Basketball Now & Then: The Greatest Comparisons

Basketball comps are only fun until you have to admit which ones actually held up. Lucas Johnson, Uriah Young, and Maurice Huggins put their own podcast under the microscope in a brutally honest season-two retrospective, revisiting the player comparisons that built Basketball Now and Then and debating which ones deserve a redo.

Some pairings get a clean stamp of approval, including Anthony Edwards and Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul and Jason Kidd, and Paul George and Tracy McGrady, while others spark debate over play style, size, era, team context, and changing roles.The conversation covers Nikola Jokic and Tim Duncan, Bam Adebayo and Alonzo Mourning, Tyrese Maxey and John Wall, Zion Williamson and Charles Barkley, Jalen Brown and Andre Iguodala, and plenty more.

With stats, historical perspective, and plenty of spirited disagreement, the crew examines what makes a player comparison truly work and which ones need to be revisited. If you love NBA history, player archetypes, and debates about the perfect match, this episode is essential listening and a great setup for the comparisons still to come.

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Every purchase from our affiliates helps support Basketball Now & Then 🙏🏽 

🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries and ranked in the Top 100 basketball podcasts.

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You can also follow us on social media at:

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One of the most iconic basketball soundtracks ever made. One of the biggest 90s hoop films. And a debate that gets sharper 30 years later - does Above the Rim actually hold up?

Uriah Young is joined by Ben Franczuszki, Warren Shaw, and Reggie Ponder for a passionate, funny, and surprisingly critical breakdown of the 1994 classic that fused basketball, hip hop, ambition, and street culture into one unforgettable movie.

What starts as nostalgia quickly turns into a real conversation about what the film gets right, what it gets wildly wrong, and why some scenes still hit hard decades later.

You'll discover:

• Why Tupac's Birdie still feels magnetic, menacing, and impossible to look away from.
• How Leon and Tupac's scenes create the emotional core of the movie.
• Why Reggie sees the basketball action as more style than realism.
• What Warren thinks the soundtrack says about New York, the West Coast, and Death Row's grip on the film.
• Why Ben says the cast elevates writing that can feel scattered and sitcom-like at times.

The crew also digs into the film's mentorship themes, the pressure of choosing the wrong influence, and Shep's redemption arc as both a former player and a father figure. Along the way, they revisit the performances from Duane Martin, Leon, Tupac Shakur, Wood Harris, Marlon Wayans, Bernie Mac, and the rest of the cast, debating who stands out and who gets underused.

If you love basketball movies, 90s hip hop, or cinematic debates that aren't afraid to call out the weak spots, this episode is for you. Above the Rim may be a cult favorite, but the question remains - is it a classic, or just a soundtrack with a movie attached?

Perfect for fans of Hoops on Film, 90s basketball nostalgia, and anyone who wants to hear four sharp voices break down whether one of the most beloved hoop movies of its era still deserves the hype.

🛒 Shop the official NBA STORE to grab jerseys, gear, and more. https://nbastore.vwz6.net/shop-NBA-gear

🛒 Shop HOMAGE for premium, vintage-inspired sports apparel that celebrates the teams, players, and moments that make basketball nostalgia timeless. https://homage.sjv.io/Homage.Gear

Every purchase from our affiliates helps support Basketball Now & Then 🙏🏽 

🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries and ranked in the Top 100 basketball podcasts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts 

Listen on Spotify

You can also follow us on social media at:

YouTube: @BBall_NowandThen

Twitter (X): @BBallNowandThen

Instagram: @bball_nowandthen

Facebook: @Basketball Now & Then

TikTok: @bball_nowandthen

Threads: @bball_nowandthen

Pinterest: @bball_nowandthen

For EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast.

Listen on Patreon

Thanks for being a valued member of our basketball comparison community! 🙏

Uriah Young, Lucas Johnson, and Maurice revisit the first season of Basketball Now and Then and put their early NBA player comparisons back under the microscope. The episode is part reflection and part debate, as the hosts discuss which comps still feel accurate, which ones were made too early, and which ones need to be redone as players’ careers have continued to unfold.

Across the conversation, they examine 18 different pairings and weigh each one against the test of time, accolades, play style, and historical context. Some comps are defended strongly, some are marked for a rework, and others spark new ideas for future episodes as the show heads into season four.

Let us know what you think of our season one comparisons! Did we get them right? What suggestions do you have for us?

🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries and ranked in the Top 100 basketball podcasts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts 

Listen on Spotify

You can also follow us on social media at:

YouTube: @BBall_NowandThen

Twitter (X): @BBallNowandThen

Instagram: @bball_nowandthen

Facebook: @Basketball Now & Then

TikTok: @bball_nowandthen

Threads: @bball_nowandthen

Pinterest: @bball_nowandthen

For EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast.

