In Episode 11 of Second Round Syndrome, what host DJSportsZone calls a “therapeutic session” for Sixers fans turns into a full-blown venting hour after what the duo labels an “absolute outrageous travesty” of a trade deadline. DJ and co-host Jordan Sabel unload on a front office they believe prioritized ducking the luxury tax over legitimately competing for a championship.

Inside the Sixers’ trade deadline disaster:
• The Jared McCain Fleecing: The hosts torch the decision to trade 21-year-old rising star Jared McCain to the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder for a 2026 Rockets first-round pick and three second-rounders, calling the move “malpractice” and arguing the Sixers got “absolutely nothing” for a player with massive upside.
• Luxury Tax Ducking: The duo believes the entire deadline was about avoiding the tax, not winning now. Daryl Morey takes heavy criticism, with DJ even siding with James Harden’s infamous quote that “Daryl Morey is a liar.”
• Roster Fallout: While Joel Embiid is healthy and playing well, the Sixers face a major blow with Paul George receiving a 25-game suspension, sidelining him until late March. The hosts also react to Dominick Barlow being converted to a standard deal and the “throwaway” trade sending Eric Gordon to Memphis.

Blockbuster moves across the NBA:
• James Harden to Cleveland: In a stunning shake-up, Harden lands with the Cavaliers while the Clippers receive Darius Garland. The hosts debate whether Harden actually moves the needle and warn that Cleveland may have fallen for the usual “Harden tricks.”
• Wizards Reload: Washington makes waves after landing both Trae Young and Anthony Davis, with the Mavs dumping AD in a shocking pivot.
• Warriors Dynasty Over?: Golden State acquires Kristaps Porziņģis for Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga, a move the hosts view as a desperate sign the dynasty era is officially over.

A raw, emotional episode full of trade deadline fallout, league-shaking moves, and frustration that cuts straight to the heart of Second Round Syndrome.

Podcast: IG/YouTube/TikTok @secondroundsyndrome • X @2RoundSyndrome
DJSportsZone: IG/Facebook/YouTube/TikTok @djsportszone

In Episode 10 of Second Round Syndrome, DJSportsZone welcomes new co-host Jordan Sabel as the duo breaks down a 26–21 Sixers team that’s undeniably more watchable than last season — but still wildly inconsistent.

Inside the Sixers’ highs and lows:
• The Dynamic Duo: Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey’s pick-and-roll chemistry is reaching elite levels. Maxey continues to prove he’s the fastest player in the league, highlighted by a 44-point night and a game-winning shot against the Kings.
• The Third-Quarter Curse: Even in wins, Philadelphia keeps sabotaging itself after halftime, getting outscored 38–28 in the third quarter versus Sacramento. Is this on Nick Nurse, effort, or mentality?
• Rebounding Crisis: A glaring lack of physicality shows up on the glass, as the Sixers were out-rebounded 46–24 by a struggling Kings squad and gave up 24 second-chance points.
• West Coast Road Test: A brutal five-game stretch looms against the Clippers, Warriors, Lakers, Suns, and Blazers. The hosts agree three wins is the minimum needed to build momentum heading into the All-Star break.

Trade deadline talk and the Giannis elephant in the room:
• Sixers Trade Outlook: With the February 5 deadline approaching, small moves — likely a floor-spacing forward — feel more realistic than a blockbuster.
• The Giannis Sweepstakes: Golden State, New York, Miami, and Minnesota emerge as potential suitors if Milwaukee opens the door.
• Hypothetical Deals: From a Warriors-Bucks framework involving Jonathan Kuminga to a fun but costly scenario pairing Giannis with Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio.
• Hands Off VJ Edgecombe: The hosts strongly reject any idea of moving VJ Edgecombe or Joel Embiid for Giannis, citing fit concerns and long-term risk.

An episode packed with Sixers analysis, trade deadline debate, and a closer look at why Philadelphia must solve its Second Round Syndrome before the playoffs arrive.

Podcast: IG/YouTube/TikTok @secondroundsyndrome • X @2RoundSyndrome
DJSportsZone: IG/Facebook/YouTube/TikTok @djsportszone

In this packed episode of Second Round Syndrome, DJSportsZone breaks down one of the biggest moves of the season: Trae Young is officially a Washington Wizard. The guys react to the win-win deal that sends Young to D.C. in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, and discuss why the Wizards may choose to sit their new star to protect a top-eight protected draft pick.

