In this episode of Dawg Talk Podcast, J Mac and KCP sit down with Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. to talk about finally getting healthy after toe surgery, the mental grind of playing through pain for years, and what it’s really like fighting for your spot as an undrafted guard in the league.

Scotty opens up about:

Playing through a fractured toe and turf toe for years

The moment he finally decided to get surgery and what recovery looks like

The mental battle of G League life, two-way contracts, and waiting on opportunity

Growing up as Scottie Pippen’s son and dealing with pressure, expectations, and comparisons

Going from Fort Lauderdale to Sierra Canyon and hooping on a “high school Lakers” type squad full of future pros

Choosing Vanderbilt and developing under Jerry Stackhouse in the SEC

Getting overlooked, going undrafted, and grinding through team workouts

The difference between his time with the Lakers and finding his footing with the Grizzlies

That first real NBA opportunity in Miami and how it changed his confidence

Life in Memphis off the court, favorite spots, gaming, and his unexpected favorite movie

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Nap Wake-Up Call & Episode Intro
02:15 – Playing on Nine Toes: Injury Story
05:05 – Years of Pain: Ice Buckets & Pain Meds
07:40 – Growing Up as Scottie Pippen’s Son
10:20 – Sierra Canyon & Celebrity High School Hoops
13:45 – From No Buzz to Vanderbilt
17:00 – EYBL Matchups with Future NBA Stars
19:55 – 2K Ratings & Gaming Talk
22:40 – Multi-Sport Childhood & Football Stories
25:30 – Life at Vanderbilt & SEC Lessons
28:40 – NBA Draft Process & Going Undrafted
31:00 – Lakers vs Grizzlies: Opportunity Shift
33:40 – Two-Way Contract Life & G League Grind
35:10 – Off-Court Life: Memphis, Movies & More

If you love real hoop stories, behind-the-scenes NBA grind talk, and locker-room level jokes, this one is for you.

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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 Scotty:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spippenjr?igsh=anE4cDBwNzloc3Ri

Follow Us: 

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

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

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Welcome BACK! On today's episode hosts J Mac and KCP are back in Memphis — not live, but you’ll feel like you’re in the room. J Mac and KCP discuss the Pelicans sideline moment, NBA “tough guys,” James Johnson stories, and whether LaMelo’s flash actually helps Charlotte win. KCP also lists his current top defenders and why versatility wins.

We get real about life and hoops: KCP adjusting to a new team and coaching staff, the “flow” offense finally clicking, handling a slow start and the internet chatter, and what being away from family does to the grind. Then we zoom out to the league — Luka and Maxey going nuclear, rookie/face-of-the-NBA talk for Wemby (and a spicy Wemby vs. Porziņģis debate), and why the narrative around Russell Westbrook is overdue for respect.

Time Stamps: 

• 00:00 – Intro & Inside story: Pelicans sideline moment that broke the internet 
• 06:32 –NBA “tough guys,” James Johnson black belt story, and locker room tales 
• 09:20 – Wemby vs. Porziņģis debate 
• 13:00 – Playing against Wemby firsthand — the intimidation and skill level 
• 18:00 – KCP’s top defenders list and the art of defense in today’s NBA 
• 20:00 – KCP checks in from Memphis: life, focus, and playing away from family 
• 22:07 – Adjusting to a new team, system, and finding rhythm early in the season 
• 23:57 – Slow start shooting struggles and staying confident through the noise 
• 27:34 – Breaking down the Russ Westbrook conversation; Respecting vets, leadership roles, and how the league treats older players

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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.

Follow Us: Dawg Talk Podcast: 

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

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellpope/ 

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

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The Dawgs are at their new home in Memphis, and they're welcoming KCP's first Grizzlies' teammate! A certified underdog turned NBA rising star — Jaylen Wells, the West Coast hooper who went from JV benchwarmer to All-Rookie First Team in just a few years. From his 5'8" freshman days in Sacramento to making the Memphis Grizzlies rotation, Jaylen’s story is pure grind, faith, and staying ready when your name gets called.

KCP and J-Mac — sit down with Jaylen Wells to talk about life in Memphis, starting his non-profit Sleep Nation, and how he turned “overlooked” into “unstoppable.” They dive deep into D2 battles, March Madness memories, insane pre-draft workouts, moments with top stars such as Dame and LeBron, and building confidence for Year 2 in the league.

Plus: Barbecue debates, locker-room leadership, rookie lessons from Marcus Smart and Jaren Jackson Jr., and what it means to stay humble when your story’s just beginning.

