Over And Back: Stories About Nba History

We look at the events of February and early March 1998 in the NBA.We look at Tim Duncan coming into elite form as a rookie, Karl Malone passing milestones and making a run at MVP again, Hakeem Olajuwon showing signs of slowing down, Nick Anderson helping carry the Magic, Larry Bird pushing the Pacers, early tension between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, the Timberwolves and Nets turning things around, the Jazz rallying from 24 down to beat the Bulls, Tracy Murray's 50-point game, Shaq being jeered in his return to Orlando, and the Pacers setting records in routing the Blazers 124-59.We also discuss Latrell Sprewell's arbitration hearing, the surprise verdict reducing his suspension, David Stern's reaction, Doug Collins' firing in Detroit, All-Star Weekend without the dunk contest, the Raptors being sold and cleaning house, the 4-42 Nuggets firing their GM, and trades involving Damon Stoudamire, Joe Smith, Rony Seikaly, Chauncey Billups, Brent Barry, and more.Advertising Inquiries: https

Jason and Rich examine NBA players who by age 25 appeared on the trajectory for all-time greatness but for one reason or another fell off track.Players discussed include early NBA star Ed Macauley, territorial pick in the last BAA draft before the BAA and the NBL merged to form the NBA. Jason and Rich discuss Macauley's early career, the trade he's most famous for and what he did in his post-playing career. Dwight Howard: one of the NBA's shining stars in his early years that has fallen out of favor recently, Jason and Rich look at his injury history as well as his attitude and whether or not he will be considered an all-time great when he finally hangs it up.Tracy McGrady: T-Mac put together one of the NBA's greatest seasons in 2003 but just a few years later was unable to get on the court. McGrady was a star that shined bright but ultimately left many underwhelmed.Elton Brand: Mr. Reliable put together an impressive resume in his early 20s but never reached the next level.Gilbert Arenas: One

In the latest edition of our NBA 20 Years Ago series, Rich and Jason look back at the NBA in January 1998.We look at how the 1990s are a time of the most of the dominant players being older than 30, including MVP favorites Karl Malone and Michael Jordan, and how unprecedented that was in NBA history. We each pick our favorite mythical League Pass teams, including the Jason Kidd Suns, emerging Kevin Garnett Timberwolves, run-and-gun Shaq-and-Kobe Lakers, and the final year of the Bulls dynasty.We also look at some of the key events in January 1998, including Scottie Pippen's return to the Bulls, Chris Webber being arrested on drug and traffic charges, the Nuggets tying an all-time losing streak, All-Star game voting, the Maloof family buying into the Kings, Latrell Sprewell's arbitration hearing, Chick Hearn announcing his 3,000th consecutive Lakers game, Eric Snow being traded, Tyrone Hill signing a big extension with the Bucks, Robert Parish's number retirement, Bill Fitch reaching all-time coach

On today's episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast, Jason and Rich look at former NBA and ABA players who suited up for five, four and three teams in a single season.Players profiled include Bobby Jones, Steve Chubin, Ken Wilburn, Rich Johnson, Rod Higgins, Tony Massenburg, Alex Stivrins, Don Boven, Ron Perry, Reggie Johnson, Sam Cassell, Barry Liebowitz, Manny Leaks, Tom Owens and Jim Eakins. In profiling each player we'll look at which teams and how many games they played, standout games, why they bounced around so much as well as career highlights and recaps. How were they before these prolific seasons and how did their careers chart after? Special attention is given to a few of the ABA players as Jason and Rich try to shine light on the turbulent league: why so many players moved, the instability of franchises and possible profit-focused reasons for the moves. The episode also features deep dives into Sam Cassell's movement during the 1996-97 season, a changing of the guard in Dallas

In the third edition of our NBA 20 Years Ago series, we explore the events of December 1997 in the NBA, including Latrell Sprewell being suspended for choking Warriors coach P.J. Carlesimo, the Wizards opening a new arena, the Mavericks naming Don Nelson as coach, the slam dunk contest being canceled, and Michael Jordan being the victim of a hoax involving his mother's health during a game.We discuss the initial reporting of the Sprewell scandal and the racial coding in much of the response, the Warriors deciding to terminate Sprewell's contract, the NBA suspending Sprewell for one year and the players union's reaction, Sprewell's first public apology and a press conference involving famed attorney Johnnie Cochran, and how the story became a national phemonenon and affected the NBA's perception.We also talk about the NBA's first regular season game in Mexico, the Mavericks' dance team being robbed, Penny Hardaway's knee problems, Jordan passing a series of all-time scoring mile

