plus from noon to 3 Eastern. Miss the show? We've got a podcast so you can listen anytime. But here's the best part. Our YouTube channel. Subscribe at youtube.com slash richeisenshow and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show. I want to thank the league for creating the play-in tournament. Thank you, Adam. This is the Rich Eisen Show. A sideline three for Steph Curry. From the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. Today's gasps. Long-time golf writer Alan Shipknock.

1:47Rich Eisen:2026 NFL Draft prospect Jonah Coleman. Basketball Hall of Famer Chris Webber. Actor Bob Odenkirk. And now, it's Rich Eisen.

2:26Rich Eisen:on Wednesday night. The Live Tour, is it still happening? Is it still not happening? That's the first order of business for us here on the program. We also have, with Alan Shipnuck, the writer who's been all over this story for quite some time, he's going to be first up on this program. We also have the NFL draft on the brain. Jonah Coleman, who is a wide-bodied running back from the University of Washington, who we've heard from Todd McShay, who was on yesterday's program, is a sleeper candidate for a top-notch prospect to be had in this year's draft. He's going to be on the program. As soon as Todd mentioned his name, we're like, let's chat with him.

3:08Rich Eisen:He's going to be right before Chris Weber. We're going to talk about everything going on in the NBA playoffs with him. And then, as you know, the first ever in-studio guest in the history of this program, if you don't know, I'll tell you right now, Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad. And when he came in here 11, almost 11 years ago this fall, he left the writers room for his new show called Better Call Saul. So we're diehard fans of the Breaking Bad world and Better Call Saul. And Bob Odenkirk is in studio for the first time. He's been on the program before on the phone, but he's coming in person for the first time in hour three in support of his new film called Normal, which is anything but to be quite honest with you.

3:52Rich Eisen:but we'll talk about that with Bob later on. So we've got everything warmed up for him. We've got a lawyer up license plate that we've got right here. We've got the Hamlin and McGill notepad that we got here on the program. And then my mug today, a nice fresh cup of Joe, in the Better Call Saul mug that I think Vince brought us years ago. Maybe about 10 years old right over here. So we're jacked is basically what we're saying. Good to see you, Chris Brockman. How are you? I have my Hammon Hammon and McGill pen. Yeah, okay. Very good. I'm ready to go today as well. Okay, very good. How are you, Jason Feller?

4:29Rich Eisen:I'm doing great. How are you? It's great to see like a legitimate Dodger fan looking at me with a Dodger fan. I don't know. You created a monster. And when you're not here and he's here, you leave us with him. You know what I mean? Yeah. Okay. I got to stop buying him hats. Not great. Good to see you. Thank you very much. Great use of the drop. The new Rick bonus drop. First, about three minutes in. What else do you want to? TJ Jefferson, good to see you, sir. How are you? I'm thinking that I might need Saul Goodman to help me contractually get out of these contracts I've had with some of my teams.

5:00Rich Eisen:Because after last night, I think I might be over it. It's over. Oh, you're out for the because the Mets got crushed and the Clippers got eliminated. But your Sixers moved on. Yeah, but they're about to get swept. Well, is it weird? Like, all I want is one game. Yeah. That's like, that's all I'm hoping for. So I might need some help. I might need the lawyer. You should just stop rooting for sports. Stop watching. You know what? I'm going to get into art, history, music, whatever. I'm going to get into politics. Let's do it. I've got a top five. By the way, you're heading to Las Vegas. You and O'Shea Jackson Jr.

5:34Rich Eisen:are hosting no contest wrestling on ESPN2. I'm sorry. At 5 p.m. Eastern tomorrow. It's 2 p.m. Pacific. I'm waiting for. I just put the call out. I'm waiting for confirmation. You don't even know when you're on the air tomorrow? Well, remember last week we thought it was Eastern time and it wasn't. So I made a call. I said, I need to know specifically. Here's what I would like to know. Before we're off. Before we're off the air to promote where people can watch you and O'Shea Jackson Jr. get everyone ready for WrestleMania 42 on the ESPN digital platform. Will be Friday. This weekend. And speaking of the ESPN digital platform, later on today, 6 p.m.

