In short
Rich Eisen Hour 3 mixes NBA playoff analysis with Chris Webber’s takes, plus Rich’s “top five” NFL Draft picks and a brief discussion of “Mr. Irrelevant.”
Guests
Chris Webber, Basketball Hall of Famer (former NBA player; discusses playoffs and player roles). No other guest appears in this hour’s main segment.
Key claims (NBA)
Webber says Orlando is the best bet to close out its series, arguing teams don’t want to return to Game 7. He also says Denver is “over” despite injuries to Anthony Edwards? (actually he discusses Minnesota’s energy and Gordon’s absence/health). He emphasizes LeBron’s discipline and coaching/strategy for the Lakers. On Philadelphia, he argues Joel Embiid’s health matters defensively, but Tyrese Maxey must lead offensively.
Notable examples (NBA/NFL)
Webber references Jokic’s end-of-game handling (hands off, creates a jump ball). Rich’s NFL list includes Steelers pick Jennings Dunker, Penn State interior lineman Olu Fashanu? (Venga-Yuani), Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza (as described), Cowboys safety Caleb Downs, and Eagles/Navy late picks Bernard and Eli Heidenreich; he also highlights Mr. Irrelevant Red Murdoch vs Dallin Bentley.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VORich and Chris Discuss the NBA Playoffs
1:35 to 2:19
Rich Eisen and Chris Webber share thoughts on the NBA playoffs.
“From the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles.”
Chris Webber Talks About His Gym
2:19 to 3:17
Chris shares insights on his home gym and podcast setup.
“Can you imagine if I just did a show talking about the calendar?”
Team Dynamics in Basketball
3:17 to 4:06
Discussion on team dynamics and player interactions in basketball.
“I don't use it much anymore, but it's a gym.”
Analyzing the NBA Series Outcomes
4:06 to 6:12
Webber analyzes ongoing NBA series and team's chances in playoffs.
“His knees are probably old like mine now.”
The Importance of Player Discipline
6:12 to 8:06
Chris emphasizes the need for discipline in high-stakes games.
“The only reason why I'm saying that is because, you know, they should have knocked this one out.”
Joel Embiid's Impact on the Game
8:06 to 10:06
Analyzing Joel Embiid's performance and its implications for his team.
“that, you know, we have to win this game just through discipline or, you know, the worst can happen.”
The Role of Nikola Jokic and Team Strategy
10:06 to 11:20
Webber shares insights on Jokic's role and team strategies in playoffs.
“is Knicks at Hawks at 7 Eastern, followed by Nuggets, Timberwolves.”
Reflections on Player Behavior in Sports
11:20 to 14:01
Chris discusses the behavior of players and expectations in competitive sports.
“And they laughed at me when I said the stifled tower was going to be okay because all you have to do is put guys in positions to make a tough shot.”
Discussing Unwritten Rules in Sports
14:01 to 18:08
Explore the evolving unwritten rules and sportsmanship in games.
“something at the end of the game, but no, it was totally uncalled for totally fake.”
Chris Webber on Rivalries and Team Spirit
18:09 to 21:06
Chris Webber shares insights on team rivalries and player connections.
“You know, if we win, he sends me an old Michigan uni from 90, 92 or something.”
Show all 22 chapters
Listener Call about Raiders' Comeback
23:59 to 24:48
A listener reflects on the Raiders and their potential for a comeback.
“The great George Kittle, right here on The Rich Heisen Show.”
Rich's Top 5 NFL Draft Picks Introduction
24:49 to 27:31
Rich Eisen prepares to reveal his top five NFL draft picks.
“And the first thing he said in the booth, he goes, hey, you've got to get a shot of the cheerleaders.”
Rich's Top 5 NFL Draft Choices Revealed
27:32 to 28:00
Rich discusses his top five favorite NFL draft picks and their impact.
“Top five favorite NFL draft picks presented by Hyundai.”
Rich's Top NFL Draft Picks: Numbers 5 and 4
28:00 to 29:20
Discover Rich's top five NFL draft picks, starting with number five and progressing to number four, emphasizing their potential impact.
“And also, was it a great moment in the draft?”
Deep Dive into Number 3 and 2 Picks
29:20 to 30:40
Explore Rich's thoughts on the third and second top NFL draft picks and their expected contributions to their teams.
“and number four on the list, I will not quit this guy.”
Highlighting the Top Draft Choices: Number 1
30:40 to 36:10
Unpack the unique stories behind the top draft choice, a duo with diverse backgrounds representing opportunity in the NFL.
“I understand he was next to Walter Jones, but I just love this pick.”
Mr. Irrelevant and the Unique Draft Moment
36:10 to 40:08
Discuss the intriguing narrative of Mr. Irrelevant and the implications of one team holding the last two draft picks.
“and he's the first Navy player with 200 receiving yards in a game, and he's in the green room, and they play in Renegade, and out comes a Navy man.”
Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts
40:14 to 42:13
Rich wraps up the show with final insights and reflections on relationships and commitments, blending personal anecdotes.
“yeah that and by the way also didn't You know, just make sure I get this right because my memory is correct.”
Reflecting on Relationships and Marriage
42:13 to 43:01
The hosts share their thoughts on love and marriage, highlighting personal experiences.
“Back here on the Rich Eisen Show on the radio side of things, we were just talking about how Susie Schuster who's here right now is walking down the hallway and I could tell you it was you from your footsteps.”
Understanding the Importance of Awareness in Relationships
43:01 to 44:10
The discussion continues with humorous anecdotes about being present in relationships.
“is on Women's Sports Now later on today.”
