In this special episode of Dawg Talk, Hosts J Mac and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) welcome Orlando Magic rookie Tristan da Silva, aka "Silk," for an in-depth conversation about his first year in the NBA, his international basketball journey, and life off the court.

The trio kicks things off with laughs about KCP’s lack of sleep and the origin of Tristan’s nickname “Silk,” given for his smooth game and demeanor. Tristan reflects on his transition from playing in Germany to NCAA basketball at Colorado, where he stayed all four years—something rare in today’s transfer-heavy college game. He shares his growth from limited freshman minutes to becoming a first-round draft pick and credits his maturity and preparation to that full college experience.

The conversation digs into Tristan’s rookie season with the Magic—his standout moments, the challenges of adapting to the NBA’s pace, and how he’s been learning from KCP, whom he praises for his leadership, consistency, and team-first mentality. The two bond over the ups and downs of adjusting to new levels of play and the importance of staying grounded through the highs and lows of a long season.

They also discuss the evolving global nature of the NBA, comparing Team USA versus Team World, and the differences between European fundamentals and American athleticism. Tristan talks about his early soccer days, discovering basketball, and the discipline he gained from watching practices as a kid in the gym for hours.

The episode closes with love to Orlando Magic fans, shoutouts to future guests (yes, they’re still trying to get Cole Anthony on the pod), and a big thank you to Tristan for pulling up and keeping it real.

One for the Magic fans and hoop heads who want to hear what it’s really like on and off the court—from the vets and the rising stars.

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0:00 – Intro: Back in the Lab with J Mac, KCP & Tristan “Silk” da Silva
3:15 – How “Silk” Got His Nickname & Rookie Year Adjustments
7:30 – Learning from KCP & Stepping Up During the Season
12:10 – Growing Pains, Confidence, and Staying Consistent
16:45 – From Germany to Colorado: Tristan’s Basketball Journey
22:30 – Overseas vs. U.S. Basketball Styles + College Altitude Shock
27:00 – NIL Offers, Draft Prep & Why He Chose to Stay 4 Years
33:10 – Draft Day Surprises: The Magic Workout & KCP’s Story
39:00 – Rookie Transition Program & Panini Sticker Struggles
43:30 – Life as a Dad: KCP Talks Family, Chaos & Saturday Games
48:10 – What Tristan’s Working on This Summer
52:00 – Orlando Magic Shoutouts, Future Guests & Closing

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Connect with Tristan da Silva at:

Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/tristan.da.silva/?hl=en

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Jordan McGruder (J Mac): https://www.instagram.com/wordsfrommac/

In this hilarious and candid episode of Dawg Talk, co-hosts J Mac and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) kick back and share some wild stories from summers past — from unforgettable (and regrettable) party nights in 2016 to throwing up on a stranger’s head in the club, and even blacking out on NBA Draft night. KCP recalls moments that shaped his off-court journey, while J Mac reflects on a turning point in 2021 where KCP and his dad helped pull him out of a low moment in life.

The conversation shifts into hoops talk as they break down the NBA Finals matchups, with KCP still riding for OKC to win in 6. They debate Tyrese Haliburton’s superstar status, highlight the value of role players like Caruso and Lu Dort, and reflect on Austin Rivers’ recent comments giving props to KCP for mastering the art of being a high-impact role player.

They also dive into the harsh reality of the coaching carousel in the NBA, with recent firings like Coach Thibodeau and Mike Malone raising eyebrows, and KCP shedding light on the business side of the league.

From brotherhood and nightlife mishaps to NBA insight and future coaching dreams, this episode blends laughs, life lessons, and locker room wisdom.

Watch on YouTube & Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your pods.

Tune in now! Like, share, and subscribe—we’re on all podcast platforms and YouTube.

Watch on YouTube & 🎧 Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your pods.

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To the roots of what Dawg Talk really is, Georgia Dawgs and co-hosts Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kenny Gaines are joined by special guest and college teammate, Marcus Thornton. They reflect on their deep brotherhood, basketball journeys, and life after hoops.

Marcus shares his rise from Southwest Atlanta, detailing his dominant high school career at Westlake and how seeing Cam Newton in high school lit a fire under him. He opens up about being inspired by and playing alongside elite talent like McDonald's All-American Jelan Kendrick, committing to Clemson, and eventually switching to UGA after a coaching change — a move driven by relationships and the familiar brotherhood in Athens.

Marcus now leads in the commercial real estate industry and runs Next Play University, a youth sports organization on Atlanta’s south side. Meanwhile, KCP shares his vision for giving back to his hometown of Greenville, GA — from investing in land and facilities to possibly becoming its first NBA mayor.

The episode wraps with stories from their days making music together, a surprise freestyle memory, and a reaffirmation of the unshakable bond between Dawgs.

Watch on YouTube & 🎧 Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your pods.

Connect with Marcus Thornton at:

Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/marcusthornton_2/?locale=es_ES&hl=en

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Jordan McGruder: https://www.instagram.com/wordsfrommac/

In this special episode of Dawg Talk, hosts J Mac, Kenny Gaines (KG), and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) chop it up with NBA legend Dwight Howard in an unforgettable conversation full of laughs, insight, and behind-the-scenes stories from their time in the game .

Broadcasting from Dwight’s home, the crew reflects on the unmatched chemistry of the 2019-2020 Lakers championship team — from wild club nights in China with teammates like JaVale McGee and Kyle Kuzma, to playing football on the court before games, to deep team bonding over movies and bowling. Dwight shares how their off-court connection made on-court dominance feel effortless, and how the team’s unity was a key ingredient to their success — even before the COVID “bubble” era.