TIME STAMPS

00:00 – Dawg Talk goes to Memphis: New city, new energy

01:30 – Meet Jaylen Wells: From Sacramento to the M

03:00 – Sleep Nation: Uplifting the slept-on hoopers

05:10 – From 5'8" JV to 6'6" D1: The grind that built him

08:00 – D2 to March Madness: Sonoma to Washington State

11:45 – Declaring early, betting on himself & the 23-team workout grind

15:45 – Rookie year in Memphis: Exceeding every goal

18:30 – Lessons from Marcus Smart, JJJ, and KCP

21:00 – Rising Stars weekend, LeBron moments & guarding Dame

24:15 – Year 2 mindset: Failing forward, leading louder

Watch on YouTube & Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms

Connect with Jaylen Wells:
Instagram: @jaylenwells_

Follow Us:
Dawg Talk Podcast: @thedawgtalkpod
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: @caldwellpope
J-Mac: @wordsfrommac

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The Dawgs are in the house with a certified Georgia legend in the making — Jake Wilkins, the "Baby Highlight" carrying on his family’s basketball legacy while carving out his own path in Athens.

From dunking at 13 to adjusting to SEC speed, NIL deals, and gaming on the side, Jake opens up about everything — the pressure (or lack of it) that comes with being his father’s son, staying loyal to Grayson, and what keeps him grounded as he steps into the spotlight.

The crew gets into NIL culture, class checkers, fan-bike punishments, late-night golf sessions, gaming builds on 2K, and why Georgia hoops is slept on. Plus, Jake shares his SEC predictions, Chick-fil-A order, and favorite Athens hangouts — Dawg Nation, this one’s for you.

TIME STAMPS:

• 00:00 – Welcome & intro: A true UGA legend joins the set
• 01:45 – First dunk at 13: Genetics, grind, and the “Pogo Stick” bounce
• 03:22 – NIL & college transition: How money changed the freshman experience
• 05:08 – Life in Athens: Dining hall stories, Chick-fil-A cards, and curfews
• 07:10 – Speed of the game: Adjusting from high school to the SEC
• 08:55 – Locker room talk: Roles, shots, and lessons from older Dawgs
• 10:40 – Family legacy: Making his own name beyond his dad’s shadow
• 12:20 – Grayson loyalty: Why he stayed home instead of going prep
• 14:05 – Georgia hoops pride: City of Palms, Boozer twins, and top competition
• 16:05 – Recruitment story: Why he chose UGA and how the coaches showed love
• 18:10 – Class checkers & fan bikes: Discipline, school grind, and illegal workouts
• 20:15 – Off-court life: Gaming setups, 2K “Wemby build,” and FIFA debates
• 22:05 – Golf obsession: Playing 18 holes after a one-hour nap
• 23:40 – SEC predictions: Top-five confidence and Dawgs game-day picks
• 25:45 – Closing & blessings: Staying grounded, staying safe, and Athens nightlife

Recorded LIVE from the University of Georgia.

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 Jake Wilkins at: 

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

Follow Us:

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

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellpope/

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

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UGA standout and Atlanta rookie Asa Newell sits down with the Dawgs to talk NIL, class checkers, storming the court vs. Florida, making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade, and shooting 43% from three in Summer League. He walks through the pre-draft workout circuit, draft-night curveballs, early reads on training camp, what great vets expect from rookies, and why the G League is real competition. We wrap with Georgia vs. Bama picks and some all-time Athens stories.

Episode Highlights:

• Culture matters: Asa shares why UGA’s everything-together approach built chemistry he still carries into the league.
• Classrooms and clipboards: Real talk on study hall at 6 a.m., class checkers, and getting texts from advisors and coaches.
• Signature win: The Florida game breakdown, the momentum swing, and the court storm that capped it.
• The drought ends: First UGA NCAA berth in 10 years and what it means for this year’s standard.
• Pro path: Agency change, structured pre-draft training, and a heavy workout schedule with lottery teams.
• Summer League truth: 4–0 when active, 43 percent from deep, and the mental side of the grind.
• G League reality: Why it is a dogfight, why it deserves respect, and how consistent killers earn call-ups.
• Vet code: Listen first, be on time, play your role, and let respect trickle up to coaches and the front office.
• East outlook: Reasons ATL can finish in the top three with upside for the top seed.
• UGA vs. Bama: Score picks and the keys for the Dawgs to take it.

TIME STAMPS:

• 00:00 Cold open — “Young Giant” energy & NIL talk
• 02:15 Back in the city + training camp vibes
• 05:00 Memphis life & settling into the league
• 07:00 What he misses most about Athens
• 09:30 Favorite moment: Florida game & court storm
• 12:00 Breaking the 10-year NCAA drought
• 15:00 Draft grind, workouts & draft-night surprises
• 19:30 Summer League lessons & G League reality
• 23:00 Vet advice + carving a role in ATL
• 27:00 Hawks prediction & East outlook
• 30:00 Family, boundaries & life in the league
• 32:30 Georgia vs. Bama picks + Athens stories

Recorded LIVE from the University of Georgia.