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This episode dives into the high-stakes world of Blue Chips, where winning, money, and morality collide. We explore how the film’s portrayal of college basketball scandals still feels painfully relevant today, especially in the era of NIL deals, point-shaving headlines, and constant pressure to succeed at any cost.

Through the lens of our panel with Ben Franczuszki, Reggie Ponder, Warren Shaw, and Uriah Young, we break down the film’s direction, performances, and bigger message about integrity in sports. If you love basketball, sports movies, or stories about the real cost of victory, this conversation will make you see Blue Chips in a whole new way.

🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries and ranked in the Top 100 basketball podcasts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts 

Listen on Spotify

You can also follow us on social media at:

YouTube: @BBall_NowandThen

Twitter (X): @BBallNowandThen

Instagram: @bball_nowandthen

Facebook: @Basketball Now & Then

TikTok: @bball_nowandthen

Threads: @bball_nowandthen

Pinterest: @bball_nowandthen

For EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast.

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Unlock the fascinating history behind the explosive rise of fantasy sports, a billion-dollar industry that reshaped how we connect with the game and each other. Larry Schechter, acclaimed author of The History of Fantasy Sports, takes us on an insider’s journey through decades of innovation, myth-busting legends, and stories of the pioneers who built this global phenomenon from scratch.

Discover how fantasy sports transitioned from primitive games based on past performances to the dynamic, real-time competitions that dominate households today. You’ll learn about the unlikely heroes behind its origins and unearth surprising tales.

We break down the key milestones in its evolution: from the early days of fantasy football in 1963 to the rise of daily fantasy and worldwide expansion. Larry shares insights from dozens of interviews with industry pioneers, revealing how significant legal battles, technological breakthroughs, and fan habits have shaped its future and how embracing these changes keeps the industry thriving amidst legal and political challenges.

Whether you're here to learn, be entertained, or find your next league idea, this episode will leave you enlightened and eager to dive deeper into the world of fantasy sports. Find Larry’s book, The History of Fantasy Sports, at your favorite bookseller or on Amazon: link in the episode description. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the pages, and see how a niche hobby grew into a cultural revolution that continues to define sports fandom today.

Support the show by shopping through our affiliate link in the description—and represent the game at every level with authentic NBA gear.

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🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries.

You can also follow us on social media at:

Listen on Apple Podcasts 

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YouTube: @BBall_NowandThen

Twitter (X): @BBallNowandThen

Instagram: @bball_nowandthen

Facebook: @Basketball Now & Then

TikTok: @bball_nowandthen

Threads: @bball_nowandthen

Pinterest: @bball_nowandthen

For EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast.

Listen on Patreon

Thanks for being a valued member of our basketball comparison community! 🙏

Unlock the secret to transforming setbacks into opportunities with NBA veteran Keith Closs, a former pro who turned life’s challenges into a powerful tool for youth empowerment in Costa Rica.

Keith Closs's journey from an undersized kid in Hartford to an NBA shot-blocking icon is a story perseverance, adaptability, and giving back. On this episode, he shares how relentless hard work, memorable NBA moments, including his face-off with Shaq and scoring on Michael Jordan, and navigating life's setbacks shaped him into the mentor and hoops trainer he is today. His story proves that resilience and purpose can rewrite even the toughest chapters.

You can find Scoop Keith Closs on Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/keithcloss33/

and YouTube --> https://www.youtube.com/@KeithCloss33 - His Skills Academy FB page is here --> https://www.facebook.com/people/Keith-Closs-Skills-Academy/61558336874125/?sk=about

Support our show by shopping through our affiliate link in the description—and represent the game at every level with authentic NBA gear.

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🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries and ranked in the Top 100 basketball podcasts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts 

Listen on Spotify

You can also follow us on social media at:

YouTube: @BBall_NowandThen

Twitter (X): @BBallNowandThen

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Facebook: @Basketball Now & Then

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Threads: @bball_nowandthen

Pinterest: @bball_nowandthen

For EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast.

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Thanks for being a valued member of our basketball comparison community!

Our season finale dives into the most daring player matchups, revealing who we'd start our franchise with. No filters, no fluff. From Victor Wembanyama versus Wilt Chamberlain to legends like KG vs. AD, this episode isn't just about stats. It's about the stories, the what-ifs, and the bold takes that shake the core of basketball fandom.

Imagine the future of NBA Superteams, crafted through in-depth debates and surprising insights. Maurice, Lucas, and Uriah break down players across eras, offering fresh perspectives on who truly impacts their teams and who might have been underrated all along. Ever wondered whether Wilt’s strength or Wemby’s shooting form is the true game-changer? Or which guard, Derek White or Joe Dumars, would dominate in today’s game? We explore these battles with candid honesty and a passion that only true fans bring to the table.

Unlock the secrets behind two of the most versatile power forwards in NBA history, Anthony Davis and Kevin Garnett. This episode reveals how their early beginnings, unique skill sets, and dominant defense make this a comparison for the ages.

