first-things-first – Page 21

James Laurinaitis: I think Justin Fields is best QB in 2021 NFL Draft Class | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Big Ten Network analyst James Laurinaitis joins First Things First to share his thoughts on the 2021 NFL Draft Class. Hear why he thinks Justin Fields is the best quarterback in the draft, even better than projected No. 1 draft pick Trevor Lawrence.

Antoine Walker: Giannis must get better at the line if Bucks’ want to make playoff run | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Giannis Antetokounmpo says the Milwaukee Bucks’ win over the Philadelphia 76ers was a ‘playoff game’ for him. Giannis scored a total of 27 points and made 16 rebounds, but it’s his free throw shooting that Antoine Walker says he’ll need to get better at if they want to make a playoff run.

LaVar Arrington: Anthony Davis returning to Lakers at 100% isn’t realistic | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Anthony Davis says during a press conference says he will make a return to the Los Angeles Lakers tonight as they face off against the Dallas Mavericks. AD says he is “100% healthy after 9 weeks of rest, but LaVar Arrington tells us why that number isn’t realistic, and why he’s concerned about AD’s level of explosiveness when he returns to the court.

Brandon Marshall doesn’t mind Eagles’ Nick Sirianni’s rock-paper-scissors approach | FIRST THINGS FIRST

The new head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, Nick Sirianni, drew some ire during a press conference, where he said he uses rock-paper-scissors to gauge draft prospects’ competitiveness. Brandon Marshall lays out why he believes there’s nothing wrong with using games to spark competitiveness in the locker room.

Antoine Walker: ‘Kevin Durant needs to get back on the court for Nets to get continuity’ | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Antoine Walker joins First Things First to talk Brooklyn Nets. Steve Nash says “it’s very possible” Kevin Durant returns to the lineup tomorrow or Sunday. Antoine shares why KD on the court is vital to the Nets’ Title chances.

Brian Westbrook: Three things have to happen for Patrick Mahomes to surpass Tom Brady as GOAT | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes took to social media to stir up the GOAT conversation with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. Brian Westbrook joins First Things First to discuss what it would take for Mahomes to eventually surpass Brady as the GOAT.

Chris Broussard: If Nets want a championship win, James Harden is key | FIRST THINGS FIRST

James Harden is reportedly out indefinitely after MRI reveals a setback with his hamstring. His projected return could come closer to the start of the postseason. Chris Broussard joins First Things First to share how concerned he believes Nets fans should be for their playoff chances, and if the Nets are title contenders, even without Big 3 playing double-digit games together.

Brandon Marshall: Where’s the downside for Trey Lance? | FIRST THINGS FIRST

NFL Analyst Todd McShay says the San Francisco 49ers should consider taking rookie quarterback Trey Lance at No. 3: in the NFL draft. McShay claims Lance has the “highest ceiling” after Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson. Brandon Marshall decides whether he would be more excited by Lance’s potential or worried about the unknowns.

Brandon Marshall on what he expects from Steelers after Mike Tomlin signs 3-year extension | FIRST THINGS FIRST

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed Mike Tomlin through 2024, and Brandon Marshall tells Nick Wright what he sees for the Steelers’ future now that the long time head coach has committed to 3 more years. Hear why Brandon expects Pittsburgh to be good, but thinks there’s one offensive obstacle standing in their way with Big Ben Roethlisberger.

Chris Broussard: Steph Curry's playing great basketball, but he's no MVP | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Steph Curry has been on a hot streak, hitting 10 threes and scoring 49 points in the Golden State Warriors 107-96 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. This is Steph’s 5th 40-point game in April. Chris Broussard joins First Things First to decide if Steph’s recent surge has propelled him into the MVP race.

Michael Vick: The bar has been set tremendously high for Trevor Lawrence | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Pro Football Focus called former Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence the ‘best quarterback prospect we have ever scouted’. Michael Vick joins First things First to discuss what sort of pressure to be a franchise-altering presence is Trevor Lawrence facing, and share his own experience as a first-round pick.

Nick Wright responds to Kevin Durant’s All-Time NBA roster with his own | FIRST THINGS FIRST

In a recent podcast appearance, Brooklyn Nets’ star Kevin Durant laid out his All-Time 12-Man NBA Roster. Chris Broussard joins the show, and Nick Wright responds to KD’s roster with one of his own. Broussard decides who has a better 12-Man roster, Durant or Nick.

Nick Wright: Kevin Durant's injuries have all but ensured Nets won't get No. 1 seed | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Nick Wright reacts to Kevin Durant’s thigh contusion, and explains why Brooklyn Nets’ struggle with injuries will keep them from making the No. 1 seed in the NBA playoffs.

Nick Wright: Zion Williamson with the New York Kicks is a long shot | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Zion Williamson played his first NBA game in Madison Square Garden, When asked, he said “I think this might be my favorite place to play outside of New Orleans”, sparking speculation that Zion could be interesting in playing with the New York Knicks. Nick Wright decides whether Zion saying this a big deal or no big deal?

Chris Broussard: ‘I gotta admit, I’m concerned about the Brooklyn Nets’ | FIRST THINGS FIRST

The Brooklyn Nets suffered a 109-107 loss to the Miami Heat after losing Kevin Durant in the first quarter with a thigh contusion. KD will be evaluated today, but Chris Broussard joins the First Things First crew to decide whether it’s fair to be concerned about the Nets continuity after Durant suffers another injury.

