Over And Back: Stories About Nba History

Over and Back's Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s series continues with a look at the proliferation of the slam dunk in the 1970s.Topics on today's show include the origins of the slam dunk, how it was viewed in the 1950s and 1960s NBA, what the NCAA did to curtail its rise including the "Lew Alcindor Rule" banning the dunk, and the innovators who brought it to the next level including Elgin Baylor and Connie Hawkins.We then focus on the 1970s which saw a huge rise in the use of the dunk both in the ABA and NBA including the infamous ABA Slam Dunk Contest won by Julius Erving's free-throw line dunk, Dr. J's other dunk exploits, some unsung heroes of the dunk including Gus Johnson, David Thompson, Darnell "Dr. Dunk" Hillman, "The Helicopter" Charles Hentz breaking two rims in a single ABA game, a failed NBA dunk tournament involving Elvin Hayes, Alex English, Moses Malone, Darryl Dawkins, and much more!Original airdate: 8/29/16Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com

We look at the 1975 Golden State Warriors’ upset over the Washington Bullets in the NBA Finals and where it ranks among all-time pro basketball upsets in the latest edition of the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast’s Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s.We look at how the Warriors' Finals run came as a surprise to virtually everyone, how they managed to sweep a powerhouse Bullets team with Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes, how it appeared the Warriors were retooling around Rick Barry and a group of young players after trading Nate Thurmond, how they faced Thurmond and the last run of a very good Chicago Bulls team in the playoffs, how they battled a Seattle Supersonics team led by coach Bill Russell and Spencer Haywood, how their playoff run compares to some of the other great upsets like the Cavs beating the Warriors in 2016 or the Rockets beating the Magic in 1995, how a schedule conundrum actually helped Golden State and hurt Washington, and how other key Warriors players contributed (including Jamaal Wilkes, Bu

The most amazing seasons (Dr. J, Kareem, Bob McAdoo & more!) of the 1970s is the topic in today's episode of the Over and Back Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s summer series.Seasons focused on include Spencer Haywood's dominant rookie year with the Denver Rockets, veteran Zelmo Beaty's career resurgence with the '71 Utah Stars, the best individual season for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (and arguably the greatest individual season of all-time), Tiny Archibald's incredible '73 campaign with the Kansas City-Omaha Kings, Julius Erving's '74 campaign with the Net and much more.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We wonder if anyone carried a great team like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did on Over and Back’s latest episode in its Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s series.Topics discussed include: Kareem's nearly unprecedented value to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he ranks among other all-time greats in a number of statistical categories, the percentage of Milwaukee's production came from Kareem as well as an overview of his many accomplishments and who his best teammates were. Also included is a portion of our previous Kareem in the 1970s episode in which we discuss the mythical $1M check from the ABA, the famed ABA/NBA power struggle to acquire his rights, Kareem's early NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks including the Bucks' franchise's only championship, dominance in the NBA and more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We discuss the great Indiana Pacers teams of the 1970s that won three ABA championships with Pacers.com writer and historian Mark Montieth (markmontieth.com) in Over and Back’s latest episode in its Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s series.Topics discussed include: how the team was built around Roger Brown, Freddie Lewis, Bob Netolicky and Mel Daniels, how coach Slick Leonard got the team to play together, a wild brawl vs. the Kentucky Colonels in 1969, rallying down from a 3-1 deficit, their disappointment in the 1969 Finals and vindication in 1970, why things worked out for Billy Keller and not for the more heralded Rick Mount, Brown and Rick Barry dueling in the 1972 Finals, Warren Jabali tearing off a teammate’s underwear, adding young superstar George McGinnis to an already established great team, what Darnell Hillman brought to the team, how the 1973 team succeeded despite some unhappiness in the locker room, Daniels and the Pacers’ love of the cowboy lifestyle including bringing guns to the locker room