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 Asa Newell at:

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

Follow Us:

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

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellpope/

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

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Dawg Talk is back for Season 2 and this time is tailgating at UGA on game day!  Hosts J Mac, KCP and KG kick-off the LIVE show with OG team chemistry, NBA stories, and hot takes joined by NBA vet and special guest Josh Smith for unfiltered hoops and life advice.

In this episode:

• Season 2 vibes and our first live stream energy
• KCP on the move to Memphis, veteran leadership, and keeping the fit “business-casual”
• Guest Josh Smith on AAU reality, NIL money, and what today’s players don’t see coming
• Coaching your own kids, listening to wisdom, and keeping the lines open at home
• UGA roots, Whitfield memories, and how school politics shaped the grind
• NBA life: circles, training staffs, staying healthy, and what we’d do differently
• College hoops debate: transfers, loyalty, and whether NIL should require two-year commitments
• East standings predictions (Celtics, Knicks, Cavs, Bucks, Magic)
• Quick NFL sidebar, Falcons pain, and game-day tailgate rituals

Drop a “W” in the chat, tell us your take on NIL and transfers, and call your East top 4 below.

TIME STAMPS:

• 00:00 – Intro & Season 2 live energy
• 02:20 – Memphis move & “business casual” fit talk
• 04:40 – Meet guest Josh Smith & the new era of NIL
• 08:15 – AAU money, high-school deals & the cost of loyalty
• 12:10 – Coaching kids, parenting & passing down game
• 16:05 – UGA roots, Whitefield stories & growing through school challenges
• 21:40 – NBA lessons: keeping your circle tight & veteran wisdom
• 25:55 – College hoops loyalty vs transfer culture
• 30:00 – NIL caps, two-year rules & the new business of college sports
• 33:10 – East standings predictions & playoff talk
• 36:43 – Game prediction, tailgate laughs & final sign-off

Recorded LIVE from the University of Georgia.
 

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Dawg Talk episodes!

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Connect with Josh Smith at: https://www.instagram.com/noigsmoove/?hl=en 

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

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellpope/ 

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

Kenny Gaines: https://www.instagram.com/kennygaines12/?hl=en

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The Dawgs are back in Las Vegas for their last electric episode of Dawg Talk Podcast!  J Mac, Kenny Gaines, and KCP sit down with entrepreneur, sports visionary, and Prospects founder Adam Wexler for an in-depth conversation on hoops, business, and building Georgia basketball into a powerhouse.

From Adam’s Sandy Springs roots and UGA days to his journey through the music industry, sports marketing, and founding PrizePicks, this episode is packed with stories, game-changing ideas, and behind-the-scenes insight. We dive into the 60-win Atlanta Hawks season, the NIL era, recruiting strategies, winning the state of Georgia, and how UGA can level up in the national spotlight.

Plus, Adam shares his love for live music, the iconic Red Rocks experience, and which cities have the best music scenes. Whether you’re a Dawg fan, basketball junkie, or entrepreneur, this one’s for you.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00 – Live from Las Vegas: Dawgs in the Cosmopolitan Suite
• 3:12 – Meet Adam Wexler: Sandy Springs roots & UGA days
• 7:05 – High school hoops, injury setback & shift to sports business
• 11:42 – First startups & early wins in music and marketing
• 16:20 – Founding PrizePicks & breaking into sports tech
• 20:55 – Hawks’ 60-win season & “Swipe Right Night” story
• 25:30 – Steph Curry, social media era, and marketing in sports
• 29:18 – Passion for live music & first Red Rocks concert
• 33:47 – Best music cities: New York, Nashville, Austin
• 37:55 – Georgia basketball’s next level: NIL, recruiting & winning the state
• 43:12 – Overtime Elite pipeline & keeping talent home
• 48:00 – Football talk, Ant-Man connection & closing thoughts

Recorded live from the wrap-around terrace suite at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay locked in with Dawg Talk Podcast — where real ballers talk real life.

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Connect with Adam Wexler at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamwexler/

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

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

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellpope/ 

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

Kenny Gaines:  https://www.instagram.com/kennygaines12/?hl=en
 

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We’re BACK with another episode of Dawg Talk — live from the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas for NBA Summer League! J Mac, Kenny Gaines, and KCP are joined by a very special returning guest: NBA Champion and Milwaukee Buck Kyle Kuzma.

From reflecting on being traded midseason, to his unexpected love for tap dancing, Kuzma keeps it all the way real. He talks Bucks chemistry, adjusting to playoff expectations, team culture, and playing alongside Giannis. But it wouldn’t be Dawg Talk without a little style talk — and Kuz doesn’t hold back on what’s wrong with NBA tunnel fits, Chrome Hearts overkill, and why style should be about authenticity, not approval.