Elizabeth Banks Talks Hometown and Sports
44:52 to 45:43
Discussion about Elizabeth Banks' involvement in her hometown and women's sports.
“Well, because she is from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and she cares about her hometown.”
Fun and Light-hearted Conversation on Mahjong
45:43 to 46:43
A light-hearted banter about Mahjong being a sport and National Mahjong Day.
“Because, you know, poker has its own tournament.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.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.
0:18Chris Webber: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.
0:27Rich Eisen:Connect with us at Thrivent.com.
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1:28Chris Webber:Subscribe at youtube.com slash Rich Eisen Show, and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show. LeBron is wearing down. This is the Rich Eisen Show.
1:40Rich Eisen:16 seconds. James, a deep three. Short. From the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles.
1:48Chris Webber:LeBron's wearing down. Earlier on the show, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Colts general manager Chris Ballard. Commander's Head Coach, Dan Quinn Coming up, Basketball Hall of Famer, Chris Webber And now, it's Rich Eisen
2:08Rich Eisen:Hour number three of the Rich Eisen Show is on the air Just realize, today's the last day of April, huh? Yep Yeah, you know what tomorrow is? It's May 1st? It's gonna be May Okay, good to know Can you imagine if I just did a show talking about the calendar? How long would it be on the air? Like two more minutes? You wanna try it? No, absolutely not. What's your favorite day of the year? Oh, God. I got my top five favorite NFL draft choices. I love June 9th. Good to know. Thank you. Well, it's June 7th. It's my anniversary. Oh. Did I tell you Susie's going to be here later? No, hey. Yeah, she could be watching right now.
2:44Rich Eisen:Women's Sports Now is coming up later on ESPN and all the ESPN app and all digital platforms. Susie will be here later. I've got my top five favorite draft choices. We've already talked to Kyle Shanahan and Chris Ballard and Dan Quinn. And now joining us here on the program is our Hall of Fame friend, Chris Webber. Where are you? Where are you? Where are you? Where are you?
3:07Chris Webber:I was on my way to a Tigers game earlier, taking the twins to go see to play while I'm doing some work. So I'm just hanging out, man. In the gym, hanging out.
3:18Rich Eisen:OK, this is your house. Is this your gym?
3:21Chris Webber:It's a gym. It's a barn I turned into a gym. I don't use it much anymore, but it's a gym. Yeah, yeah. Flex on them, Chris. No, no, no. Well, I get to use it since we talked about it. I get to use it for my podcast. I've been using this as kind of a studio, you know, biting off veterans like yourself. You know, when you do the walk-in, it's cool that you have, you know, so many areas and things like that to look at. And I've been able, you know, over time to have some fun and invite some guys over here for some cigars and drinks and food at times. And so hopefully, you know, plan to bring those conversations and goodwill toward the people.
3:58Chris Webber:Jeez.
3:59Rich Eisen:Plus one, two, three. We'll throw a few more in. A couple more in the back. I'm plus nine. Chris, I'm plus nine. We're coming.
4:07Chris Webber:We all good, baby. You already know. Well, I mean, that way we can put you. Bring your wife because she's the one.
4:16Rich Eisen:Susie says, hello, Chris. if I'm plus nine that means we're five on five I choose you who else do you want Chris who's your choice nice me I'll be on your team okay very good yeah did you ever have somebody who shot too much and took over the game too much Chris do you ever have that oh man you know what Adam
4:34Chris Webber:Sandler I think no I'm joking I'm joking no he can hoop though Chris he can hoop though you know what I was gonna say you know it's really cool being a fan of other people and so being able to play with him knowing he was a big fan of Hooper's was fun. Yeah, but he had a nice jumper. But I don't know. His knees are probably old like mine now. I haven't played with him in a while. So I don't know how good he is now.
4:55Rich Eisen:You ever play with Obama?
4:58Chris Webber:No, never got the opportunity. I heard he has a nice left jumper, though.
5:01Rich Eisen:That's what I've heard, too. Okay. All right, let's get to the actual NBA action right now. Chris, there are six series that are still yet to be decided. and you know the Pistons right now having their hands full with the magic um they've got to come up with a win in Orlando and then a game seven at home you have the Timberwolves up three games to two they've got to come up with a win tonight over the Nuggets otherwise they without Ant and also Dante DiVincenzo have got to come up with a game seven win in Denver you've got the Lakers who once upon a time we're up 3-0. They've got to come up with a win in Houston.
5:43Rich Eisen:Otherwise, it's a winner-take-all Game 7 in Los Angeles. The Knicks need to come up with a win in Atlanta tonight. I'm going to keep going. Otherwise, it's the same situation in Game 7 they do have in their back pocket. Cleveland's got to do the same thing in Toronto. What do you think, Chris Weber? right now?
6:11Chris Webber:I would have to say Orlando. The only reason why I'm saying that is because, you know, they should have knocked this one out. And so I think, you know, they're the ones that if you have a young team and the pressure switches, you just don't want to go back to wherever it is game seven. And that's all I'm saying. And whoever has to go back home game seven is down three, two out of those scenarios. That's the team you don't, you know, want to beat. You know, Rich, I've been catching hell from a lot of friends because of my segment on here before when I talked about Antonio being able to win or Denver being in trouble.
6:55Chris Webber:And I think it's over for Denver. So I really can't put them in that category. I really think the only team that has a chance to come back from this is the Pistons based on their record, seating and environment.
7:09Rich Eisen:So you're not concerned about the Lakers losing the last two. Last night, there was just a whole host of turnovers, some threes in the corner they couldn't close out on. You know, Austin Reeves missed 12 shots from the field. You're not concerned about that?