The oddest NBA and ABA team owners and the wild stories of their ownership are the central topic on the latest episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA podcast’s Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s.The 1970s were a wild time in professional basketball and nowhere is that more evident than the eccentric owners that ruled the decade. From penny-pinching MLB owners enacting mustache bonus to an ownership group drafting players by alphabetical order, the stories are hard to believe. In this episode, Jason and Rich discuss a number of wild NBA and ABA owners including Charlie Finley, Earl Foreman, John Y. Brown, Jack Kent Cooke, Franklin Mieuli and many more. Original airdate: 8/15/16Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The 1971 ABA champion Utah Stars with Zelmo Beaty, Willie Wise, Ron Boone and coach Bill Sharman are discussed with special guest Curtis Harris of Pro Hoops History on the latest episode of Over and Back’s Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s. They talk about Sharman’s inspirational speech after the Stars lost in the Finals in 1970, Beaty becoming the second major NBA star to defect to the ABA, the franchise moving from Los Angeles to Utah, making Salt Lake into the “Green Bay of basketball,” the Stars’ dogged rivalry with the Indiana Pacers, Mack Calvin, Red Robbins, Glen Combs, Jimmy Jones and much more.Original airdate: 8/12/16Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jason Mann and Rich Kraetsch continue their Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s series with a detailed look at how many teams were added, subtracted, moved or changed their name during the 1970s. Topics include multiple new Houston franchises, the ever-changing ABA including the Anaheim Amigos, Pittsburgh Pipers, a Minnesota team leaving and joining in the same season, San Diego's record three attempts at a franchise, the whirlwind movement of the Americans/Nets, regional franchises playing in multiple cities as well as players who bounced around the most including Tom Owens, Mack Calvin, Steve "Snapper" Jones and Warren Jabali. Original airdate: 8/10/16Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kevin Pelton of ESPN joins us on the latest episode of our Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s series to discuss the late ‘70s and early ‘80s Seattle Supersonics with Dennis Johnson, Jack Sikma and Gus Williams. The Sonics reached back-to-back Finals and won the 1979 NBA championship before dissension broke up the team prematurely. Also discussed in the latest episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA podcast: the young team’s Finals battles with the veteran Washington Bullets in 1978 and 1979, the aftermath of the Bill Russell era, trading away the popular Slick Watts, how Lenny Wilkens helped turn around a floundering team, Downtown Freddie Brown’s outside shooting, John Johnson’s stellar passing as a forward, whether the Sonics could have stood up to the Lakers had the team managed to keep Dennis Johnson throughout the ‘80s, forgotten classic playoff series against the Suns and Bucks, Wilkens’ feud with Dennis Johnson, Gus Williams’ year-long holdout, and much more.Also, check out Kevin’s article on Jack Sikm

Some of the biggest and most interesting trades of the 1970s are discussed in the latest episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA podcast’s Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s series. Jason Mann and Rafael Canton of the NBA Trades blog and podcast discuss how the changing times in the NBA and ABA produced a great flurry of trades involving star powers. Trades that are discussed include: Oscar Robertson to the Bucks in 1970, Jack Marin for Elvin Hayes in 1972, George Gervin to the Spurs in 1974, Spencer Haywood in 1975 and Bob McAdoo in 1976 to the Knicks, and the infamous franchise swap between the Boston Celtics and San Diego Clippers in 1978.Original airdate: 8/5/16Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, who won 33 games in a row and the city’s first NBA title, are discussed by Jason Mann and Shawn Fury, author of “Rise and Fire,” in the seventh episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA podcast’s summer series — Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s. They talk about how an aging team led by Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West thought to be on the decline ended as of one of the best teams of all-time -- after the retirement of Elgin Baylor.Also discussed: how the Lakers had failed in eight Finals since 1959 before finally winning this championship, Chamberlain joining forces with West and Baylor but failing to beat the Celtics in 1969 and the Knicks in 1970, how outgoing coach Joe Mullaley thought the big three were over the hill, new coach and Celtics legend Bill Sharman bringing in a new style and attitude, the battles between Sharman and Wilt over the new morning shootarounds, West becoming more of a playmaker and Gail Goodrich leading the team in scoring, the unheralded Jim McMillian

Sportswriting legend Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe joins us to discuss the 1973-76 Boston Celtics in the sixth episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA podcast’s summer series — Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s. Jason Mann joins him to talk about the high and low points of a team that won two titles in three seasons and 68 games in 1973.Also discussed: how Red Auerbach was able to rebuild the Celtics after the Bill Russell era, the all-around brilliance of John Havlicek, drafting Jo Jo White and Dave Cowens, acquiring the rugged Paul Silas as a final piece, their playoff rivalry with the Knicks and their famous 7-game battle in 1973 (and Boston’s perspective on some questionable refereeing in that series), a controversial series win over Bob McAdoo’s Buffalo Braves, knocking off Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Bucks for a championship in 1974, running into Elvin Hayes and the Washington Bullets in 1975, what made Cowens so special as a player and his pride in being the center despite lack of size, Don Nelson’s in