For Over and Back's 200th episode, Rich Kraetsch and Jason Mann watch "Space Jam" with basketball pals Curtis Harris (@ProHoopsHistory) and Reinis Lacis (@LamarMatic) and provide live commentary on the proceedings.Topics discussed: how the movie frames Michael Jordan's life, how we all were first exposed to the movie and how we feel about it now, the merits of the "Space Jam" soundtrack, the Quad City DJs not being from the Quad Cities, Jordan's willingness to mock his baseball career, was Shawn Bradley really a bad player or just an awkward player, how much we enjoy Wayne Knight, our favorite Looney Tunes characters, the Hare Jordan commercials with Bugs Bunny that inspired "Space Jam," the Looney Tunes hip-hop clothing fad, Bill Murray's wacky 1994 NBA commercials, how the NBA players fare as actors (especially Larry Bird, Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing), who would have been cast in a 1970s Space Jam, did the Monstars choose their stolen NBA talents wisely, why Jor

We are used to the NBA landscape being what it is. Since 1981, there hasn't been much in the way of massive conference realignment but that wasn't always the case. On this episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA podcast hosts Jason Mann and Rich Kraetsch look at the NBA's long history of conference realignment. We look first at teams that have for the most part stayed in their respective conferences including the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets and more. After that, it's a look at each and every team's conference realignment throughout history including franchise moves that necessitated the change, favors done for other owners or downright confusing realignments that make no geographic sense. We also look at how each of the realignments may have had an effect on competitive balance and if the championship and title picture would look different without said realignment. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Op

In the second edition of our NBA 20 Years Ago series, we explore the events of November 1997 in the NBA, including Charles Barkley throwing a bar patron through a window, Tim Duncan's first month in the league, players being fined for wearing too-long shorts, A.C. Green setting the NBA consecutive game record, Isiah Thomas leaving his position as Raptors GM, and much more.We also discuss a rocky start for Michael Jordan and the Bulls, tough negotiations with Chicago and Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen trade demands, a pregame fight between Shaquille O'Neal and Greg Ostertag, the first female referees in NBA history, Muggsy Bogues' ugly departure from the Hornets, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar suing a similarly named football player, the Suns and Blazers in a 150-147 quadruple overtime game, Isaiah Rider being suspended for spitting at a fan, Barkley's final 40-point game of his career, excellent starts for the Lakers and the Hawks, Eddie Jones getting some shine, and Dikembe Mutombo doing more than just d

We talk to "The Jordan Rules" author Sam Smith about his new book, "Hard Labor: The Battle that Birthed the Billion-Dollar NBA," which documents the labor battles between the NBA and its players in the 1960s and 1970s and shares stories about the key players in that fight, including Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor, Rick Barry, Bill Bradley, John Havlicek, Chet Walker, Joe Caldwell, and Wes Unseld.We discuss Bob Cousy and Tommy Heinsohn's efforts to strengthen the union in the 1950s and early 1960s, how black players dealt with virulent racism, the threatened 1964 All-Star Game boycott by players, the NBA players blocking the planned NBA-ABA merger in 1970, Spencer Haywood joining the pros early and fighting against the NCAA and NBA, the players getting a sympathetic ear in Congress, Barry pitting himself against the NBA players and testifying in favor the merger (to get back into the NBA), the NBA players recently agreeing to fund medical benefits for retired players, and much more.Original

Basketball Hall of Famer Bernard King joins the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast to discuss his new book, Game Face, and memories of his career, including his playoff battles on the New York Knicks and overcoming a gruesome knee injury to play again in the NBA after two years of recovery.He also discusses his analytical approach to basketball from a young age, coming into the NBA in an unsettled era before Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, competing against Julius Erving as rookie with the New Jersey Nets, going through rehab for alcohol addiction, rebuilding his career with the Golden State Warriors and coach Al Attles, joining the Knicks as a free agent, breaking a playoff record for scoring in a classic battle vs. Isiah Thomas and the Pistons, matching up with Larry Bird and the Celtics, becoming the first NBA player to return from a torn ACL, going to the Washington Bullets and becoming an all-star once again, his playing days and friendship with Moses Malone, when he realized his career was over, and much m