We also dive into Kuzma’s non-profit work, his upcoming golf tournament, and why giving back to single moms and under-resourced youth hits home. This episode is full of laughs, insight, and that signature Dawg Talk energy.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 – Welcome from the Cosmopolitan
• 02:00 – Kyle Kuzma returns to Dawg Talk
• 06:45 – Trade reaction: Washington to Milwaukee
• 11:20 – Life with the Bucks & team chemistry
• 15:10 – Tap dancing?? Kuzma explains
• 17:00 – Social media + locker room culture shift
• 21:45 – Thoughts on NBA playoffs & Indiana’s rise
• 28:20 – Injury impact & Dame’s playoff return
• 32:30 – NBA teams & financial strategy breakdown
• 37:10 – Miles Turner to the Bucks: Good fit?
• 42:00 – Kuzma’s nonprofit and golf tournament
• 47:00 – Fashion talk: Chrome Hearts & real swag
• 52:00 – Style evolution: from Pelle Pelle to the tunnel
• 55:30 – Final words from the Dawg Talk crew

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay locked in with Dawg Talk Podcast — where real ballers talk real life. 

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Connect with Kyle Kuzma at: 

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

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

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellpope/ 

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

Kenny Gaines: https://www.instagram.com/kennygaines12/?hl=en

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Welcome back to Dawg Talk Podcast, recorded live from the iconic wrap-around terrace suite at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas during NBA Summer League! In this powerful episode, J Mac, KCP, and Kenny Gaines sit down with their former college coach and longtime mentor, Coach Mark Fox.

With over 300 wins under his belt and coaching stops at Nevada, Georgia, and Cal, Coach Fox brings stories, laughs, and wisdom to the table. From humble beginnings in Garden City, Kansas, to navigating the new era of college hoops (NIL, transfer portal, and SEC expansion), Coach Fox reflects on lessons from the past and the evolution of the game.

Hear never-before-told recruiting stories, locker room moments, and how KCP went from "French Fry" freshman to NBA champion and leader. Whether you're a coach, a player, or just love the game—this one's for you.

TimeStamps:

• 00:00 – Live from Vegas: Dawg Talk kicks off
• 02:03 – Coach Mark Fox joins the show
• 06:05 – Coach Fox’s journey into coaching & Kansas roots
• 10:12 – Early coaching lessons & behind-the-scenes realities
• 15:05 – KCP’s college transformation & leadership growth
• 19:50 – Kenny on coaching for the first time
• 24:00 – NIL era, recruiting chaos & the future of college hoops
• 29:20 – KCP’s recruiting story & family influence
• 35:00 – Coach Fox on academics, impact & legacy
• 40:08 – SEC now vs then + what’s next in college basketball
• 43:30 – Closing thoughts & Fox gives his flowers

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay locked in with Dawg Talk Podcast — where real ballers talk real life.

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Connect with Coach Mark Fox at: https://ukathletics.com/sports/mbball/roster/coach/mark-fox/

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

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellpope/ 

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

Kenny Gaines:  https://www.instagram.com/kennygaines12/?hl=en

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In this legendary Dawg Talk Podcast episode, J Mac, Kenny, and KCP sit down with the one and only John Wall — 5-time NBA All-Star, #1 overall draft pick, and Kentucky legend — live from the wraparound terrace suite at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas during NBA Summer League.

John gets real about: 

-The pressure of being a top prospect and going #1 overall 

-His viral high school mixtape days and why he wore #11 

-Why he chose Kentucky over hometown schools like UNC and NC State 

-The locker room dynamics with Bradley Beal and the Wizards 

-Playing through injuries, losing seasons, and lessons from vets like Sam Cassell 

-What’s really keeping him out of the league today -His love for the game, fatherhood, and what’s next

Plus, we get into prep hoops, the evolution of point guards, the state of the NBA, Miami runs with Beasley, and what he's bumpin' in the whip.

Tap in for an unfiltered convo with one of the coldest point guards of our era.

TimeStamps: 

• 00:00 – Intro from Las Vegas + Dawg Talk crew check-in
• 01:35 – Welcoming John Wall + viral mixtape origin story
• 02:39 – Going viral before social media & Kentucky experience
• 10:31 – Pressure of being the #1 pick + early grind
• 12:27 – The Bradley Beal era + what went wrong in D.C.
• 16:40 – Leaving Washington & bouncing back in Houston
• 18:11 – Miami runs + competing to stay sharp
• 20:52 – Evolution of the point guard position
• 25:32 - New playing styles across the league
• 26:34 – John’s top point guards today
• 33:35 - What’s next post-career

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay locked in with Dawg Talk Podcast — where real ballers talk real life.

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Connect with John Wall at: 

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

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

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellpope/ 

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

Kenny Gaines:  https://www.instagram.com/kennygaines12/?hl=en

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