Why won't Giannis, Jokic and Embiid ever win another MVP? Get your tinfoil hats ready because today we have got a doozie. In this episode of Hoopatheticals, Jez and Thom engage in a lively discussion about the current state of the NBA, focusing on team performances, player evaluations, and the dynamics of various franchises. They introduce segments like Heat Check, where they assess the temperature of different teams, and Bank Shot, where they provide investing advice on players. The conversation also includes a creative poetry corner, a segment on conspiracy theories in the NBA, and a Hall of Fame induction for notable players. The episode wraps up with a fun pitch for Andrew Wiggins and LaMelo Ball, showcasing the hosts' humor and insights into the league. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Listener Engagement 01:14 NBA Heat Check: Team Performances 05:49 Individual Player Heat Check 08:40 JR Spliff on Shannon Sharpe 10:35 New Segment: Bank Shot - Investing in Players 21:17 Poetry Corner: Pat Connaughton, Nikola Jokic 25:48 Worst Fake: Hot Takes and Improv Arguments 29:03 The Rise of the Magic 30:49 Paul George's Career Move 32:52 The 76ers' Struggles 35:12 NBA Conspiracy Theories: MVP Edition 40:36 Bucks Chemistry and Performance 46:44 Hall of Fame Inductions 55:23 Agent Cody Bank: Player Representation