7:25Chris Webber:No, I think one, I think they have a really good coaching and strategy. So even when the team isn't doing their job, you know, I really think that they have some cooler heads on that bench that really get things going. Secondly, or I should have said this first. First, you got LeBron. And I don't care how bad of a game he played. I think they can be in trouble because of the one day's rest and, you know, that type of thing. But no, I rely on him to finish the game out. You know, people don't give him that much credit for winning in the bubble. but that was a focus and a concentration that I knew that younger guys wouldn't have.
8:01Chris Webber:That was a discipline. So you can count it if you want, but it was a discipline win. And I think the next two games, he's going to be able to relate to his team that, you know, we have to win this game just through discipline or, you know, the worst can happen. I mean, hell, he's come back from three to one. So if anyone knows, you know, how, you know, what can happen, it does.
8:20Rich Eisen:And I left the Celtics and the Sixers out. I don't know. Obviously, the Sixers win tonight and there is a game seven in Boston. And when you're watching Embiid do what he did and obviously constantly battle his health, what do you think, Chris Weber, as you watch Joel Embiid go about his work?
8:44Chris Webber:You know, I think it comes with the territory. I'm glad that he's, you know, playing. I think that when he has a great game like that, the tale tonight, Rich, with as great of a player as he is, that Maxie has to be the leader tonight. He had, you know, sometimes you need a big game from your best players. And I believe that Maxie is their best player now. And I believe that on a consistent level. And because you're going to need Embiid to keep being great on the defensive end. That's what he showed me. Because people are going to pick on him in the pick and roll. And that means guards are going to get easy shots or drive by him, which brings help.
9:20Chris Webber:And then the corners are going to be wide open. And so to me, his health is not just in the numbers. When I think he plays well, it's only with rebounds and assists and how he plays on the pick and roll. I don't really care how much he scores because usually when he scores, it takes 20 seconds. It takes 15 seconds to bring it up. It takes, you know, guys are getting rest on the other end. And maybe you score, maybe you don't. guys are losing the rhythm so I believe that when he's a great decoy that if he has if he has eight assists they're going to win every single game in my opinion and so I want to see him play that way and the game is so important like tonight because if not guys get caught up and then you have a close game at home and then it turns into hero ball and all it takes is one or two shots to fall
10:05Rich Eisen:or to miss yeah the Sixers Celtics is on NBA partner Peacock um and the ESPN doubleheader is Knicks at Hawks at 7 Eastern, followed by Nuggets, Timberwolves. I couldn't help you help but notice you think the Nuggets are done? You think that despite Ant Edwards and DiVincenzo being out, that the Nuggets will not be able to come up with this win tonight?
10:28Chris Webber:Yeah, Rich, again, it was two weeks ago you kind of put me on the spot. Oh, sorry. And, yeah, that's okay. I mean, you're good at it. No. You know, but you put me on the spot, and I'm glad you did because, you know, I got to hear so many people be mad at me, you know, DMing me and everything. How dare you when I say this is a really good matchup. And it's a great matchup. And the way that they play, the confidence that Minnesota has, the fact that Minnesota plays with more energy now, and you don't have Gordon or an unhealthy Gordon, a Gordon that isn't the top. I said it years ago. The reason why I believe they beat the Lakers and I believe they beat other teams was because Gordon at the three could play the four.
11:07Chris Webber:and if you need it at the five. He's so athletic. He can shoot out the corner. He can drive. Well, when you don't have, you know, those type of players at their best already, and he's kind of, I won't say a unicorn, but one of the top tier players in his position, then it's really going to be tough. And they laughed at me when I said the stifled tower was going to be okay because all you have to do is put guys in positions to make a tough shot. It's really no one, not one player can stop another player. That's really false. It's, you're uncomfortable. Can I give you the toughest shot possible?
11:39Chris Webber:And can I stay disciplined on this play and the next play? And he's one of those players that's allowed to do it. What he does on the offensive end, you know, I'm not sure. But you talked about Embiid. And I tell you what, a lot of teams try to put Embiid in the pick and roll over Gobert. And so I see his value. And really, if Minnesota lets this go after last year, after losing Cat, then what do they have?
12:03Rich Eisen:Do you want to? Yeah. Oh, no, I hear you. And I'm absolutely, you know, taking everything that you're saying. And that was what you said last time we were on the air together because we took a week off from our weekly conversations with the NFL draft happening. Do you want to take a swing at the Jaden McDaniels scoring with 1.3 seconds left and Jokic having an issue? I know that's kind of like four news cycles ago, but you want to chime in on whether Jokic was right to have a problem or McDaniels should have just laid it in? No biggie?
12:40Chris Webber:Yeah, so as a player, I've been frustrated so much that I've taken whatever the referee has done out on a player or other things. So I'm as guilty as saying what I'm about to say. That's BS. You know, the fact you want to get mad now, you know, that's one thing. It's not too many, oh, if I played in the league because these guys are great. But the mentality that I have, if I were playing in the league, Now when we're up 10, I'm going to practice dunks just to do at the end to piss you off. That's what it's going to take. That's what it's going to do. There's no more protocol. You know, it's no more protocol.
13:15Chris Webber:I saw a clip today of Reggie Jackson hitting a home run and then attacking the pitcher, right? And I remember back in the day when you couldn't even look after a home run or you couldn't even flick the bat halfway or you couldn't dance in the end zone, act like you've been there before. Well, all that's over. You don't want the guy to dance in the end zone, tackle him. You don't want a guy to hit a home run, strike him out. You don't want a guy to score at the last second because they're up, then win the game. So, no, that was fake BS. Plus, nobody was going to fight anyway. You just want to show, oh, I'm frustrated.