Who is better: Ben Simmons or Kyrie Irving? Nick Wright weighs in | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Nick Wright on who he thinks is better Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons or Brooklyn Nets’ Kyrie Irving. Nick explains ‘most people in the basketball world would say Kyrie is a better player. I think they’re flatly wrong.’

Nick Wright: 76ers are best built to beat the Nets, the Clippers are not | FIRST THINGS FIRST

The Los Angeles Clippers face off against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight. Nick Wright & Antoine Marshall decide which team is a bigger threat to win the title ahead of tonight’s matchup. Antoine makes a case for the Clippers, but Nick decides that since the Nets are considered favorites for the title, and the 76ers are more equipped to beat the Nets, it’s Philadelphia who is the bigger threat.

Nick Wright: I’d rather have Anthony Davis than James Harden or Kawhi Leonard in the postseason | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Nick Wright talks Anthony Davis’ return to the court after he’s been cleared for full-contact practice. The Lakers have survived without LeBron James and AD thus far, but Nick lays out why he believes any doubts against AD’s ability to make a strong return to the team are exaggerated. Hear why he still has confidence in the Lakers’ postseason chances.

Antoine Walker: The Lakers need Anthony Davis to take pressure off LeBron James | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Anthony Davis has been cleared for full-contact practice, signaling his return to the court is near. With LeBron still set to sit out due to injury, Antoine Walker tells the First Things First crew what he expects to see from AD when he rejoins the Los Angeles Lakers.

Brandon Marshall: There’s no pressure on Bill Belichick to draft a franchise QB | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Bill Belichick held his first press conference of the offseason, and discussed quarterbacks and the New England Patriots’ draft strategy. Nick Wright believes Belichick is under immense pressure to draft a franchise quarterback after his former quarterback Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win. Hear why Brandon Marshall doesn’t agree.

LaVar Arrington likes Trevor Lawrence’s mindset: ‘He’s a man with balance’ | FIRST THINGS FIRST

LaVar Arrington joins First Things First to give his take on rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Jacksonville Jaguars bound QB said “I don’t have this huge chip on my shoulder… I can’t manufacture that. I don’t want to.” Lavar shares why this is a positive mindset, and one he would love to hear if he were a part of the Jags’ organization.

Sarah Kustok: Brooklyn is focused on getting healthy for the playoffs | FIRST THINGS FIRST

The Philadelphia 76ers edged out the Brooklyn Nets for a win with a final score of 123-117. Joel Embiid shone in last night’s game, scoring 39 points and capping out at 13 rebounds. The Nets cut the lead from 22 to 3 in the 4th quarter, but head coach Steve Nash raised some eyebrows with his decision to sit Kyrie Irving out for the final minutes of the game. Sarah Kustok joins First Things First to decide what she made of Nash’s decision to leave Kyrie on the bench with a chance to beat the 76ers.

Nick Wright: Steve Nash will regret not putting Kyrie Irving back in against Sixers | FIRST THINGS FIRST

The Brooklyn Nets fell to the Philadelphia 76ers after head coach Steve Nash made the questionable decision to sit Kyrie Irving out of the game when the Nets appeared to be making a comeback. Nick Wright breaks down why this is a decision Nash will come to regret.

Brian Westbrook: Justin Fields in New England is the most interesting play | FIRST THINGS FIRST

The Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos and the New York Jets are expected to attend rookie quarterback Justin Fields’ second pro day. Brian Westbrook joins First Things First to break down why out of all of these teams, the Patriots may be the most interesting team to make a move for Fields on Draft Day.

Chris Broussard: James Harden is playing point for Nets better than Ben Simmons ever has | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons dismissed potential rivalry with the Brooklyn Nets, commenting that the concern for Brooklyn is “there’s only one ball and you got to play defense” . Chris Broussard joins First Things First, and keeps it real with Simmons. He says Brooklyn is already moving and handling the ball better than the 76ers ever have, and that James Harden has been a better point guard for the team that Simmons. Hear why Broussard believes the Sixers’ player needs to watch more tape on the Nets.

Nick Wright: Aaron Rodgers in New England is the most ridiculous idea I’ve ever heard | FIRST THINGS FIRST

NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran speculated about the possibility of the New England Patriots eventually landing Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Nick Wright breaks down there there’s no chance this could actually happen.

Nick Wright: Steph Curry’s legacy is built on winning, he can’t win in Golden State | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Steph Curry lead the Golden State Warriors to a 116-107 win over the Denver Nuggets, simultaneously passing Wilt Chamberlain to becomes franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Nick Wriight discusses Steph’s legacy with Chris Broussard and decides whether or not there’s anything left for the MVP player to accomplish in Golden State.

Chris Broussard: Joel Embiid is out of the MVP conversation | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Joel Embiid led the Philadelphia 76ers to a big win over the Dallas Mavericks, scoring scores 36 points in 25 minutes. The MVP conversation has started up again around Embiid, but Chris Broussard joins First Things First to break down why he’s got no chance of being in the running.

Nick Wright: Julian Edelman had an incredible career, but he’s not a Hall of Famer | FIRST THINGS FIRST

New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman has announced his retirement from the NFL, and while we should be celebrating his incredible career, Nick Wright instead has to explain why Edelman is not a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Hear why Nick believes Edelman is 7 stepsa away from even being on the doorstep of the Hall of Fame.

Nick Wright: The Brooklyn Nets aren’t built for a NBA Title | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Nick Wright talks Los Angeles Lakers after they blew out the Brooklyn Nets over the weekend. Hear three reasons why he believes this win over the Nets was a very big deal for the Lakers Finals chances.