NBA History Conversations: Basketball Record

We're back. Aaron joins me to recap episode two of The Last Dance docuseries.

Check out my podcast feed - I've now released the first in a series of The Last Dance bonus shows, with two great guests who can personally relate to series:

Marc Grossman - Head Statistician of the Bulls since 1977 (still working for the franchise today).

Steve Kashul – for most of the 1990s, Anchor and Host of Chicago Bulls Basketball on SportsChannel and Fox Sports Net Chicago. He then transitioned to the role of Chicago Bulls Radio Host for more than 20 years.

Marc details the creative ways the Bulls’ stats team allowed Jordan every-possible second of court-time, during his so-called ‘seven-minute per half’ restrictions, upon returning from his broken foot in the 1986 season.

Steve talks about his question to Jordan that airs near the end of (The Last Dance) episode two, where he asked MJ about Pippen’s “earth-shattering comments” from Nov, 1997 – Pip had requested a trade, whilst still on the Bulls’ injured list.

Send Adam a text message or voicemail.

Support the show

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast

Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Adam's free Substack / newsletter | Buy Adam a coffee

It's here. Aaron joins me to recap episode one of ESPN's 10-part documentary series, The Last Dance. Its focus is Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ 1998 season.

After the recap, I'm joined by 1998 NBA Champion, Scott Burrell. In episode one, Scott features in a memorable exchange with teammates Ron Harper and Michael Jordan at the 1997 McDonald’s Open in France. We cover that, Scott’s memories of his championship season with the Bulls and more.

Send Adam a text message or voicemail.

Support the show

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast

Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Adam's free Substack / newsletter | Buy Adam a coffee

Let's welcome Nate Bellamy Jr. and Nigel Miguel back to the show. They joined me on episode 75 to discuss Space Jam’s 20th anniversary. Prior to that, Nigel was my guest for episode 68. I encourage you to check out those great episodes, too.

Today, we’re chatting about ESPN's highly anticipated, 10-part documentary series, The Last Dance. Its focus is Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ 1998 season.

For the context of this podcast chat, Nigel’s relationship with MJ goes way back to 1981 when they were both McDonald’s HS All-Americans. Nate met MJ on the set of the TV commercial, Hare Jordan, in September, 1991. Nate and Nigel share great insight and reflect on their experiences with Jordan; ones that can only come from knowing him for so many years.

Thanks to those of you on Twitter who offered up questions or comments about the series that I could pose to Nate and Nigel. They respond to three listener submissions: @andgar923, @Steve_Koura and @OOffenseman.

Send Adam a text message or voicemail.

Support the show

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast

Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Adam's free Substack / newsletter | Buy Adam a coffee

Pueblo High School legend, Arizona State University Hall of Famer and two-time NBA All-Star, Lafayette 'Fat' Lever.

Fat discusses his storied career and offers plenty of great insight into his fantastic on-court exploits.

Near the end of the conversation, I mention Chicago, as it pertains to 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend (Feb 15-16). There’s a strong possibility that I’ll have an opportunity to meet with Fat - and other retired players - as my wife (Lisa) and I will be holidaying in the USA at the same time. Fingers crossed, I’ll have more specifics to share about this next month, upon our return home to Australia.

For context, this conversation was recorded on January 24.

Send Adam a text message or voicemail.

Support the show

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast

Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Adam's free Substack / newsletter | Buy Adam a coffee

Syracuse University great and 18-year NBA veteran, Danny Schayes.

The longest-tenured Syracuse University player in NBA history, Danny Schayes, reminisces about his unique life in basketball. His father, Dolph Schayes (RIP), was one of the NBA's pioneering stars. Dolph, a 12-time All-Star and 1955 NBA Champion (Syracuse Nationals), was the NBA's all-time leading scorer (19,249 points) when he retired in 1964. Dolph was the first coach of the Buffalo Braves (now the L.A. Clippers). A pre-teen Danny was a Braves ball-boy. Dolph was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1973.