13:49Chris Webber:So, no, that, yeah, that was, I got so, yeah, a lot of, you know, sometimes you have these group chats and, you know, they're funny. This was one of the funniest group chats ever with guys just, you know, talking about how guys are playing pity patents and smacking because of something at the end of the game, but no, it was totally uncalled for totally fake. And you're trying to exert some energy or, or get your crowd to infuse energy in you. So you can take that on the road to play the next game. But that was, you don't want, you don't want that to happen when the game.
14:20Rich Eisen:So did you see what Jokic did at the end of the next game? Did you see how he had the ball with time winding down and he hands it off to the Timberwolves and then creates a jump ball, you know?
14:33Chris Webber:Oh, I mean, yeah, that's so awesome. Wow. No, you know, I'm from the place where we plant the flag in the middle of your home field, man. You know what I'm saying? Sorry, Ohio State, but that's what we do. So, no, I mean, come on, man. Like, all the protocol, all of that is over with. The only thing that should happen is handshakes after the game and respecting the game. But I don't have to respect you on the four corners of the floor because it's overdone. How righteous of you to come over and start a fight because I scored at the end of the game? Get out of here. Come on. I mean, but that's, you know.
15:09Chris Webber:Yeah. Yeah.
Read the full transcript
15:10Rich Eisen:You agree. I know, TJ, you were holding that down. I was more old school. I was more like the unwritten rules are still, maybe that's a quaint notion, as you're pointing out. You know, the unwritten rules just don't apply anymore.
15:23Chris Webber:It's not like he went down the window. I saw a tiny hit a home run and just hold the bet. It was like, and he's my favorite player. You know what I mean? So I I'm with you, Rich. I am old school in that way, but because now I understand it's like me and you talking junk to each other, you know, Oh, you're going to wear that shirt. Are you going to do that? It's almost like that has become part of the game. The locker room has come out onto the court. In my opinion with the own, the interaction is disrespectful because we're all part of the game. in a way. So I definitely hear what you're saying, but, you know, T.O.
15:59Chris Webber:had the popcorn and the, you know, the Sharpie after the game. And, you know, in no way, I don't even remember who he was playing against. So I don't, you know, look at it as personal anymore. I look at it as the personality of that team that was in the position to talk junk at that time.
16:13Rich Eisen:Well, I mean, not to, you know, nitpick, but T.O. did that during a game. Wasn't after. He did that during a game. He had the Sharpie in his sock. It was against Seattle. And his money manager was in the front row. And he signed the football and handed it to his money guy.
16:28Chris Webber:Now, that's crazy. I didn't even know the behind the story. So, wait a minute. So, you're saying the other day shooting at the end was more traditional than that? No, I had a problem with what T.O.
16:38Rich Eisen:did. I had a problem with what T.O. did back then, too. Because Mariucci was the coach. And somebody came up to him and said, did you know what he just did? The popcorn was when he was a cowboy. Now, that one I don't have a problem with.
16:47Chris Webber:But when he caught the touchdown and he put the football in the star, I was just thinking like how righteous are people to say this is not a, a church or a sacred document. It's a stadium and a star. That's what you're supposed to do. If you're the team and you can play in front of that, him coming back home. So those moments, you know, yeah, man. Yeah. Yeah.
17:08Rich Eisen:He is talking your, I didn't like that one. What do you want? Cause you're, well, cause you're the, yeah, he is.
17:17Chris Webber:you know cweb come on now go lions go lions you know chris you're my man but go lions go tigers oh boy go tigers enjoy kneecaps off we buy kneecaps off do we play you this year
17:32Rich Eisen:oh great question i don't know look that one up let's do this you're gonna have to see each other by the way you think carl anthony the only all-time basketball player you know cweb see Here's the problem. I got into that with Carl Anthony Towns and Eagles fans.
17:46Chris Webber:The man made my life miserable because he has way more discretionary income than me. He was sending in mariachi bands. He was sending in balloons and flowers. You got a whole gym that you own. I don't even know if I want that problem with you. It's all love. It's simple, man. I love hot sauces and all this other stuff we could do, man. It's nothing, you know. You're a big baller. You know, we could find something. I'm down with it. We could find something. Yeah. You know, if we win, he sends me an old Michigan uni from 90, 92 or something. Whoa.
18:16Rich Eisen:Oh, wow. Hold on a minute. I imagine you must have one of them hanging on the wall in that gym behind you. No, no, no.
18:22Chris Webber:I will say this, though.
18:23Rich Eisen:Take it down and just hand it.
18:25Chris Webber:I will say primetime is my favorite football player ever. And shout out to primetime because he sent me fishing poles, and me and my family using them all the time. So I do love guys that played there. But, you know, besides Haley, besides, you know, Emmett, other guys like that, you know, I love how delusional you are. And that's what I mean about sports. You know what I'm saying? Isn't that what's great about sports? That's fandom. Delusional. You could not win for 30 years. And this year, oh, after the draft. Oh, I wish I was around you after the draft. I can't imagine. You did not want to be around you.
18:56Chris Webber:I was in the Steeler bar. Cam Hayward had a party. I had this flag. I was walking like Obafemi after. Like, we got, you know. I know.
19:04Rich Eisen:See, they do not play each other this year, Detroit and Dallas. 2028.
19:09Chris Webber:Or the national football. We must have to talk to one of the tougher schedules. Or the playoffs.
