2023 MLP Atlanta: NML Podcast - Is Ben Johns a Terrible GM?

 

The Fast-Paced World of Major League Pickleball Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in America, has captured the imagination of participants and viewers alike with its fast-paced, exciting play. Major League Pickleball (MLP), founded in 2021, has quickly established itself as the premier professional pickleball league. This past weekend, MLP held its latest event in Atlanta to rave reviews. I tuned into the popular NML Pickleball Podcast, hosted by commentators Jeremy Comazzetto and Chris Ross, to get their take on all the action. Jeremy and Chris provide an entertaining and insightful breakdown of the headlines, matchups and storylines surrounding each MLP event. Their contagious enthusiasm reflects the rising excitement around pro pickleball. After a fun debate about whether MLP events are more enjoyable than regular pro tournaments (Jeremy argues yes, while Chris offers a more measured take), the hosts dove into a recap of the Atlanta Open. Here are some of the key topics they covered: New Scoring System (10:55) One of the big changes for this MLP event was the introduction of a new rally scoring system for doubles matches. Gone were the "freezes" that locked rally scoring when one team reached a certain point threshold. Now, the rally scoring point threshold is locked when teams reach 20 and they can only score when serving, allowing for dramatic comebacks. Jeremy and Chris both seem to approve of the tweaked format, finding it more intuitive and fan-friendly. While acknowledging the system's "gimmicky" nature, they say it increases entertainment value. As Chris notes, who cares about a perfect resolution when rally scoring delivers heightened drama for viewers? The hosts agree the scoring changes are a net positive for MLP. DC and the Kawamotos (15:07) A major storyline was the success of DC Pickleball Club, who battled Orlando in the finals. Jeremy credits DC's draft day trade with Orlando, moving up to select Riley Newman while acquiring the Kawamoto sisters later on. He calls it a "win-win" for both squads. Securing the premier sibling duo gave DC a formidable lineup. Chris adds that passing on Jade initially was a "miss" for Ben Johns and Chicago, demonstrating the impact of draft strategy. It's fascinating how trades, rankings and team chemistry factor into MPL's mix of talent. Is Ben Johns a Bad GM? (21:20) Speaking of Ben Johns, his Chicago Slice suffered a quarterfinal exit despite his personal 8-0 record. So is the pickleball icon also a poor general manager? Not so fast, argue Jeremy and Chris. They explain Ben's rationale behind picks like Erik Lange and Jessie Irvine that served his playing style well. However, the duo lacked synergy as a full unit. Ben deserves patience as a GM, though possibly banking too much on Lacy Schneemann's development. With slight tweaks, Chicago's fortunes could improve. The hosts praise Ben's patience and strategic thinking. Orlando's Team Construction (25:43) Jeremy and Chris applaud Orlando's bold roster building, taking risks on lesser-known talents like Andrei Daescu and eventual star Rachel Rohrabacher. Chris notes Orlando's ownership didn't participate in the inaugural draft, making their Finals achievement even more impressive. Jeremy says the key was Anna Bright's advice to swing big or go home. The upside picks panned out beautifully, particularly Rohrabacher. Jeremy calls Bright a proven commodity, displaying the wisdom of drafting a balanced squad with chemistry. Stratman and Arnold Show Up (30:18) Initially, marquee pros Lauren Stratman and Julian Arnold weren't expected to play amid confusion over their PPA contracts. But they suited up at the last minute after ensuring MLB wouldn't impact those lucrative deals. Jeremy and Chris express relief, especially with Arnold helping Arizona reach the semis. However, they criticize the poor communication and transparency around the last-minute lineup change. Chris slams the inability to properly announce major rule tweaks as well. Clarity for fans is crucial. Upside Women (34:03) Several Premier League teams took fliers on unproven women and reaped big rewards in Atlanta. Most notably, Orlando's Rachel Rohrabacher. Miami paired youthful Tyra Black with undrafted Allison Harris to great effect. And Arizona's Vivian Glozman, despite minimal mixed success, flashed potential. Jeremy praises teams going for upside after playing it safer in Season 1. The hosts agree calculated risks are paying dividends, with tennis convert Rohrabacher as Exhibit A. Challenger Gender Scarcity (40:15) Shifting to the lower Challenger division, Jeremy and Chris note an intriguing trend. 5 of 6 playoff teams drafted women in the 1st round, unlike Premier League trends. They explain this likely resulted from the smaller pool of quality females in Challenger. With a massive dropoff after the top 12-14 women, early female picks provided a huge edge this time. But Chris cautions against definitive judgments based on just one event. He expects draft philosophies to continue evolving. Still, early female picks seem correct for now given the circumstances. Where NML Was Right and Wrong (47:35) Every podcast needs accountability, and Jeremy and Chris oblige by revisiting some of their hits and misses. They acknowledge whiffing on labeling Arizona's roster "flawed" and giving Dallas an "A-" draft grade. But they pat themselves on the back for dubbing DC and Orlando as finalists and slamming Atlanta's weak construction. Chris also defends his "hot take" calling the Challenger division accurately despite limited viewership.Accountability is welcome in any analyst's arsenal. Dreambreakers (1:01:20) No major pickleball discussion is complete without some debate over "dreambreakers," the dramatic 1-on-1 singles showdowns used to settle tied team matches. Some fans criticize the concept, but Jeremy and Chris give an enthusiastic defense. Though a "gimmick," both consider it wildly entertaining for viewers while heightening late-game urgency. Chris likens it to penalty shootouts in soccer, something all fans anticipate. The consensus is clear: say what you want, but dreambreakers are here to stay. Girlfriend Corner (1:04:09) No sports podcast would be complete without random interjections from a significant other. Jeremy closes by letting his girlfriend Alyssa share her biggest MLP takeaway: terrible jersey design! In a hilarious rant, she slams the "iron-on" quality, wondering if teams made them themselves. For a league with millions in investment, Alyssa finds the amateuresthetics inexcusable. Jeremy and Chris sheepishly agree. Listeners will be eager to see if Alyssa's constructive criticism prompts an MLP makeover. With engaging debates, unfiltered opinions and lighthearted fun, Jeremy and Chris continue to make The NML Pickleball Podcast a must-listen for hardcore fans and casual observers alike. As pickleball's professional presence expands, so does the intrigue surrounding league storylines, player drama and strategic decision-making. Every match carries weight when the action is world-class. Judging by the hosts' palpable excitement, Major League Pickleball has captured lightning in a bottle with its exhilarating brand of athletic entertainment. Thanks to enriching conversations like this podcast, that enthusiasm will only spread further through the growing pickleball community. MLP has clearly tapped into a powerful crossover appeal. If the first few events are any indication, The NML Pickleball Podcast will continue riding the wave of pickleball's meteoric rise. Jeremy and Chris have their fingers on the pulse of a captivated audience. Each episode offers a fun and insightful microcosm into why MLP has struck a chord. With more events on the horizon, listeners both established and novice will keep tuning in to share their infectious passion.