6:12Rich Eisen:Eastern time, the debut of season two of Women's Sports Now. Let's go. Heck yeah. And so it's going to be a great show. Becky Hammond, the Las Vegas Aces head coach and the world champion head coach of the Las Vegas Aces many times over. Also, the national champion head coach of UCLA basketball, Corey Close, will be here in studio. So there's all of that. She was keeping. She had a very successful night the other. You think she did? All six UCLA Bruins who were there got drafted. Pretty cool. So 844-204-RICH is the number to dial on the program. Listen, I, as you know, love turning back the clock.

6:56Rich Eisen:I love old school stuff. I love if what's old is new again. And that would unbelievably, this now applies to Steph Curry. We've reached that part of his career with him being sort of in the role of gray beard. Can he do it one more time? Can we get one more run out of him and the Golden State Warriors? We know Clay's moved on a couple of years now. But every single time I see this number associated with Steph Curry, I can't believe it. But it's true. 38 38 year old Steph Curry and last night the 10th seeded Golden State Warriors who were barely made the uh play-in tournament right uh taking on the ninth seeded Los Angeles Clippers who started 6 and 21 go 42 and 40 reconstitute themselves and Kawhi having one of his best years statistically in a long time, if not as a Clipper.

8:07Rich Eisen:In years, yeah. Right, okay. And they beat the Warriors without Kawhi on the final night of the regular season. And here they are playing each other last night. And the Clippers lead by 13. 13. With 10 minutes to go. 98-85 is your score in Into a Dome. And that's when things began to change. and the clock began to turn back and not just with Steph Curry who scored 27 of his 35 in the second half after having only eight points and two of nine shooting in the first half. Al Horford yeah where has he been as the Celtics had another incredible season he's been in Golden State and playoff Al Horford showed up last night turning back the clock four threes in the fourth quarter four of them and old school lockdown in your grill draymond green showed up as well last night what he was able to do to be all over kawaii leonard who had a grand total of zero points in the fourth quarter until 16 seconds to go just absolutely doubled but green being one of the guys who was doubling of two bodies on Kawhi and then Kawhi turns one over go the other way Steph jars a three towards the end of this game Draymond picks Kawhi's pocket clean in the open court to lead to another easy bucket for Golden State at the end to wrap things up there was one play where Steph dribbling above the three-point arc throws it behind his back to Draymond who's trailing and as soon as Draymond grabbed the ball Steph doubles back after a behind the back pass doubles back and Draymond creates the traffic around which Steph goes and steps back for a three like it was old times all over again.

10:25And the Warriors, who have had Curry back for just five games

10:30Rich Eisen:after missing 27 with that knee injury, are now in Phoenix tonight to try and beat the Suns and send themselves to the playoffs. Pardon me, tomorrow night. Tomorrow night. and send themselves to Oklahoma City to start the playoff season. Now, I know what I said, one last run here. I don't know how long it would last after a trip to Phoenix if it is successful for them on Friday night. But for the moment, we live in this present, and the man who is as present and living in the present as any human currently in the NBA, head coach Steve Kerr, had this to say about Curry. Just because of where we are and our age and the decline of our performance this year, the injuries, it was just a beautiful display of competitive will.

11:26And this is why Steph came back. So everybody out there who thought Steph should have taken the rest of the year off, this is what he does. This is who he is. if he can compete, he's going to compete. And it was just incredible to watch. It was indeed.

11:46Rich Eisen:It happened, man. It happened. Steph after the game, just talking about... I just love this sort of stuff because you feel like you could just roll out of bed and do it, right? He's Steph Curry. It does feel that way. But it takes a hard... I mean, he's 38. What it must take for him to get ready and stay ready, hit it. I'm just having fun. I think the muscle memory and the reps and the work that you put in your entire life kind of comes out at the right times. I always talk about earning and deserving the confidence that you play with because of the work that you put in. And not being afraid of failure and missed shots or bad turnovers or whatever it is.

12:31You just keep going and then the shot goes in and there's a rhythm to it. You keep finding yourself open, and you just enjoy the environment.