19:13Rich Eisen:We'll see you in the playoffs. Maybe in the playoffs. Yeah, and then maybe this time around, he won't have a penalty called against him, against you to bail you out. Well, don't make a penalty and it won't happen. And then he can send me some old air garachis.
19:25Chris Webber:Shout out to Megatron, Billy Sims.
19:27Rich Eisen:Am I right about that? Well, by the way, we had Megatron on our show last week in Pittsburgh.
19:32Chris Webber:Yeah.
19:33Rich Eisen:Oh, I, he could give, he could give you four quarters right now. Oh yeah. Oh God. He was, yeah. He, you know, he's one of those, and you're going to be one of those guys too in the orange jackets, Chris, that you're going to show up years later. You're going to still look the same way that you look right now. You see a little bit more gray and P you know, there are some hall of famers in, in, in, in pro football where they don't change. They don't age. They look like they, They look great in their jacket, and you think they can give you snaps right now. Mel Blunt is one of them. Aaron Donald is going to be one of them.
20:07Rich Eisen:You know, and Calvin is one of them, man.
20:10Chris Webber:Yeah, Aaron Donald is scary. He should be a WWE wrestler. Good to see you. I saw him a little while ago.
20:16Rich Eisen:Great to see you, Chris. I love this spot. Let's do that. I kind of dig this spot.
20:21Chris Webber:I'm trying to get it right. I'm trying to get it right for you, man. I'm trying to fix it up. You know what I'm saying? So I appreciate you.
20:26Rich Eisen:Do our show there. Oh, by the way, did you hear, before I let you go, did you hear Michigan and Duke announce they're playing in Madison Square Garden December 21st?
20:34Chris Webber:Oh, man, I'm going to make sure I'm in New York. MSG. MSG. Oh, that's what's up, man. They're asking for our smoke.
20:41Rich Eisen:I know we couldn't get it done in D.C., but maybe NYC will be a different ball of wax.
20:47Chris Webber:Oh, yeah, oh, yeah. We just let them, you know, live this year. We were concentrating on, you know, a championship. So, you know, yeah, yeah.
20:53Rich Eisen:We're Michigan. We have foresight.
20:56Chris Webber:You already know.
20:57Rich Eisen:Thanks, Chris. We'll chat next week.
20:59Chris Webber:Appreciate it, you guys. All right, Chris. See you, dude.
21:01Rich Eisen:The great Chris Weber. I like that spot.
21:04Chris Webber:Yes.
21:04Rich Eisen:Yeah. That was great. Looks great. Well lit. That court is spotless. You know, a couple years in the NBA. I want to see what's on the walls, too. Right. Yeah. Everyone's jersey. We need a wall tour next time. I mean. Let's just go do the show from there. Let's do it. Not set. Okay. Not against it. We are talking. I'm planning a caper of doing a show from Michigan in July. Oh, we're? Oh, yeah. Nice to know. 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. You can make every day feel epic in the all-new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
21:42Rich Eisen:You get up to an EPA-estimated 619 miles of range on select trims, advanced tech, 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. The all-new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. Visit HyundaiUSA.com or call 562-314-4603 for details. You can call 844-204-RICH to chat with us. We'll take your phone calls when we come up next. And my top five favorite NFL draft choices from this weekend. The Rich Isis Show Podcast.
22:24Rich Eisen:Rich Eisen here. PayPal is now the official peer-to-peer payments sponsor of the NFL, which means all the money moments that fandom creates, whether splitting tailgate costs or chipping in on tickets and game day food between friends are covered. Wherever the game is played or watched, PayPal moves with fans. You can send money through text, email, or directly to your friends with eligible accounts on Venmo. Just download the PayPal app and share all the moments that matter. Account with PayPal is required. Not available in all regions where PayPal operates. O-O-O-O 'Reilly Check engine, ABS, or maintenance light on?
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24:05Rich Eisen:The great George Kittle, right here on The Rich Heisen Show. Back here on our program, one big happy family on Disney +, the ESPN app. on all those digital platforms. Check out Women's Sports Now later on today. Susie Schuster will be joining us shortly in support of that program shortly. Phone lines, let's go to them. You've been prattling on with others for so long. Great conversations, if I may say. So epic. Epic. John in Lake Tahoe, California, on the California side. What's up, John? Let's go.
24:38Chris Webber:How you doing, Rich? You guys do a great job. Thank you. I was telling the call screener there, back in the day, they let John Matuzak in.
24:47Rich Eisen:There was a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders against the Dallas Cowboys. And the first thing he said in the booth, he goes, hey, you've got to get a shot of the cheerleaders. But he said to win the Super Bowl, you need six things, the three H's and the three I's. Hitting, hurting, and humiliating, intimidating, interrogating, incinerating. and that was what they stood for.
25:11Chris Webber:So, hey, I like the thing about taking the logos off the helmets, but I think there's going to be a pretty good-sized amount of people jumping on the Raiders' bandwagon. I think they're going to, with the defensive health they've had and hopefully with Kubiak putting some kind of a game plan together on offense, which they haven't had in 20 years, they'll be doing a lot better. But I thought that was pretty good about Matuzak. He was a great player.
25:39Rich Eisen:Well, I hope the old days of the Raiders, where they were winning and winning divisions and winning Super Bowls or going to Super Bowls, hopefully they return for you, John. I appreciate the call.
25:50Chris Webber:Yeah.
25:51Rich Eisen:You got it. Hey, there's a thing on Facebook right now going around about Mean Joe Green. He said they asked him what was the hardest game he ever played, and he goes, the 72 Oakland Raiders. he said Greenwood was getting beat up pretty bad, and he goes, what's going on? And so Mean Joe Green switched over there to his side and said Bob Brown was just beating his brains out all game. So it's old school. Exactly, hopefully the old school returns. You guys do a great job. Thanks, John. That's John in Lake Tahoe, California. The other side, Nevada, is where you would find the American Century Championship.