Dive into Davis’s journey from Chicago to NBA MVP contender, and Garnett’s rise from a thin high schooler to the legendary “Big Ticket” who took the Timberwolves on a once-in-a-generation run. Both players demonstrate the power of guard skills paired with size, an unstoppable combo that transformed their teams and the league.

You’ll discover how their guard-like skills fueled inside-out scoring, relentless rebounding, and elite shot-blocking. We break down their impact on playoff runs, championship wins with superstar teammates, and their adaptability in a league that’s shifting to three-point shooting. Their defensive prowess, guarding multiple positions and anchoring team defense, sets them apart as true two-way giants.

🛒 Shop the official NBA 🏀 Store to grab Anthony Davis & Kevin Garnett jerseys, gear, and more. Every purchase supports Basketball Now & Then. 🙏🏽

• https://nbastore.vwz6.net/anthony-davis-gear-collectibles
• https://nbastore.vwz6.net/kevin-garnett-gear-collectibles

🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries and ranked in the Top 100 basketball podcasts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts 

Listen on Spotify

You can also follow us on social media at:

YouTube: @BBall_NowandThen

Twitter (X): @BBallNowandThen

Instagram: @bball_nowandthen

Facebook: @Basketball Now & Then

TikTok: @bball_nowandthen

Threads: @bball_nowandthen

Pinterest: @bball_nowandthen

For EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast.

Listen on Patreon

Thanks for being a valued member of our basketball comparison community! 🙏

Most NBA fans overlook how the golden era of 90s shooting guards was defined by legendary battles, game-changing moments, and star-studded rivalries. In this episode of Basketball Now and Then, Uriah, Maurice, and Lucas break down the Mount Rushmore of 90s two guards, revealing the true impact and legacy of icons like Michael Jordan, Clyde Drexler, Reggie Miller, Mitch Richmond, and more.

Discover the nuanced stories behind their careers, how they stacked up in head-to-head matchups, and what these battles meant for the game.You'll find out why certain players championed the era. From clutch moments against Jordan to overlooked underrated ones that flew under the radar. We identify the top contenders for the ultimate shooting guard crown in the 90s, debating strengths, championships, and iconic performances.

Should Mitch Richmond’s scoring prowess earn him a spot? Did Joe Dumas deliver wins with defense that often went unnoticed? This episode isn’t just a ranking. It’s a deep dive into the DNA of basketball’s most competitive decade, revealing insights every ball fan must know to understand today’s game.

🛒 Shop the official NBA 🏀 Store to grab Michael Jordan, Clyde Drexler, and Reggie Miller jerseys, gear, and more. Every purchase supports Basketball Now & Then. 🙏🏽 https://nbastore.vwz6.net/shop-NBA-gear

🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries and ranked in the Top 100 basketball podcasts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts 

Listen on Spotify

You can also follow us on social media at:

YouTube: @BBall_NowandThen

Twitter (X): @BBallNowandThen

Instagram: @bball_nowandthen

Facebook: @Basketball Now & Then

TikTok: @bball_nowandthen

Threads: @bball_nowandthen

Pinterest: @bball_nowandthen

For EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast.

Listen on Patreon

Thanks for being a valued member of our basketball comparison community! 🙏

From legendary friendships to heated rivalries, this episode of Basketball Now & Then: The Greatest Comparisons dives into the most intriguing relationships in NBA history and today’s game. Uriah Young, Lucas Johnson, and Zach Ciavolella explore the bonds, partnerships, mentorships, and competitive dynamics that have shaped careers, franchises, and championship legacies. From superstar duos that elevated each other to relationships that fueled unforgettable battles, the crew examines how personal connections can leave a lasting impact on the court.

Along the way, the hosts share stories, debate which relationships were the most influential, and discuss how chemistry, trust, respect, and even conflict have helped define some of basketball’s greatest moments. Whether you're a fan of classic NBA history or the modern game, this conversation offers a fresh look at the people behind the highlights and the relationships that helped shape the league we know today. Tune in for a fun, thought-provoking discussion that celebrates the human side of basketball.

You can follow Zach's coverage of the 76ers on X --> https://x.com/CiavoNBA

Support the show by shopping through our affiliate link in the description—and represent the game at every level with authentic NBA gear.

👉 https://nbastore.vwz6.net/shop-NBA-gear

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🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries and ranked in the Top 100 basketball podcasts.

Listen on Apple Podcasts 

Listen on Spotify

You can also follow us on social media at:

YouTube: @BBall_NowandThen

Twitter (X): @BBallNowandThen

Instagram: @bball_nowandthen

Facebook: @Basketball Now & Then

TikTok: @bball_nowandthen

Threads: @bball_nowandthen

Pinterest: @bball_nowandthen

For EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast.

Listen on Patreon