Is the NBA doing enough to combat racial injustice? Tom Haberstroh discussed with Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce and ESPN’s Amin Elhassan. Pierce explained his viral #JusticeForLloyd Instagram post, while Elhassan compared the New York Knicks to Homer Simpson. Lloyd Pierce: 1:55 The viral #JusticeForLloyd Instagram post 20:25 Diversity of NBA executives vs. players 23:50 Working with the NBA Coaches Association to inspire change Amin Elhassan: 56:40 Why racial issues have overtaken sports...
Jun 10, 2020•1 hr 20 min
Ryan Saunders had one of his players tell him “that could have been me” after George Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis. The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves passionately decried police brutality and praised Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Okogie for their leadership in standing up for racial equality. 4:30 Saunders’ reaction to seeing the video of Floyd 12:35 Timberwolves player: "That could have been me" 13:50 Saunders' IG post 15:25 Watching Karl-Anthony Towns speak out 32:10 "I ...
Jun 02, 2020•37 min
Visualize your favorite picture of Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, and there’s a good chance it was taken by Andrew D. Bernstein. The HOF photographer took Tom Haberstroh behind-the-scenes of how he captured some of the most famous images in NBC history. For video of the podcast: https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/last-dance-andrew-bernstein-recounts-some-his-famous-michael-jordan-photos 4:20 Hazards of champagne celebrations 13:50 Michael Jordan the Piano Man 29:00 The famous MJ lifting pho...
May 27, 2020•1 hr 30 min
How does The Last Dance change the way we look at Michael Jordan? Tom Haberstroh explored with David Aldridge, who made frequent appearances in the documentary. Plus Aldridge, editor-in-chief of The Athletic D.C. and host of the Hoops Adjacent podcast, discussed what really happened during the MJ flu (or poisoned pizza) game. 8:45 The flu game…or pizzagate 25:23 Best behind-the-scenes footage in The Last Dance 34:15 The list of everything MJ took personally 38:46 What about the Wizards? 40:40 Co...
May 19, 2020•54 min
How do Michael Jordan’s teammates feel about The Last Dance? Tom Haberstroh sat down a trio of Bulls experts from NBC Sports Chicago: four-time NBA champion Will Perdue, former Bull Kendall Gill and Bulls Insider K.C. Johnson. 21:06 How they felt when MJ announced his first retirement 31:40 What Jerry Krause would have added to The Last Dance 44:40 MJ smoking cigars in the locker room 50:15 Playing cards on the plane with MJ 56:51 MJ’s insane schedule with the Dream Team 1:06:50 MJ crying on the...
May 12, 2020•1 hr 16 min
How will The Last Dance affect Michael Jordan’s legacy? ESPN’s Pablo Torre revealed what he learned about MJ while watching The Last Dance. Plus Torre and Tom Haberstroh swap stories about fatherhood and Sam Hinkie's "Process". 8:28 Receiving fatherhood advice from Shane Battier 13:37 Pablo on the communal experience of The Last Dance 20:40 Why MJ agreed to release this documentary 27:33 Should MJ have been granted editorial control over the documentary? 40:52 Pablo's journey to interview Sam Hi...
May 08, 2020•55 min
Was Scottie Pippen the greatest No. 2 player ever? J.A. Adande, who was featured in The Last Dance, revealed his favorite stories from covering Pippen, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Plus Adande, who is now the Director of Sports Journalism at Northwestern University, joked about the mishap when he met Jordan for the first time. 7:25 J.A.’s mishap when meeting MJ 9:59 Why MJ avoided the media after retiring 26:32 The Pistons’ infamous walk-off vs. MJ 46:38 Phil Jackson’s version of load m...
Apr 28, 2020•1 hr 19 min
Was the Dream Team the most dominant basketball squad ever assembled? Hall of Fame wing Chris Mullin shared his favorite memories playing with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird at the 1992 Olympics. Watch Mullin and the Dream Team in the 1992 Olympic gold medal game on Wednesday, April 22 at 9 p.m. ET on NBCSN. 10:28 1996 Bulls vs 2017 Warriors? 16:07 How MJ and Pippen felt about Toni Kukoc 22:07 Charles Barkley and Bobby Knight clashing in '84 29:01 The famous Jordan vs. Magic scrimm...