26:32Rich Eisen:and the Corleone compound from different eras. That sounded like John Gruden a little bit. A little bit. That was a different spelling of John. Talking about the three H's, three I's. I've been to the Black Hole. That's where I found a lot of J's. Oh. Interesting. I don't mean John in Lake Tahoe, California. Just letting you know. I'll never forget that. One time we were doing a pregame show from the parking lot outside of Oakland Coliseum. Right in the middle of a segment on NFL Network, just a big old waft of smoke came right past us as Mariucci's talking on NFL Network. And right in the middle of his comment, Mooch went, whoa.
27:21Rich Eisen:Mooch plus. Mooch plus. That's it. Mooch just would go, whoa. Like, Steve, just in the middle of your commentary? Yeah, no filter. Just like, oh. Okay. You guys go to lunch right after that? That was dinner time. Cheetos? Okay. I've got a top five, everybody. You do? Oh, yeah. I've got another one of those. Thanks for that. Top five favorite NFL draft picks presented by Hyundai. Hit it. Hit it.
27:46Chris Webber:Five. One, two, three, four, five.
27:49Rich Eisen:Rich's top five. That's right. My top five favorite NFL draft picks presented by Hyundai. day and you might be wondering the same way for my power rankings of the best players to live up to the billing. Like, what's your criteria? It's gut and feel. This one's just gut and feel. This one's like, is it a good fit? And also, was it a great moment in the draft? And we start with number five. I do believe this was the only player drafted that caused TJ Jefferson to text me on the spot. He gets drafted, and you're like, this guy is going to be a rock star in his new town. Number five on this list, with the Red Maine party in the back flowing, Jennings Dunker.
28:41Rich Eisen:Being taken 96th overall, third round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. You tell me if this kid, look at that photograph of him holding up the terrible towel with his new hoodie. Was he in the crowd? And the background, like, it's his new Sears photo in fifth grade. You know what I mean? He looks like he graduated from Stow Rocks High School. Look at him, man. Jennings Dunker on the offensive line for the Pittsburgh Steelers, if he has the career that he's hoping, is going to be a new, you know, folk hero in Western Pennsylvania. He's a logo. Right. Just great. That's awesome. That was such a blast seeing him, too, chosen by the Steelers, and they show the draft room, and Mike McCarthy's getting up.
29:20Rich Eisen:He's clapping. and number four on the list, I will not quit this guy. Am I the only guy on TV slash radio who just will not get off the Venga-Yuani train? I think I am. Yeah, you're. I'm telling everybody, Oliva Venga-Yuani out of Penn State University is an interior lineman. By the way, how about me leading with two guards? That's impressive. Off-brand. But you know what? This whole draft kind of was. I'm telling you, this is one of those guys that will show up at the bank on Sundays and you could take the money in it. Not from him. Put it right in the bank. Money in the bank. This guy is. And he could play, if he is healthy, a decade plus and go straight into Canton.
30:15Rich Eisen:That's how good he is. and I can't believe, again, in this league, I would just not take an interior lineman top 10. Okay. I can't believe a Ravens fan would even question that when they had a guy who was, what, 8 '13 tall? Yep. Well, he was a tackle. I mean, you know, I know you're talking about Ogden. Yeah. But, again, interior linemen, left guards normally don't get – just ask a Seahawks fan what Steve Hutchinson did for that team. I understand he was next to Walter Jones, but I just love this pick. It's such a Ravens pick. It's an old school Ravens pick. So anybody's wondering, what's Jesse Minter going to bring in the equation?
30:51Rich Eisen:Same. Same. Going to run the ball. Derek Henry behind this guy. I'm telling you, if there's no diminishing returns from the diminisher, he's going to be dominant again. Rich, you see the video of him. He's at Penn State.
31:06Chris Webber:You're leaving the field. There's an equipment manager struggling to push up a cart. He hops over a fit. And it was just, he was just, what, 330? Just the swiftness and the nimbleness. of him just hopping over and then pushing this thing.
31:18Rich Eisen:We would show video of him during the combine. He's so violent, I'm just like, oh, my goodness. Number three, I dig the first overall pick. I dig him. I like who he is. I like who he is. I like the Raiders having a milk drinker in Las Vegas, Nevada, playing a position once upon a time held by a guy who studied the playbook by the light of a jukebox. You know what I mean? I just kind of dig it. I love the fact that he's going to be in a position where he doesn't have to start. He doesn't have to start from the get-go. Pressure's kind of off. I understand he's first overall. But Fernando Mendoza, I think this is a great pick.
32:08Rich Eisen:Obviously, quarterback needy team. First overall pick. Not going on a very long limb here, but I love it. Number two on the list. You might have texted me after this one, too. I don't recall it. But Caleb Downs being a Dallas Cowboys, perfect. I mean, perfect. He is exactly who the Dallas Cowboys need. He is a pro's pro. He is one of the best players in college football from the past few years playing a position the Dallas Cowboys desperately need filled. The front end is so much better that if he holds down the back end, this is exactly what the Dallas Cowboys had to have happen. They moved up one spot to make sure it would happen.