12:44Rich Eisen:You heard what I said before, and I know you guys don't agree because you haven't said any words, and I understand why. But they're going to make a run? No, I know. No, they might lose to Phoenix, and it's over. I'm going to tell you right now. And they're going to go get swept by Oklahoma City. If they play the way they were doing, they're not going to lose to Phoenix. I agree with that. No. I think this man is now on a heater, and he's someone who we've seen when he gets hot. If he's feeling it, everyone's in trouble. I'm not saying they're going to win the title. They're definitely not. They can win a first-round match.

13:20Why do you guys make me be this guy?

13:22Rich Eisen:I know. No, no, you don't have to be them. Okay, I mean, look, it's fun. I just want to enjoy. I know that. Last night was awesome. It was. That was, like, so incredible to watch. I know. You know, the fadeaways, the stepbacks. Like, it was all happening. Fourth quarter was all happening. It was 2015 all over again. It was great. Draymond, too. And Draymond, I may not like him, but that steal on Kawhi in the closing seconds was Hall of Fame great. As good as it gets. Yes. Al Horford. Let's just enjoy the next game. Corner threes from Al. Porzingis scoring 20. Yeah. I love Porzingis. I love Al.

13:55Rich Eisen:That was cool. Hold on. Porzingis, Horford. Draymond, Curry. Healthy. Playing good defense. taking the best player out. They're going to get swept by Oklahoma City. It's fine. It's okay. Oklahoma City's going to win it all. And then I saw a mock draft where they get Yaxa Lenderborg 12th overall. Yeah, because they have the Clippers picked now. Yeah, I'm not saying they're going to beat, but there's no reason they can't beat Phoenix. No, no, not at all. You know, that's what I'm saying. Let's just enjoy the next game. Let's enjoy it. Because we don't know how many more we're getting. Exactly. All right.

14:30Rich Eisen:Yeah, yeah. Thank you. Sometimes you don't have to page turn and talk. But how great would that be? Right? Because I think we're all over the Warrior fatigue. Warriors fatigue is done, right? Oh, yeah. That was a real thing for a while. It was real. That was a real thing for a long while. They were like the Chiefs. Well, because it was a fan, you looked, and you knew. After they won that first one, you knew what was coming. They were like the Chiefs, except Steph wasn't in, like, 15 commercials. Remember, the season would start, and it would be November, and we'd be like, can we just get the Cavs-Warriors finals?

14:58Rich Eisen:Because it's going to happen. Right, right, right. And it happened four years in a row. Warriors fatigue is over. you still know Steph Curry is maybe top five and he's in the top five most likable athletes of the 21st century where you can't you can't dislike good one. Yeah. Well, look, someone can always find a reason to try to whatever somebody good luck. Good luck. He's just it was incredible to watch that that transpire. It was like I've already read this book so I knew what was coming. Right. But it was still kind of awe inspiring just like every time at this point i'm more shocked when the ball doesn't go in when he shoots okay you know when it does 600 to one to win the championship if you want to no no i hear you i understand the odds chris no i'm just saying that i understand i get it i'm just i kind of dig it you know like masters last week like jack nickle jack nicholas right at the masters in 86 you know I'm not not down for them he's 30 Steph Curry is 38 yeah that's crazy I know I was there rich June 25th 2009 in Madison Square Garden I know I was at that draft I wanted to make that drafted I know guess who didn't guess who didn't get Steph Curry yeah the Minnesota Timberwolves who had two shots at him yeah think about that Chris think about how different history would the bit all-time bag fumble yeah i mean they took my man johnny flynn from syracuse but steph turned 38 last uh last month wow so all right um is the live tour dead or not is it gonna die or not how does one pull the plug on the tour question how what what happens there how does one do it feels like it's close and then last week we spoke with alan shipnock because his new book is called rory um and he said you know rory has like this air about him where it's house money yeah he was i think alan said he was floating around and he chose he chose rory to say why not him winning it this week guess who won it uh and alan's all over the the live tour story so we're gonna get him back here uh chris weber bob odenkirk as well as jonah coleman the running back prospect you you don't know much about but we're gonna we're gonna fill you in on all that front jam-packed and I've got a top five list of the top five teams that should trade up in the NFL draft.