Apr 22, 2020•59 min
What was life really like at the top of the NBA? The Athletic’s Ethan Sherwood Strauss, author of the new book “The Victory Machine: The Making and Unmaking of the Warriors Dynasty,” discussed how the team dominated the NBA for the better part of a decade, why Kevin Durant left and other anecdotes from the dynasty. 8:48 Impact of social media on high-profile NBA stars 13:51 Why Kevin Durant left the Warriors 18:31 Getting yelled at by Durant 23:33 How Steph Curry handled immense fame 41:41 Awkwa...
Apr 17, 2020•1 hr 3 min
How did NBA players prepare to guard Kobe Bryant? Shane Battier, a three-time NABC Defensive Player of the Year at Duke and a two-time member of NBA All-Defensive Team, shared the mind games he played with the Black Mamba. Plus Batter, who is now the Vice President of Basketball Development and Analytics for the Miami Heat, revealed which NBA player could beat him in a Jeopardy duel. 3:28 Which NBA player could beat Shane Battier in a Jeopardy duel? 7:57 Advice for NBA rookies 10:27 Reading an a...
Apr 07, 2020•35 min
Will NBA players be in Tokyo for the Summer Olympics? Marc Stein, NBA reporter for The New York Times, analyzed how the new Olympic dates will impact USA Basketball. Plus Marc and Tom discussed the health-and-safety hurdles that need to be cleared before the NBA season returns. 7:30 The whirlwind of the season being shutdown 11:31 Biggest Premier League fan in the NBA 25:45 Options the NBA is exploring at this moment 34:06 Potential NBA calendar and its impact on Olympics participation 47:01 How...
Apr 03, 2020•57 min
What is life like for basketball players stuck in Italy during the coronavirus pandemic? Michael Roll, who reached three Final Fours with UCLA, described being under a total lockdown while playing for Olimpia Milano. Plus he discussed how his family is preparing to welcome their first child at a time when Italian hospitals are so overwhelmed. 1:35 Scene in Italy 7:51 Reaction of NBA vs. EuroLeague 9:44 Playing against someone who tested positive 13:01 Expecting his first child in early May 19:21...
Mar 24, 2020•28 min
What did Andy Larsen do after Rudy Gobert touched his microphone in the now-infamous press conference? Larsen, the Utah Jazz beat writer for The Salt Lake City Tribune, discussed finding out that Gobert tested positive for coronavirus and having to take the test himself. Then Eric Chemi, CNBC’s Sports Business reporter, analyzed the financial ramifications of the NBA suspending its season and which teams will be affected the most. Andy Larsen (1:01) 5:35 Rudy Gobert’s now-infamous press conferen...
Mar 17, 2020•1 hr 18 min
When will NBA players return to the court? Tom Haberstroh discussed the coronavirus’ impact on the NBA with Howard Beck, Bleacher Report’s senior NBA writer and host of The Full 48 podcast. 2:12 Why the NBA made the right decision 9:35 The reasonable bar for players to get tested 12:40 Interactions with Rudy Gobert 24:11 Next steps for NBA 31:01 Possible NBA timeline for the next month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd like to...
Mar 12, 2020•38 min
How is Seattle reacting to the coronavirus? Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird discussed precautions and the possibility of playing in front of empty stadiums. Plus Bird, a three-time WNBA champion and four-time Olympic champion, revealed why she is endorsing a CBD brand. 1:50 Smartphone addiction 2:55 How Seattle is reacting to coronavirus 6:05 Being one of the first athletes to endorse a CBD brand 17:40 The importance of sleep 20:42 Why 40 is the new 30 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...