In 1975, Danny led his high school, the Jamesville-DeWitt Red Rams, to the Seneca Division crown and OHSL Northern Conference title (scoring 29 points in the final). Countless universities coveted Danny's signature. We talk about the recruiting process and why he ultimately chose to play for the Syracuse Orangemen. As a senior, Danny led Syracuse in scoring, rebounding and blocks (14.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game). The team went 22-12 and were 1981 Big East Tournament Champions, following a triple-overtime win (83-80) versus Villanova.

As a rookie, Danny played all 82 games. He scored in double figures 30 times (twice netting a season-high 22 points). After starting the opening 50 games of the 1983 season with Utah, Danny was traded to the Denver Nuggets. He shares funny stories about how the trade went down and his not-so-perfect adjustment to living in the Mile High City. Joining the Nuggets in 1983, Danny played seven-full seasons in Denver, averaging almost 10 points and six rebounds per game.

Among the many topics we cover, Danny recounts his memories of the classic, three-overtime game against the Detroit Pistons (Dec, 1983) and his unusual encounter / fracas with the L.A. Lakers' Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1985 Western Conference Finals).

Danny was traded to Milwaukee in August, 1990. He played three-full seasons with the Bucks. Their best season - as a team - was 1991. They went 48-34, before losing to Philadelphia in round one of the 1991 NBA Playoffs.

We discuss plenty more about Danny's life in basketball. A great conversation.

Send Adam a text message or voicemail.

Support the show

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast

Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Adam's free Substack / newsletter | Buy Adam a coffee

High school star, Kansas University standout and 12-year NBA veteran, Paul Mokeski.

Milwaukee Bucks’ cult hero, Paul Mokeski, discusses his life in basketball. As a youngster – whilst not always comfortable in his surroundings – Paul found his calling in basketball. A burgeoning star at Encino’s Crespi Carmelite High School, he was recruited by countless colleges – some went to extremes to land his signature. However, Paul’s family (his father played college basketball) offered strong guidance and he ultimately decided to attend Kansas University. There, he challenged himself and began to thrive; on-and-off the court. He made new friends and would also meet his future wife.

Mokeski was selected by the Houston Rockets in the 1979 NBA Draft. As a rookie, he was a back-up to MVP-era Moses Malone. Paul discusses the impact that Moses had on his career and shares some fantastic stories about Malone along the way.

After two 10-day contracts with the Milwaukee Bucks, Paul signed a deal in January, 1983, for the rest of the season. At the time, Milwaukee were back-to-back Central Division champions and would go on to win the division an incredible six-straight years. Paul was a key member of the Bucks and played six-full seasons with arguably the best team to not make an NBA Finals during the 1980s.

Prior to the 1991 season, Paul took part in the San Antonio Spurs’ training camp. In mid-January, Mokeski reached out to his former coach, Don Nelson, who was leading the Golden State Warriors. Paul shares the unique story of how he would earn a place on the roster for the rest of that year. This happened to be the second – and last – season of the iconic trio, Run TMC: Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin.

Following the 1991 season, Paul and his family briefly ventured overseas, before he returned to the USA and took the role of player / coach with the Quad City Thunder of the Continental Basketball Association. What followed – and has continued for more than 25 years – is a coaching and scouting career that is as varied as it is interesting.

A big thanks to great friend of the show, Jim McIlvaine, who mentioned my podcast to Paul and helped us connect.

Send Adam a text message or voicemail.

Support the show

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast

Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Adam's free Substack / newsletter | Buy Adam a coffee

High school great, University of Texas at San Antonio star, NBA player and European standout, Derrick Gervin.

Derrick Gervin is a Detroit native. He starred at Martin Luther King High School in his home state of Michigan. Twice, he was named to Detroit's All-Public School League first team. Following high school, Gervin moved cross country to play at a college where his jersey is one of just two to have ever been retired to the rafters - the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Coincidentally, as Derrick continued to hone his skills at college, his older brother - future Hall of Famer, George Gervin (The Iceman) - was lighting up the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs.

