No Chill with Gilbert Arenas

On this episode, we get into the rookie of the year race. It’s one of the closest to call in years. Actually, this year’s rookie class has been all around fantastic, but clearly it comes down to Luka Doncic and Trae Young. Luka jumped out of the gates, playing at a high level and showing that his game would absolutely translate from Europe. As for Trae, he answered the doubters with his dynamic playmaking ability, scoring talents and delivering in the clutch for the Hawks, especially on the back half of the season.

Thanks to a draft day trade, these two will always be linked together, and after this season both will have their teams hyped to build around their young rising stars. So before the award is handed out, Gil makes his call, and of course has good reasons.

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On this episode, we explore a theory of Gilbert’s about point guards. We look back at the championship teams since Michael Jordan’s Bulls won their first in 1991...that’s after Magic and after Isiah. As Gil points out, the point guards on these teams were not the top assist guys. Across the board they were expected to bring the ball up the floor, defend their position and hit spot up shots. Sure, there have been star point guards that won rings, from Jason Kidd and Gary Payton to Chauncey Billups and Tony Parker, but at those points in their respective careers they were not expected to create shots for teammates, they were facilitating. But don't worry, GM Arenas has a solution...

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On this episode, we get into the game within the game. When we hear from players, we want to know what makes them tick, what they’re thinking and of course the stories. But what about how they watch the game? We are they seeing? What gets them hyped? And what bugs them?

For Agent Zero he of course has one-of-a-kind perspective on the game. When it comes to garbage time, it’s not something we should just disregard until the buzzer sounds. No, for Gil he thinks it’s a time for players to make the most of their opportunity. He sees it as a time to prove yourself, to be aggressive and to hold nothing back. As for the coaches that preach sportsmanship and players who may be padding their stats, he’s got some thoughts on that too.

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On this episode of the No Chill Podcast, we catch up with Shareef O’Neal. The last time we saw him, he was about to kick off his freshman year at UCLA. After a dominant high school career, a heart condition and an intense surgery put basketball on hold. Reef catches us up on his surgery, the recovery and how he’s been spending the time in between.

The good news, he’s about to get back to basketball. He tells us how he’s using the down time to look at the game differently and enjoy college. He also shares how his dad has guided him through this chapter and what kind of advice not only Shaq given his son, but what other greats of the game have offered Reef.

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On this episode, Swaggy P himself, Nick Young returns, once again with a lot to say. If we know anything about Gilbert and Nick, they go way back, and they’ve been going at each other since day one. Frenemies, brothers, teacher/protege...whatever you want call it these two are destined to be linked together forever. 

This time around, Nick lets us know what he’s got his eye on in the league this year, what he’s getting into next and what it takes to have true swag. Also, with Gil’s recent BIG3 news, could we see these two together again on the court? Before that happens, we do know these two are in the gym together, so it’s about time we know what they’re working on.

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On this episode, get on board to experience the ride that it is to be an NBA player. We’re joined by Michael Carter Williams, whose basketball journey is truly unique one. After being selected 11th overall by the Sixers, Michael had a breakout first season and was named Rookie of the Year. You would think things could only blossom from there.

He tells us just how it can change in the blink of an eye. Trusting the process doesn’t work out for every player, and beyond ability, it comes down to fit, timing and opportunity. Rebuilds, salary caps and injuries are all factors that most players don’t have on their radar when they’re going out and competing. Gil also points out that you have to expect those changes at all times, that’s the constant. Also, when you’re in the middle of it, it takes a singular focus.

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For those of you looking to see Agent Zero in action again, we’re one step closer. The one-and-only, Ice Cube, comes through to talk about his attachment to basketball. We hear from a hip hop icon, first hand, why rappers always want to be ballers and vice versa. He also shares his perspective, as a lifetime fan of the sport, on how to put on a show and the big personalities that have made the game great.

All this talk gets Gilbert thinking and things get real. Now we know he’s been in the gym, getting in shape and getting his shots up. So when Cube talks BIG3 and the vision of his league, Gil has a few things in mind for an Agent Zero/BIG3 takeover. The game may never be the same.

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On this episode we pick things up in the aftermath of the trade deadline. For the players that moved and those that didn’t, there 9is the fallout of finding yourself on a new team or refocusing after being a subject of rumors. For the media and the fans, we love the gossip...who’s offering up who, who wants out and the back stories from behind closed doors.

 

Once the dust settles, we get to see how things pan out on the court. As Gilbert tells us, players have to be able to deal with the chatter and work it out themselves. We often hear the phrase “it’s a business.” From the side of owners and the front office, this is the time of year when business can overshadow the competition. With that in mind, we figure out who really won, what it all means for the rest of the season and also the monster free agent group this summer.

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On this episode, skill development specialist, Olin Simplis comes through to give us a look at what has become a must for players to keep their edge. Having a skills coach in your camp is the way they are able to evaluate their games and build on their arsenals. Working with players such as Spencer Dinwiddie, Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Bismack Biyombo, Olin has made a name for himself, connecting with guys who range in their skill sets, but all who share a rare desire and drive.

 

Just like a boxer has with their trainer in their corner, guys like Olin wear numerous hats from mentor, psychologist, family member and bad cop. The proof of the progress is what we see in the on-court results. For Olin, it all comes down to connection. Once that’s in place, his message can get through and the real work can take place. As Gilbert agrees, it is so important for a player to always remain confident and know how to get to their comfort zone at all times. You’ll find out from both Agent Zero and Olin, exactly how that happens. 

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On this episode we’re joined by the two-time champion, nine-time All-Star and MVP, Kevin Durant. Kevin and Gil go way back to Agent Zero’s days in DC when KD was a young, up-and-coming hooper -- that’s Seat Pleasant and the DMV. We learn Kevin slows the game down, and when he put it all together to be effective at the highest level. He also takes a minute to acknowledge where he’s at in this window of the prime of his career. More importantly, how he’s playing with true happiness.

We also find out what it’s like to get every team’s best shot, and also how to keep your focus when you blow them out. And what we’ve always wanted to know, how they decide in the huddle who gets the last shot. For Kevin and the Warriors there is a different level of sacrafice that comes with the territory, which is maybe what we should appreciate most about their dominance.

For Gil and Kevin what they have in common is the priority of basketball over everything. With that in mind, how they approach choices players make not only in their careers, but also their lives. Make no mistake about it, the money and the status is major, but the championship is the ultimate dream.

 

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