Mar 11, 2020•24 min
Just like in NBA Jam, players who make a couple of shots in a row catch on fire, right? Tom Haberstroh discusses the “hot hand” with Ben Cohen, author of the new book “The Hot Hand: The Mystery and Science of Streak.” Cohen, who covers the NBA for The Wall Street Journal, uses players like Stephen Curry to explore whether there really is such a thing as being in the zone. Plus Cohen and Haberstroh, who will both speak at the 2020 MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, preview the topics attendee...
Mar 06, 2020•48 min
Does the NBA need to change its stance on marijuana? Tom Haberstroh and NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole reveal what they learned after interviewing a number of NBA players including Al Harrington, Andre Iguodala, Stephen Jackson and Brian Shaw for their column “Marijuana and the NBA: Erasing the stigma and healing the league,” which you can read at NBCSports.com/Haberstroh . Plus Poole, the host of the Runnin’ Plays podcast, discussed being in Los Angeles for Kobe Bryant’s memorial and preview...
Feb 27, 2020•56 min
How do you coach LeBron James? Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel sat down with Tom Haberstroh at NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago to discuss what the Lakers need to do to win the NBA title. Plus Vogel told the story of how he ended up on the Stupid Human Tricks segment with David Letterman as a 13-year-old prodigy at spinning a basketball. 1:10 Being on David Letterman as a 13-year-old 5:36 Best trick-shot artist on the Lakers 14:40 Where he was when he heard the Kobe news 19:07 Becoming ...
Feb 21, 2020•33 min
When did Mark Cuban know Luka Doncic could be a franchise player? The Dallas Mavericks owner sat down with Tom Haberstroh in a hotel lounge at NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago to discuss scouting, drafting and building around the 20-year-old All-Star. Plus Cuban revealed what he learned talking basketball with Barack Obama and Donald Trump, as well as his own political aspirations. 2:22 When Cuban knew Luka could be a franchise player 8:53 Why Cuban follows certain players on social media 11:34 T...
Feb 19, 2020•30 min
Tom Haberstroh sat down three special guests for a LIVE podcast at the Highline Bar in Downtown Chicago to celebrate NBA All-Star Weekend. Orlando Magic star Aaron Gordon previewed his appearance in the 2020 NBA Slam Dunk Contest and reflected on his unforgettable matchup with Zach LaVine in the 2016 competition. Tom Thibodeau relived his glory years coaching the Chicago Bulls and discussed his coaching future. Plus Chicago native Richaun Holmes returned to the Windy City—with his proud mom Dr. ...
Feb 14, 2020•1 hr 5 min
Who made the best moves at the NBA trade deadline? Tom Haberstroh discussed the trade winners and losers with ESPN NBA analyst Amin Elhassan (@darthamin), who spent a decade working in NBA front offices. 2:20 Analyzing the Andrew Wiggins trade to Golden State 12:30 What Amin texted Steve Kerr after the Wiggins trade 32:45 Agent Leon Rose taking over in New York 35:28 Why being in the front office is such a different skillset than being an agent 46:50 Winners and losers from trade deadline Learn ...
Feb 07, 2020•1 hr 2 min
Why can’t anybody stop Damian Lillard? Neil Olshey, who drafted Lillard less than a month after joining the Portland Trail Blazers, explained why his star point guard is so tough to defend. Plus Olshey, the Blazers’ President of Basketball Operations, revealed what he looks for in a prospect. 11:50 How did you know Damian Lillard would be this good? 15:50 What Neil looks for in a prospect 21:10 The origin of Logo Lillard 25:20 Was Lillard’s game-winner over Paul George a good shot? 31:11 Will th...
Feb 04, 2020•41 min
What made Kobe Bryant so special? The Undefeated’s Marc Spears, who covered Bryant for more than two decades, shared his favorite stories about the Black Mamba on and off the court. Then Chris Hein, the creative genius behind The Haberstat who graduated Lower Merion High School with Bryant, recalled when Bryant took Brandy to the prom. Plus Tom Haberstroh dug into The Habershow archives to resurface portions of his conversation with Brian Shaw about winning three NBA titles with Bryant, as well ...