17:20Rich Eisen:That's later on. This is the Rich Eisen Show on a fun, must-see, all-three-hour Thursday edition of the program. We're back with Alan Shipnock in a sec. In a world in need of a hero, one man rises to the challenge in style. He is just driving the kids to soccer practice. Make every day feel epic in an all-new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid with up to an EPA-estimated 619 miles of range on select trims, advanced tech, and class-leading interior space. Because when you're hauling kids' gear, snacks, and backpacks, space matters. And so does comfort. Just make sure they keep their cleats off the seats. Visit HyundaiUSA.com or call 562-314-4603 for details.

18:01Oh, oh, oh, O 'Reilly! Check engine, ABS, or maintenance light on? Take the guesswork out of your warning lights with O 'Reilly Veriscan. The service is free and provides a report with solutions verified by ASE certified master technicians. And if you need help, we could recommend a shop for you. Ask for O 'Reilly Veriscan today. Oh, oh, oh, O 'Reilly. Auto Parts.

18:35Rich Eisen:Rich Eisen here. Every time I travel for a major sports moment, whether it's a playoff run or a huge primetime matchup, I see firsthand what happens to a city. Hotels fill up fast. Energy builds. Everyone wants to be part of it. Now imagine that on a global scale. The FIFA World Cup is coming this summer, people, and with it, thousands of fans traveling to host cities across the country. If you happen to live in one of those cities and you're planning to be away, maybe you've got your own summer trip lined up. This could be a practical opportunity. While you're gone, you could list your space on Airbnb and welcome traveling fans who want to experience the FIFA World Cup in person.

19:14Rich Eisen:You're not changing your routine. You're not committing to anything year-round. You're simply making the most of a moment when your city is in the global spotlight. I know when I'm on the road for a huge event, having a comfortable home base makes all the difference. And that's what fans will be searching for. If you've ever thought about listing your space, this summer is a great time as we welcome FIFA World Cup fans. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb.com slash host. The Rich Eisen Show podcast.

19:49Rich Eisen:Back here on the Rich Eisen Show. Where is Alan Shipnuck, everybody? Is he on the lift tour? Looking for him. Greg Norman just pulled the plug. Just like, there he is. Greg Norman standing right behind Alan Shipnuck saying, really? You're going to talk about the live tour on the Rich Eisen show again? Alan's probably setting up his DVR to record no contest tomorrow at 2 p.m. I said at 2 p.m. So it's funny. No contest. You said, when I said the Sixers moved on, punched their ticket into the playoffs. seventh seed, beating the Orlando Magic last night. Sending Orlando back home to host the Hornets this evening.

20:32Rich Eisen:Assume with, right, Lamello will be there. Yeah, he was only fined. He was only fined. He was fined. That's what we figured. Yeah. At any rate, so last night, Coop was excited that the Sixers advanced. Yeah, same. And you know why? The same reason why he says they're about to get swept. Yeah. We're not going to get swept. You're not getting swept? We're not winning. Okay. What do you got? Five? Yeah. I mean, hopefully. Huh? Gentleman sweep? What's a gentleman sweep? Five games. Five games. Uncompetitive five games. I've never heard that phrase before. Really? A gentleman sweep? Yeah, yeah, yeah.

21:13Rich Eisen:You've done SportsCenter for... I know that. Yeah, come on. I've never, until this very moment, heard of a gentleman sweep before. That's wild. Yeah, it's wild. It's been a thing for a long time. All right. What else? 15-7 lifetime in the playoffs against the Sixers, including the last six series in a row. They are no trouble whatsoever. No contact. Boston Celtics. Hit it, Jay. Okay. All right. Very good. And is Embiid playing, TJ? I haven't heard anything about that. I think we got Nick Nurse on moving on, if we want to fire that up. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, obviously we're not beating them. Here we go.

