James Harden trade rumors, Philadelphia Eagles offseason storylines, and the mystery of Matvei Michkov dominated the conversation on First Friday with The John Kincade Show.

On the First Friday of every month, John Kincade, Bob Cooney, and Pat Egan invite a live audience to interact with them at our Bala Cynwyd studios.

Local beat writers showed up in full force as the featured guests for July.

Keith Pompey talked about the Philadelphia 76ers after another demoralizing playoff exit.

His points about the organization’s offseason plans extended way beyond a possible James Harden trade.

Zach Berman talked about Howie Roseman’s shrewd maneuvers and the possibility of a major acquisition before the season begins.

The long-time Eagles beat reporter believes there could be some fireworks during training camp.

Charlie O’Connor talked about a realistic timeline for contention for the rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers.

Philadelphia Union play-by-play announcer Dave Leno also stopped by to cap off the impressive guest list.

It was all in addition to the show’s usual antics, like uncovering some secrets from Pat Egan’s childhood friends and teasing Connor Thomas for an odd choice to wear a Philadelphia Phillies Hawaiian shirt.

• Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer

  The Sixers have reached a crossroads with impactful upcoming offseason decisions.

  James Harden reportedly wants out of Philadelphia, but what kind of return can Daryl Morey get for someone of the 75 greatest players in NBA history?

  “I don’t see James bringing in another top 75 player. I just don’t see it.” –Keith Pompey

  “They’re not going to win with James having basketball freedom. They’re at their best when James Harden is being a ball distributor, getting everyone else involved. When James wants to do an iso and all that, it’s not going to be good.” -Keith

• Zach Berman of The Athletic

  The Eagles boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL even after the key losses of Javon Hargrave, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Issac Seumalo.

  However, they still look thin at linebacker and safety. Will Howie Roseman look to add to a Super Bowl-caliber roster to put the Eagles over the top?

  “The answer, I think, is yes. Just knowing Howie…he doesn’t view the roster building as ending draft weekend. He doesn’t view it just like cutdown day (and) that’s your group. He’s going to be responsive. He’s going to be dynamic in that regard. I think Budda Baker might be ambitious from a cap perspective and potentially from a compensation perspective, but I wouldn’t rule that out. Jeremy Chinn makes a lot of sense with the new coaching staff (for the Carolina Panthers) because they’ve added safeties there. They’re trying to figure out: Is he a smaller linebacker? Is he a bigger safety?” –Zach Berman

   

  Zach also gave good insight on the unceremonious exit of Jonathan Gannon from Philadelphia.

  “The fact that they don’t want to touch it tells you a lot… They’re saying, ‘This was settled, and we’re moving on.’ I think, in that case, silence speaks volumes.” -Zach

• Charlie O'Connor of The Athletic

  The Flyers have finally inspired some optimism in the beginning stages of Danny Briere’s rebuild.

  The mystery of Matvei Michkov, a Russian superstar under contract in the KHL through 2025-26, has sparked incredible intrigue in a complex situation.

  “If he’s going to get out of that deal, if Vladimir Putin will let him leave Russia, he will come to play in the NHL for the Philadelphia Flyers. Can they get out of the deal sooner? Maybe. It’s a very complex situation because of all the geopolitical concerns that are going on right now. NHL teams really can’t…negotiate a buyout of a contract. However, the player could theoretically do it on his own with his camp.” –Charlie O’Connor

   

  Charlie also happens to have insight on his childhood friend Pat Egan.

  “I was the Straight-A, teacher’s person…I was a good student, and Pat was not.” -Charlie

  “He had teachers tell his parents, ‘Do not let him hang out with Pat.’” -Pat Egan

• Dave Leno, Philadelphia Union Play-By-Play Announcer

  Dave Leno joined to talk about the 2023 Philadelphia Union.

  His praise of Subaru Park in Chester as one of the most incredible sports venues in the area spoke volumes about the growth of the Union in Philadelphia.

• Andrew Salciunas, 97.5 The Fanatic

  

  Our very own Andrew Salciunas stopped by for the final segment to talk about Sam Hinkie’s nearly infinite rebuilding timeline and Pat Egan’s life as a secret agent.

  Listen to Andrew and Jamie Lynch filling in as co-hosts for The Anthony Gargano Show during Anthony’s vacation to Italy, which Andrew thinks may or may not include the Cuz convincing the Pope to download a sports betting app.

• First Fridays with "The John Kincade Show"

  Check for your opportnity to join The John Kincade Show for First Friday on August 4, 2023.

  A contest page will be available by July 24.

  View the entire show below on YouTube.

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