Inside the NBA Trade Landscape:
• Ja Morant on the Move: Reports suggest Memphis is listening to offers, with Miami emerging as a preferred destination. Second Round Syndrome debates whether the Grizzlies should prioritize Tyler Herro or stockpile draft capital as they pivot toward a youth-driven rebuild.
• The Anthony Davis Dilemma: With AD sidelined for at least six weeks due to a hand injury, the discussion turns to the “malpractice” of his previous trade and why Dallas appears more focused on the Cooper Flagg outlook than a short-term playoff push.
• The Grizzlies Fire Sale: Jaren Jackson Jr.’s trade value takes center stage, with the argument that he may currently be worth more than Morant and that Memphis should hoard picks the way Oklahoma City once did.

Sixers Performance and Outlook:
• The Big Four Is Back: For the first time this season, the Sixers are fully healthy, with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and rookie standout VJ Edgecombe all available.
• Maxey’s MVP-Level Play: Maxey continues his dominant run, averaging 30.9 points per game while playing the best defense of his career.
• Road Trip Recap: A strong trip highlighted by an 80-point first half in Toronto and a gritty win in Orlando.
• Kyle Lowry’s Homecoming: Emotional “Greatest Raptor of All Time” chants in Toronto spark conversation about Lowry’s legacy and potential retirement timeline.
• The Home-Stand Test: With nine of the next ten games at home, the hosts set a clear benchmark — at least seven wins — to prove the Sixers belong among the East’s elite.

A loaded episode covering trade chaos, Sixers momentum, and the stakes ahead as the season ramps up.

Podcast: IG/YouTube/TikTok @secondroundsyndrome • X @2RoundSyndrome
DJSportsZone: IG/Facebook/YouTube/TikTok @djsportszone

In the first episode of the new year, DJSportsZone breaks down a rollercoaster week for the Philadelphia 76ers. After closing out a strong road trip with a statement win at Madison Square Garden, the Sixers followed it up with what the hosts call an inexcusable overtime loss to a severely depleted Denver Nuggets team.

Second Round Syndrome gets into everything shaping the week:

• From Big Three to Big Four: Rookie VJ Edgecombe officially enters the conversation after a game-winner in Memphis and a 26-point performance against the Knicks, earning praise as a future star alongside Maxey, Embiid, and Paul George
• The Nuggets Trap Game: With Denver missing Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, the Sixers still allowed role players like Jalen Pickett to dominate, sparking criticism of Nick Nurse’s rotations — including Andre Drummond’s DNP and Adem Bona’s foul trouble
• The Jared McCain Regression: A deep dive into McCain’s offensive drop-off and whether his struggles are mental, physical, or a sign he needs a reset via reduced minutes or a G-League stint
• Maxey’s MVP Push: Tyrese Maxey continues to average over 30 points per game, keeping his MVP case alive despite slipping behind Jalen Brunson in All-Star fan voting
• Trade Rumors Heat Up: Reaction to reports linking Trae Young to Washington and a wild three-team trade scenario involving Anthony Davis, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Zaccharie Risacher
• Eastern Conference Check-In: How the Sixers stack up against Detroit, Boston, and New York — and why a healthy Philly roster might be the best version of an Embiid-led team yet

A packed start to the new year filled with big wins, bad losses, rising stars, and major league-wide implications — classic Second Round Syndrome.

Podcast: IG/YouTube/TikTok @secondroundsyndrome • X @2RoundSyndrome
DJSportsZone: IG/Facebook/YouTube/TikTok @djsportszone

In the final episode of 2025, DJSportsZone takes a hard look at a frustrating Philadelphia 76ers season as the team slips to sixth in the East amid a three-game losing streak. Despite finally having their Big Three available, the Sixers still haven’t won a game with Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey on the floor together — a trio that’s shared the court in just four of 30 games.

Second Round Syndrome breaks it all down:

• The Embiid & Paul George problem: questions around Embiid’s consistency and availability, and why Paul George looks like a $200M Tobias Harris rerun
• Maxey’s All-Star surge: 30.7 PPG, second in East fan voting — and clear signs of fatigue starting to show
• Third-quarter collapses: turnovers, defensive confusion, and why halftime might be the Sixers’ biggest enemy
• All-Star voting reactions: shocking returns, surprising omissions, and what it all says about the league
• Trade deadline fever: blockbuster ideas involving the Warriors, Bucks, and Hawks as teams search for exits and resets

The episode closes with a sobering metaphor for the Sixers’ ongoing identity crisis — championship teams grow through continuity, and until this core stays healthy long enough to grow together, Second Round Syndrome remains the reality.

Honest, unfiltered, and perfectly timed to close out the year.