Who launched the three-pointer? The fifth episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA podcast's summer series — Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s—explores the origins of the three-point basket. Jason Mann and Rich Kraetsch discuss how the three-pointer came to be, whose idea was it to bring it to the ABA, the other leagues that had experimented with it and the transformative properties the three-pointer had. Discussion topics include: players and coaches adjusting to the new line, best nicknames for the new "three-point basket" the best and worst three-point shooters in the ABA, an amusing story of a team forgetting the three-pointer existed and the wild year-to-year fluctuations on three-point attempts and what could have caused these changes. Original airdate: 7/27/16Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why the first two ABA champions immediately abandoned their cities is examined in the fourth episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA podcast’s summer series — Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s. Jason Mann and Rich Kraetsch discuss the 1967-68 Pittsburgh Pipers led by Connie Hawkins and the 1968-69 Oakland Oaks led by Rick Barry (and owned by famed singer Pat Boone).Discussion topics include: how much Hawkins dominated the first year of the ABA, the Pipers being the first team to embrace the 3-pointer, Pittsburgh’s inspiring Finals comeback after Hawkins injured his knee, the Pipers moving to Minnesota because Commissioner George Mikan wanted a team in his hometown, lots of dysfunction including a fistfight between the Pipers’ coach and chairman at an all-star banquet, why the Pipers failed there and then moved BACK to Pittsburgh, how the Oaks wooed Barry from the NBA, Warren Jabali’s penchant for fighting, how Larry Brown and Doug Moe couldn’t stay away from each other, the Oaks rolling despite a season-endi

The life of an ABA player is discussed in the third episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA podcast’s summer series — Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s. Jason Mann is joined by Indiana Pacers great Bob Netolicky, who played all 9 seasons in the ABA, and Ted Green, who has produced documentaries on Pacers legend Roger Brown and coach Slick Leonard. Discussion topics include: How the ABA forced innovations into the pro basketball world, including bigger salaries and a wide-open style of play; on- and off-court highlights of the Pacers from 1969 through 1975, where they won three ABA championships and appeared in five Finals; the excellence of Roger Brown and how he’s been forgotten among the great small forwards of all-time; tales from Netolicky’s club in Indianapolis, including sneaking in an underaged Spencer Haywood and giving visiting players free beer the night before games; Slick Leonard’s legendary motivational tactics, including nearly attacking Neto with a hockey stock; how it felt to win a championsh

The late Nate Thurmond’s quadruple-double, one of four in NBA history, is discussed in the second episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA podcast’s summer series — Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s. Jason Mann and Rich Kraetsch talk about the hardest aspect of a quadruple-double, Thurmond’s time with the Warriors (with and without Rick Barry), his trade to Chicago and fitting in with the Bulls, past players who could have potentially gotten a quadruple-double before steals and blocks were official stats, how Thurmond felt about being compared to Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, Thurmond’s success in defending Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the end of Thurmond’s career in Cleveland, and helping the Cavs reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 1976 thanks to the “Miracle at Richfield.” Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Over and Back Classic NBA podcast launches their summer series (Basketball Mysteries of the 1970s) with a look at the best players of the decade. In this episode, Jason Mann and Rich Kraetsch introduce the series, explain its origins, what they hope to accomplish from the season and of course, dive into the first mystery: Who were the best players of the decade? Using basic and advanced statistics, Jason and Rich attempt to determine the best individual players including names like Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Julius Erving, Artis Gilmore, Dan Issel and many more! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Upon Tim Duncan's retirement, Jason and Rich look back at the Spurs legend's career and conclude that, yes, he was interesting (and one of the best NBA players who ever lived). They discuss what about Duncan’s game made him seem boring to some, why the debate over whether he was a power forward or center misses the point, his fear of sharks, competing with Alonzo Mourning at age 16, why he was the last great four-year college player, how dominant the Spurs were in 1999, Duncan’s love for paintball, why there are no pictures of him at a Renaissance Fair, his failed attempt at a “Merlin” nickname, his relationship with Gregg Popovich and his teammates, stories of him being nice or funny to his opponents, and some eye-popping numbers about his career and the Spurs’ success. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast returns to talk recent news this time: Kevin Durant signing with the Golden State Warriors! Jason and Rich discuss the historical significance, why this is so unique and how to unpack discussions on Durant. Topics include other examples of all-time great players joining established great teams, parallels between Durant and LeBron James, whether RINGZ culture is a new phenomenon and where Russell Westbrook and Durant rank as historic NBA duo.Original airdate: 7/7/16Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We discuss where Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals ranks among all-time Game 7s, putting the performances of LeBron James and Steph Curry in historical context, comparing LeBron to the best Finals MVPs, comparing LeBron’s Game 5 and 6 to the all-time best Finals performances, where Draymond Green’s terrific Game 7 rates among the best, what losing means for the legacy of the 73-win Golden State Warriors, how the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 3-1 comeback rates among all-time Finals upsets, looking at the greatest teams to never win a title, the meaning of Cleveland breaking its 52-year sports “curse,” and how “The Block” rates among both the best clutch plays and the most spectacular plays in NBA Finals history. Original airdate: 6/22/16Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy