Naismith Hall of Fame journalist, Marc J. Spears, is the special guest on Hear District this week. Spears, who is a senior NBA writer for ESPN's race, culture, and sports platform, Andscape, was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2023 when he was recognized with the Curt Gowdy Media Award. He chronicles formative moments in his two decade-plus journey as a sportswriter, and how his Bay Area roots, college basketball career, and on-court inspirations helped him become who he is today. He also reveals why Team USA's performance in this summer's Olympics was some of the greatest basketball he has ever seen, even compared to the twenty-odd NBA Finals series he has covered. And after deeply reporting on Milwaukee Bucks head coach, Doc Rivers, and superstars Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo over their careers, he provides insights into what he expects from the team this season.

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