Leaving college after his junior season, Derrick was selected in the 1985 NBA Draft, before eventually travelling overseas to star in Europe. He would return to the USA and achieve his dream of playing in the NBA. We cover this and much more in a wide-ranging conversation.

Derrick is a great story teller and shares some fantastic memories from his life in basketball. Check out his show: We Got Next (formerly D. Gerv and Big Mo). They have had a stellar list of guests, including Artis Gilmore, George Gervin and Mike Gminski to name a few.

A slight correction - I inadvertently refer to Derrick’s junior season as his senior year.

For context, this chat was recorded just prior to the madness of 2019 NBA Free Agency.

People mentioned in this episode, include: Antoine Carr, Bill Fitch, Chris Morris, Drazen Petrovic, Flip Saunders, Joe Dumars, Joe Kleine, Leon Wood, Julius Erving, Wes Matthews and Terry Catledge.

Send Adam a text message or voicemail.

Support the show

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast

Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Adam's free Substack / newsletter | Buy Adam a coffee

Remembering Michael Jordan's iconic 1989 moment. This episode covers:

- Jordan's heroics in Round 1 of the 1989 NBA Playoffs

Behind the Game. The inside story - from MJ's defender, Craig Ehlo - on the moments that culminated with Michael Jordan's amazing, series-clinching jump shot to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers.

People mentioned include Larry Nance, Brad Daugherty, Ron Harper, Lenny Wilkens, Bernie Lincicome, Sam Smith, Mark Price, Bill Cartwright, Sam Vincent, Cheryl Raye-Stout and Peter Gee.

Send Adam a text message or voicemail.

Support the show

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast

Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Adam's free Substack / newsletter | Buy Adam a coffee

Adam and Aaron dissect Michael Jordan’s comeback game at Indiana - March 19th, 1995 - the Pacers hosted the visiting Bulls, at Market Square Arena.

We discuss the circumstances behind Jordan's return, uncover great tidbits that preceded this much-hyped match-up and of course, offer an in-depth recap of the game itself. We chat about Michael's post-game presser, too.

In the podcast archives, you’ll find numerous guest episodes that add even deeper context to this conversation. Bill Wennington, Luc Longley and Corie Blount played for the Chicago Bulls in this game. Legendary reporter, Peter Vecsey, and the great Mr. Stats, Elliott Kalb, were part of the NBA on NBC broadcast. Chicago broadcasting veteran, Cheryl Raye-Stout – who first broke the news of Jordan’s 1995 comeback - is also a previous guest. Last but not least, MaryKay Hruskocy, who worked in Media Relations for the Pacers, also recently appeared on the show and shared her memories of the 24 hours of hysteria that led up to the tip-off in Indianapolis.

As per usual, the conversation is scattered with humor and plenty of insight. A must-listen for die-hard NBA fans, regardless of the team you support.

People mentioned include Reggie Miller, Rik Smits, Phil Jackson, Ahmad Rashad, Marv Albert, Bob Costas, Elliott Kalb, Matt Guokas, Hannah Storm, Dale Davis, B.J. Armstrong, Mark Jackson, Pete Myers, Ron Harper, Scottie Pippen, Will Perdue and Steve Kerr.

Send Adam a text message or voicemail.

Support the show

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast

Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Adam's free Substack / newsletter | Buy Adam a coffee

Michael Jordan isn't immune to hi-jinks. This episode covers:

- Jordan's role in a few (1980s) April Fools' Day pranks

Behind the Game. Learn of three instances where Michael Jordan was involved in April Fools' Day stunts. We begin with Laney High School (1981), then move to the University of North Carolina (1982) and conclude with the Chicago Bulls (1987) of the NBA.

People mentioned include James Worthy, Ralph Sampson and Pat Benkowski.

Send Adam a text message or voicemail.

Support the show

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast

Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

Adam's free Substack / newsletter | Buy Adam a coffee