21:56Rich Eisen:Here's the Sixer coach. I mean, listen, they're playing great. They've played really great all season. You know, they've got a bunch of guys that have been together. I mean, a core group of guys that have been together for a long time through a lot of winning and a lot of deep runs. Tremendous, tremendous challenge for us. But we'll see if we can go figure something out between now and Sunday. Does that sound like a coach who knows he's got an uphill climb? Yeah. Do you? Yeah, Cancun on three. Oh, man. Man, this guy's so annoying. Cancun on three. What about this guy? Well, this is good for the show.

22:35Rich Eisen:This is great for the show. Why? What's good about this? What do you mean? My man's about to quit watching sports. I truly am. What do you mean? I'm just going to watch CNN. Okay. You could be out on Fox News. I'm going to get both sides. You could be out on the Clippers or the Mets. Which one do you choose? Oh, that's easy. Come on, TJ. That's easy. Why is that easy? Why would you ever be a Clipper fan? I mean, why would you ever be a Met fan? Actually, you know what? It is kind of like rooting for the Yankees. You know, when Clay Holmes gets bombed and then Devin Williams gives up a Grand Slam home run to the backup catcher on Jackie Robinson night.

23:12Rich Eisen:Your team stinks, too. Excuse me. You keep on single white femaling half of our bullpen. Oh, listen. And then last night, Schmay Schmoms with the start. Schmay Schmoms. Devin Williams. Yeah. The airbender. Giving up a grand slam to the backup catcher. We're playing the Dodgers. They're going to do that to everybody. Is that right? Yeah. Good to know. They're going to win about 120 this year. There we go. Oh, the Red Sox have zoomed past the mess of the stand. Oh, TJ, we've changed your photograph. I've not been over there. Are you angry or shocked in that photo right now? I'm more like, I can't believe this.

23:51Rich Eisen:is going on right now. So you could be out on the Clippers or the Mets? I could just be out on sports, really, to be honest. Why would you? Then the Cowboys would be wondering where you are. I think you should only root for the Cowboys. Yeah, that's true. Especially if the news I heard earlier about Duke is true. Is it not? No, it's the brother. Caden. Oh, okay. Well, we do that. Caden's coming back. Sign the contracts. Okay. Rich, I was so despondent yesterday. I had the Clippers on one TV, the Mets on the other. Neither one going my way. if someone had slipped the contract under the door, might have had to.

24:22Rich Eisen:You keep saying that, but you're never going to do it. I mean, you've got a fictional attorney and notary today here. That's true. If there was ever a day, Saul is going to be here. Saul Goodman could get the paperwork. If Saul Goodman's involved, then I might have no choice. Poyos? You know? Poyos. It's what you're going to do. We're going to share a cinnamon bun. Huh? The cinnamon roll we're going to share. and then we'll grab that from across the way. Yeah. How do I have all of these teams and they all stink? Like, this makes no sense. You would think if I was like Avengers Endgame and collecting all these stones that like I'd collect good squads that won a lot.

25:03The thing is, is like three years ago, you said I'm going to be a Spurs fan because of Wemby

25:07Rich Eisen:and you could have done it. And now look, they might go to the finals. Here's what I'm going to do is I'm going to text you, TJ, the code sort of like pollos to activate which which team you should get out on here i'm texting you turning my text i'm turning no no no i just texted you the word like pollos you can now read it off onto your into your microphone what i just texted you did you see the memo wrote this this is this is to activate activate the separation based on the face he just made go ahead tj read the word Read the word. I mean. Read the word, please. Beltran. He's a hall of favor.

25:48Rich Eisen:You should respect him. That's the Poyos. Beltran. Wow. Yeah. Caught looking. Whoop. Oh. Hey now, everybody. You're an all-star. I'm sorry. Tiffany in Las Vegas has something to say. What's up, Tiffany? Get me off the schneid here. That's not. You're still on the griddle. Hi, guys. Good morning. This is so awesome to be on. Long time listener. First time caller. Thank you. Appreciate you joining. TJ, this is an appreciation call for you. You're going through it, and you need support. I do. That's true. First off, pick a team. They're giving you a hard time for a reason. You're asking for it. So pick one and land on it, bro.

26:25Stand on it. Okay? We believe in you. You've got heart. That's true. And Better Call Saul is going to help you. I believe in that. Okay? So that's my first part of this.