Jan 31, 2020•1 hr 7 min
Why did Run TMC end after just two seasons? Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin sat down with Tom Haberstroh at NBC Sports Bay Area headquarters to discuss the highs and lows of playing in Don Nelson’s fast-paced offense. 1:34 What made Run TMC special 7:12 The origin of the Run TMC nickname 12:50 Connection to Run DMC 20:01 The end of TMC 33:10 The best crossover since Tim Hardaway Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices This is a public episode. If you'd ...
Jan 24, 2020•51 min
What was it like guarding Kobe Bryant? Doug Christie, who was named to the NBA’s all-defensive team four teams, revealed the secrets to stopping Kobe. Christie also gave a blow-by-blow description of his fight with Rick Fox. Christie, who is now the Sacramento Kings analyst for NBC Sports California and host of the Purple Talk podcast with James Ham, also discussed the state of the Kings. 7:17 Fighting Rick Fox 22:40 Guarding Kobe Bryant 25:40 Playing with Jason “White Chocolate” Williams 33:03 ...
Jan 17, 2020•37 min
Will this be an active NBA trade deadline, or will teams be “slugs”? Tom Haberstroh discussed with Nate Duncan, NBA salary cap guru and host of the Dunc’d On Basketball podcast. Plus Duncan revealed his list of top-10 prospects in the NBA 23 and under, and his answer might surprise Philadelphia 76ers fans. 1:57 The fallout of John Beilein’s “thugs” (or “slugs”) comment 8:55 Should the Cavs trade Kevin Love? 19:57 The 2020 free agent class 28:40 Revisiting the Russell Westbrook trade 34:58 Top-10...
Jan 10, 2020•1 hr 6 min
How will longtime NBA commissioner David Stern be remembered? Tom Haberstroh discussed Stern’s legacy with Yahoo Sports NBA Insider Chris Haynes and CNBC Sports Business reporter Eric Chemi (1:07:15). Plus Haynes, who used to cover the Portland Trail Blazers for NBC Sports Northwest, explained why the Blazers are struggling, possible moves at next month's trade deadline, the LeBron/Anthony Davis combination and more. 6:05 David Stern was a genuine no-nonsense guy (Haynes) 9:30 Tom’s story about ...
Jan 03, 2020•1 hr 28 min
Who is right in the Doc Rivers vs. LeBron James load management debate? Tom Haberstroh discussed with Sam Amick, senior writer for The Athletic. Plus Amick, who recently returned from Milwaukee to interview Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry, revealed what he learned about Giannis and the Bucks’ uncertain future. 1:10 Who will be the NBA MVP? 7:50 The big decision Giannis has to make this summer 14:33 The Doc Rivers vs. LeBron James load management debate 29:20 Players most likely to get traded 38:19 Why...
Dec 20, 2019•56 min
Will the Lakers and Clippers remain the top two teams in the Western Conference? Tom Haberstroh discussed with Dan Woike, who basically lives in the Staples Center as the LA Times national NBA writer. Plus Woike, who recently returned from Canada for Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto, takes you behind-the-scenes of Leonard’s championship ring ceremony, gives his take on Chris Paul's future and more around the NBA. 5:09 Why Carmelo Anthony has gotten so much attention in Portland 13:13 Raptors ab...
Dec 13, 2019•1 hr 18 min
Are the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks as good as their records suggest? Tom Haberstroh discusses with ESPN analyst Amin Elhassan. Elhassan, a former Phoenix Suns executive and noted archrival of Kobe stans, also reveals whether he thinks Kobe Bryant quit in the 2006 playoff series against the Suns. 2:03 Amin’s impersonation of Alvin Gentry 7:44 Why does Amin Elhassan hate the Lakers so much? 18:18 Explaining the Lakers’ hot start 30:01 LeBron is playing more defense…can he keep it up al...
Dec 06, 2019•1 hr 12 min