32:54Rich Eisen:And again, safety, not a top 10 player. Okay, let's see how this kid does in Dallas and how he solidifies things and how everything works off it. If he is the Derwin James or the Kyle Hamilton, or the Christian Gonzalez of this equation, look out. Yeah, our defense doesn't have to be great. We just can't suck like we did last. Right. I think those days are over. Good strategy. So give us an average defense. It's a great way to team build. I'm just saying. You should ask Chris Ballard that. Number one on the list is a duo. Now, the third day of the draft, you may miss these moments. I'm sure you might have heard of them.
33:33Rich Eisen:But who are Bernard and Eli Heidenreich are number one. Now, Bernard is a Nigerian. Chosen 251st overall out of the International Player Pathway program. A seventh-round pick who has not played, he never played anything, No athletics until he took up hoops in Nigeria at age 16. He showed up at the 2024 NFL Nigeria camp. And then the next year he showed up in the NFL Africa camp in Cairo. And teams began to notice him. He has not played a single snap of organized football in his life. In his life. Why would the Eagles take him? Well, he's 6 '4.5", 306 pounds, who jumped a 39-inch vert and a 10 '10 broad jump and ran a 4 '6", 340.
34:41Rich Eisen:Do you know who is also 6 '4.5 and ran a 4 '6", 4 at his combine at 272 pounds? Miles Garrett. Two pounds. They took the Eagles, a kid out of Nigeria, who is the height, weight, speed, well, height, speed comp of Miles Garrett. 6 % body fat. Jeez. And he's never played a single down of organized football in his life. Cannot wait to see what the Eagles do with this, if you will, lump of football clay. And then that came on the heels of the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 230th pick. They chose Eli Heidenreich out of Navy. And look how he comes out of the green room dressed in his uniform. And he is a kid from Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
35:42A hometown kid who went to Navy and set many records, 243 yards in a game,
35:50Rich Eisen:receiving, running back, receiving. That set a Navy record for a single game. He tied the Navy record in that game with three touchdowns scored. He did it against Air Force. You think that mattered for Navy in that game? And then he wound up with 16 touchdowns in his career, receiving that broke Phil McConkie's record at Navy. and he's the first Navy player with 200 receiving yards in a game, and he's in the green room, and they play in Renegade, and out comes a Navy man. It was lit and incredible, and together, if I may, it's what this country's all about. A military man celebrated in his hometown, doing well, representing his country, and then somebody from Nigeria coming to America for an opportunity where it is afforded to him by the only sport made in America, played in America.
36:51Rich Eisen:That's what it's about. This land is still, for people around the world, a land of opportunity. And also a great military man from Pennsylvania coming to the NFL for his hometown team. I loved it. That was incredible. You think we need one more? Here's one more. All right, we'll get one more. All right, you definitely might have missed this. I know that's saying something that is a solid and then an if. But did you guys see the end of the draft, Mr. Irrelevant? I did not. All right. This is one of my favorite draft moments ever. Put up on the screen the Mr. Irrelevant conundrum. Dallin Bentley and Red Murdoch.
37:39Rich Eisen:Dallin Bentley, a tight end out of Utah, was the second-to-last pick in the draft at 256. Red Murdoch out of Buffalo, a linebacker, by the way, Khalil Mack's line to the NFL, he was Mr. Irrelevant. Why am I bringing this up? Well, it's because normally pick 256 is decided by one team, and then Mr. Irrelevant is chosen by another team. Denver had both picks. They had the last two picks. So in that draft room, Sean Payton and the rest of the crew there, George Payton, all the Paytons, I don't know if Manning had anything to do with it either, they decided which guy was pick 256. Here's his handshake for you.
38:28Rich Eisen:Welcome to the NFL. and who gets a whole week in Newport Beach, a parade, a dinner, a day at Disneyland, a day at a baseball game, a regatta, and a whole big charity event, fundraising in your name and your honor. One guy is$2.56 and the other guy is, hey,$2.57. And we were having fun on the air of saying, And does Red Murdoch call up Bentley and say, you come. Yeah, come with me. Come with me. Let's go. You call up the Mr. And does having two guys chosen by the team. Two guys. Does that make Mr. Irrelevant a little less irrelevant? Does that make him more relevant because it dilutes the irrelevancy?
39:18Rich Eisen:It doubles the irrelevancy, yeah. It could. Yeah. Yeah. Dallin, by the way, gets shoulder on the graphic on Red Murdoch because he was picked before. But one guy gets a whole week, and the other guy gets, eh. With a better name, Red Murdoch. It was wild. In my 23 years of doing this, I don't recall the last time one team had the last two picks. No. And it's just like, I mean, Dallin, you could have been last, and you could get the week, but no. Did Sean Payton say how he decided? next time he is on you bet I will ask him that question are they flip a coin? I don't know man because they're both on the board we'll take Bentley first and then we'll decide who gets the whole big schmear you think that's going to cause beef between those?
40:02Rich Eisen:I don't know man that's why you got to have a good coach like Sean Payton to navigate that my top 5 is brought to you by the all new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid learn how it makes everyday epic at HyundaiUSA.com yeah that and by the way also didn't You know, just make sure I get this right because my memory is correct. That pick by the Steelers of Heidenreich was right after the Bengals used the Pat Tillman pick on another Navy man, Landon Robinson, a defensive tackle. So the fact that he wasn't there, though, but two Navy guys get chosen in the span of about 20-something minutes, one with the Pat Tillman pick and one by the hometown team, and he comes out dressed in his uniform.
40:55Rich Eisen:Incredible. Let's take a break. Suze will help wrap this show up with you and all of us to get you ready for women's sports now, later at 6 Eastern time on the Disney Family of Digital Networks. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
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42:13Chris Webber:there.