Podcast: IG/YouTube/TikTok @secondroundsyndrome • X @2RoundSyndrome
DJSportsZone: IG/Facebook/YouTube/TikTok @djsportszone

In this episode of Second Round Syndrome, DJSportsZone breaks down a holiday-season surge from the Philadelphia 76ers, who sit at 16–11 and climbing into the top four of the Eastern Conference. Despite Joel Embiid missing time with illness and knee management, the Sixers have won three of their last four — and Tyrese Maxey is at the center of it all.

Second Round Syndrome dives into everything shaping this stretch of the season:

• Tyrese Maxey’s growing MVP case and why he and VJ Edgecombe might be the most dangerous backcourt in the league
• VJ Edgecombe’s return to the Rookie of the Year conversation
• The NBA Cup debate, why it feels forced, and why banner talk misses the point
• Early 2025 All-Star predictions, including surprise first-timers and notable snubs
• Roster decisions around aging vets and why two-way standouts like Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker deserve real contracts
• The annual “Disney on Ice” West Coast road trip and what it means for the Sixers’ depth and chemistry

A wide-ranging episode that mixes Maxey MVP buzz, roster reality checks, and big-picture NBA conversations as the season heats up.

Podcast: IG/YouTube/TikTok @secondroundsyndrome • X @2RoundSyndrome
DJSportsZone: IG/Facebook/YouTube/TikTok @djsportszone

The Philadelphia 76ers’ three-game win streak comes to an end with a 112–108 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, and hosts DJSportsZone breaks down everything that went wrong — and what it means moving forward.

Inside the Sixers Meltdown:

• The Embiid Disaster: Joel Embiid’s horrendous shooting night raises serious concerns, with the hosts questioning whether he still looks like himself.
• Maxey Carrying the Load: Tyrese Maxey continues to play like an MVP candidate, dropping 28 points and again looking like the Sixers’ best — and only consistent — option.
• Coaching Critique: Nick Nurse draws heat for repeatedly running late-game offense through Embiid instead of the hot hand in Maxey.
• Injury and Rest: With another long break ahead due to the NBA Cup schedule, Second Round Syndrome debates whether time off will actually help Embiid and Paul George rediscover form.

Major NBA Headlines:

• Chris Paul Disrespect: Strong reactions to how the Clippers handled CP3, reigniting criticism of the franchise’s treatment of legendary players — and why teaming up with LeBron James on the Lakers feels inevitable.
• Giannis’ Future: With uncertainty around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term commitment to Milwaukee, the hosts explore blockbuster fits — from pairing him with Jalen Brunson to forming a terrifying frontcourt next to Victor Wembanyama.
• Zion Concerns: The ongoing injuries spark the difficult question: is Zion Williamson simply not built for the NBA, and should New Orleans move on before losing him for nothing?

A packed episode of honest analysis, tough conversations, and league-wide storylines — everything Second Round Syndrome is about.

Podcast: IG/YouTube/TikTok @secondroundsyndrome • X @2RoundSyndrome
DJSportsZone: IG/Facebook/YouTube/TikTok @djsportszone

The Philadelphia 76ers have fallen hard after a 4–0 start, losing nine of their last 15 and sliding to ninth in the East. In this episode, DJSportsZone breaks down a brutal stretch — including blowout losses to Miami and Orlando — and a double-overtime collapse against an Atlanta Hawks team missing Trae Young and Kristaps Porziņģis.

The show dives into the biggest storylines from a chaotic week:

• Maxey’s “illegal” workload: In the first game all season where Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George played together, Maxey was still forced into 52 minutes and dropped 44 points — but clear fatigue showed as he missed two key free throws.
• Minutes-restriction madness: Embiid and George were both unavailable for the second overtime due to strict limits, derailing the debut of the “Big Three.”
• Effort problems everywhere: Embiid finished with just four rebounds, while guards like Maxey and Quentin Grimes continue to out-rebound the frontcourt — a trend the hosts call “ridiculous.”
• Nick Nurse criticism: From the defensive lapses to leaning on Kyle Lowry, the coaching decisions get put under the microscope.
• Strange quotes & trade talk: Reaction to Paul George’s bizarre postgame comments and debate whether the Sixers should explore moving him — even if it means attaching young talent like Jared McCain. Ben Simmons talk? Shut down immediately.

Around the league, the hosts discuss OKC’s 20–1 domination, bold trade scenarios, and why LeBron’s future in L.A. is far from guaranteed.

A sharp, fiery breakdown of a Sixers team spiraling fast — and what it means for the season ahead.

Podcast: IG/YouTube/TikTok @secondroundsyndrome • X @2RoundSyndrome
DJSportsZone: IG/Facebook/YouTube/TikTok @djsportszone