Dwight gets real about his surprise departure from the Lakers after that championship, expressing disappointment over not being re-signed despite his performance and impact. He also discusses the NBA’s shifting team dynamics, the generational gap in locker rooms today, and the underappreciated role of veterans in building team culture.

The conversation shifts to life after basketball: Dwight’s passion for coaching his sons, his love for fatherhood, and his current involvement with the BIG3 league and launching a new league in Asia to create more opportunities for overlooked talent. The guys also reminisce about their high school days, share hilarious stories about hotel alias names and being mistaken for other celebrities, and compare notes on parenting, driving lessons, and life overseas.

The episode is packed with energy, authenticity, and powerful reminders about brotherhood, purpose, and staying grounded — whether you’re on the court or beyond it.

Watch on YouTube & 🎧 Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your pods.

Connect with Dwight and his podcast Above the Rim at: https://www.instagram.com/dh12abovetherim/?hl=en
And On Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/dwighthoward/?hl=en

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After a little playoff performance break, the Dawg Talk crew is BACK in full effect! J Mac, Kenny Gaines, and the main MAN KCP chop it up on everything from the NBA Playoffs madness to wild offseason trade scenarios. KCP clears the air on the Boston drama, the guys debate Thunder vs. Timberwolves, and we get into KD-to-the-Hawks rumors, shortening the 82-game season, and who's really got the best shot in the East.

Plus, J Mac shares wedding plans, coaching meltdowns, and why hanging with NBA players will make you feel short. It’s jokes, real talk, and elite hoop insight every hoop head needs.

In This Episode:

• KCP on being the playoff villain in Boston
• Kenny’s summer pro camp + who’s pulling up
• Offseason trade takes: KD, Julius Randle, Claxton
• Should the NBA cut back to 70 games?
• Knicks vs. Pacers predictions
• Thunder’s depth vs. Ant-Man’s takeover
• Spurs draft pick conspiracy?!

Watch on YouTube & 🎧 Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your pods.

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Dawg Talk Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedawgtalkpod/

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On this special episode of Dawg Talk, host J Mac is joined by former player and good friend Zach Brown to break down one of the best National Championship games in recent memory. From wild tournament surprises to standout performances, the duo dives deep into Florida's title run, Walter Clayton's NBA potential, and whether Houston made the right call in the final seconds.

They also debate the rise of the transfer portal and NIL era—how it's changing college hoops forever—and wrap up with a heated MVP debate: SGA or Jokic?

Topics include:
- NCAA Tournament surprises: Florida, Arkansas, St. John's & more
- Walter Clayton: Steph or Jamal Murray comp?
- Pettiford & Transfer Portal chaos
- Is the transfer portal helping or hurting college basketball?
- The NBA MVP race: Who’s more valuable—SGA or Jokic?

Watch on YouTube & Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your pods.

Tune in now! Like, share, and subscribe—we’re on all podcast platforms and YouTube.

Watch on YouTube & 🎧 Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your pods.

Connect with our guest Zach brown at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zachbr/?hl=en

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Jordan McGruder: https://www.instagram.com/wordsfrommac/

The Dawg Talk Podcast is back with another uncut, unfiltered, and absolutely wild episode! This time J Mac and KCP are joined by former Georgia Bulldog and all-around entertainer Vincent Williams for a deep dive into SEC basketball, college war stories, and some straight-up hilarious moments.

What’s Inside This Episode?

-SEC basketball—was it tougher back then or now?

-Crazy matchups against college legends (DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Bradley Beal & more!)

-An impromptu "vocal performance" that might just become a meme

-Insane college stories—locker room drama, wild dorm moments, and a bleach incident you won’t believe

-How Georgia can evolve into a true basketball school

-NIL money, social media, and the difference between old-school and new-school athletes

Plus, the guys reflect on how the game has changed with the rise of NIL deals, the social media era, and the pressure that today’s college athletes face. Whether you're a die-hard Dawg, a hoop fan, or just here for the laughs, this episode is packed with unfiltered nostalgia, wild storytelling, and raw basketball talk.

Watch on YouTube & 🎧 Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your pods.

Connect with our guest Vincent Williams at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v_williams11/

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The Dawgs are back in a new city with a special guest! In this episode, J Mac and KCP sit down with two-time NBA All-Star and one of the shiftiest point guards in the league, Darius Garland. Fresh off an All-Star appearance, DG opens up about what really goes down during All-Star Weekend, the Cavs’ dominant season, and what’s fueling their championship mindset.

The crew gets real about:

-The grind of being on a No. 1 seed team and what it takes to stay on top

-Why Evan Mobley’s evolution is changing the game for the Cavs

-The difference between last year’s squad and this year’s playoff-ready team

-The refs, the techs, and the growing debate: Is the NBA getting softer?

-DG’s journey through adversity—from injuries to proving he’s still one of the best in the game

-All-Star snubs, the three-point contest, and the behind-the-scenes chaos of the NBA’s biggest weekend

Plus, DG gives us the inside scoop on his Tenfold vlog series, sharing a raw look at his life on and off the court. And of course, we wrap it up with Dog of the Week!

Tap in now! Like, share, and subscribe—we’re on all podcast platforms and YouTube.

Connect with our guest Darius Garland at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariusgarland/

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Dawg Talk Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedawgtalkpod/

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