42:16Rich Eisen:No. Back here on the Rich Eisen Show on the radio side of things, we were just talking about how Susie Schuster who's here right now is walking down the hallway and I could tell you it was you from your footsteps. I will just say this to you, TJ. Okay. May you like me find the love of your life one day. Yeah. Okay. Where? That's you. You are the love of my life. in case you want to hear that. Okay. May you find that one day and be married to that individual for 23 years, as Susie and I are married and counting. And Chris, as you are about to embark on the actual of making it official of something that's been going on for a long time and the going on, which is cohabitation and having a child.
43:00Rich Eisen:Correct. Sarah Tiano, who, by the way, is on Women's Sports Now later on today. It's at least some time. But this is a long wind up for this pitch. And Jay Felly, who's married. And Jay Felly, you've been married now how long? Almost two years. Okay. So I'm 23 years and counting. And a way to get to that point in time is to absolutely make sure you know when your wife's coming around.
43:24Chris Webber:Am I like the opposite? No, no, it helps.
43:27Rich Eisen:It helps. But am I the opposite? I don't know if you're aware that when you come into our room and I'm on the phone, you know, doing the wordle, doing something, are you frequently noticing I'm getting up just as you come in the door?
43:39Chris Webber:Yeah, faker.
43:42Rich Eisen:Putting the phone down. I'm present. I'm now present. What do you need from me?
43:46Chris Webber:Oh, my God. I'm trying to tell you something. I'm the... Thank you.
43:49Rich Eisen:Okay.
43:50Chris Webber:Okay.
43:50Rich Eisen:I'm revealing, unfortunately, a trick of the trade.
43:53Chris Webber:I am the opposite of walk softly and carry a big stick. I think I possibly won't walk loudly and carry an even bigger one.
44:01Rich Eisen:You're a stomper. But I heard you. A stomper. But I can definitely tell when Susie's coming. Absolutely. Absolutely. All right, Suze, who's on women's sports now? This has been great. Moving on. Hold on a minute. Actually, before we get to that, let me get to the payments here.
44:17Chris Webber:Yeah.
44:18Rich Eisen:In a world in need of a hero, everybody. In a world. One man rises to challenge in style. He is just driving the kids to soccer practice. You're going to love doing this when you sit in this chair. But can you do it in a world? In a world. In need of a hero. Make every day feel epic in the all-new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid with up to an EPA-estimated 619 miles of range on select trims, advanced teching 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 which our kids do because they hear their mom coming the all-new hyundai palisade hybrid visit hyundaiusa.com or call 562-314-4603 for details what about space for the dogs ah that does matter kids and the dogs too yeah um who's it's liz banks today elizabeth banks is on today she's promoting
45:06Chris Webber:her show on Peacock, but she's also talking about the Boston Legacy, a team of which she bought into. Why? Well, because she is from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and she cares about her hometown. And she's a longtime Angel City visitor goer. She's done the announcements before the game. She's brought out the bird of prey, but she really wanted to invest in her own hometown. And she is a big fan of the league and feels like she can make an impact. And I think she can basically do whatever she wants to do.
45:36Rich Eisen:Yes, that is true. And she's got a million things to promote as well.
45:40Chris Webber:A million things to promote, so I can't wait to have her on. I will ask her, is Mahjong a sport?
45:45Rich Eisen:Okay.
45:45Chris Webber:Because, you know, poker has its own tournament.
45:48Rich Eisen:Are you really talking about Mahjong? You're going to use women's sports now real estate on Mahjong.
45:54Chris Webber:It's a 30-second question, Rich.
45:55Rich Eisen:Are you putting on your EP hat here? He was judging. That was judgy. Not a judgy. Very judgy. Suggestive. By the way, do I suggest to him?
46:06Chris Webber:what he's going to do on this show, Chris?
46:08Rich Eisen:Is that true? He probably did. By the way, Hoskins just told me something.
46:10Chris Webber:What?
46:11Rich Eisen:It is National Mahjong Day.
46:13Chris Webber:Oh, thank you very much, Hoskins. Great idea, by the way. Great idea, Susie. Oh, thank you, Rich. I put that together.
46:21Rich Eisen:Her mug does say best host ever. Oh, is that what it is? It says best host ever.
46:26Chris Webber:Oh, did Charlie Collard give us that? Then it went like this. Look at this.
46:30Rich Eisen:Oh, the candle's lit. Hey. Yeah, Tulo, you know, Ken Tulo. Hi, Charlie. Thank you.
46:34Chris Webber:Puts out all these days, like what day it is, this national day, birthdays. Yeah, she's right.
46:39Rich Eisen:Today is. All right. So stay tuned to Women's Sports Now later on. And I did that on purpose. Very good. Okay. We're out of time for our radio show. We're back. No, it's not. We're back on the radio on Friday. Everybody check out Women's Sports Now tonight at 6. Thanks for listening to the Rich Eisen Show podcast. You can watch and listen to the Rich Eisen Show live weekdays from noon to 3 Eastern on ESPN Radio, Disney Plus, and on the ESPN app. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
From the publisher
Basketball Hall of Famer Chris Webber and Rich break down the NBA Playoffs including why the Orlando Magic, despite being up 3-2 on the Detroit Pistons, should be worried about a first-round exit, what Joel Embiid must do for the 76ers to oust the Celtics, why the Nuggets are done despite the key injury to Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, calls out Denver C Nikola Jokic for getting so worked about the late-game layup by Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels, and more.Rich reveals his favorite draft picks from the 2026 NFL Draft with takes on the Steelers, Ravens, Raiders, Cowboys, Eagles and more. Suzy Shuster drops by the studio to promote the latest episode of ‘Women’s Sports Now’ on ESPN.
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