With Suns coach Earl Watson being fired after an 0-3 start, we look at the fastest firings and shortest coaching stints in NBA history on the latest episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast.We discuss Dolph Schayes being canned after one game with the 1972 Buffalo Braves, Gene Shue losing his job one year after taking the Philadelphia 76ers to the 1977 NBA Finals, Carl Bennett going from the Fort Wayne Fastpitch Softball League to coach of the Pistons, Paul Westphal feuding with DeMarcus Cousins, Jack Ramsay's final stop in Indiana, the revolving door of coaches for the St. Louis Hawks, Jerry Tarkanian's 20-game stint with the 1993 San Antonio Spurs, Lenny Wilkens taking over the 1978 Sonics from Bob Hopkins, Albert Soar finding success in three major league sports, and Bill Musselman's nightmare year in the ABA.We also dig into brief pro coaching stints for Kevin McHale, Andy Phillip, Earl Lloyd, Mike Brown, Chick Reise, John McLendon, Don Delaney, Bruce Hale, Ed Sadowski, Paul Westhead,

Jason and Rich explore dynasty survivors: the last player from each NBA dynasty to remain with their team even after the glory years.From Gail Goodrich and Don Chaney to Randy Brown and Robert Parish, we look at each major pre and post expansion dynasty and who hung on through the final days of the dynasty. We examine how long the player remained with the franchise, why he was the last left and of course some fun facts along the way. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We are joined by Curtis Harris of Pro Hoops History in discussing the life and career of Connie Hawkins, the New York City playground legend and ABA superstar who was unfairly blackballed by the NBA until his late 20s.We discuss Hawkins being one of the first above-the-rim offensive superstars, how his high-flying grace and acrobatics inspired Julius Erving and Michael Jordan, his incredibly huge hands and ball fakes, popularizing the finger roll, growing up in Brooklyn and his success on the playgrounds and at Boys High School, including a legendary battle against Roger Brown.We also talk about his recruitment to the University of Iowa, getting ensnared in a gambling scandal because of a tenuous association with gambler and former NBA star Jack Molinas, a false confession after weeks of interrogation by New York detectives, and being banned by the NBA despite never being charged with a crime. We also dig into Hawkins becoming MVP of the fledging rival league the ABL at age 19, playing with the Harlem Globetr

To kick off our new series NBA 20 Years Ago, we look at the 1997 NBA offseason, including the Shawn Kemp trade, the Kevin Garnett extension, Rick Pitino taking power in Boston, and Larry Bird coming home to Indiana, in the latest episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast.We discus the offseason melodrama surround the Chicago Bulls, a record number of coaching changes, the Washington Bullets becoming the Wizards, a series of unfortunate jersey changes, the 1997 NBA draft with Tim Duncan joining the Spurs, the eternal question of whether Kevin Van Horn or Tim Thomas had a better career, a pretty undramatic free agency period, Shaquille O'Neal's summer flop "Steel", how much Kemp could help in Cleveland, Antonio McDyess being traded to Phoenix, and Garnett reshaping the salary structure of the NBA.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast, Jason and Rich compare and contrast Oklahoma City's new big 3 (Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook and Paul George) to Boston's famed big 3 formed in 2007-08 when Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined forces with Paul Pierce on the Celtics.Topics on this show include where all six men were and are in their careers in terms of accomplishments and success, expectations now and when Boston's big 3 was formed, contract situations, long-term vs. short-term success, how Boston's big 3 gelled so quickly, the importance of role players and much more!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Adam Ryan of the In All Airness podcast joins us to discuss the 1989 NBA All-Star Game, Michael Jordan's "The Shot" against Cleveland, and the Chicago Bulls vs. the New York Knicks in the 1989 playoffs.We talk about Adam's exposure to the NBA living in Australia, watching VHS tapes of moments over and over again, how much the All-Star Game meant in an era in which fewer games were on national television, big performances in 1989 from Michael Jordan and Karl Malone, an amusing stat line from John Stockton, missing Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, and the final all-star appearances for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Moses Malone.We also discuss how the 1989 Cavaliers with Mark Price and Brad Daugherty were a rising young power in the East, the exciting moments leading to the famous finale of Game 5 of the Bulls vs. Cavs series, and how Jordan's jumper became known as "The Shot".We also look at Game 6 of the Bulls' series vs. a rising Knicks team with Patrick Ewing dubbed the "Bomb Squa

On this episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast, hosts Jason Mann and Rich Kraetsch explore the topic of franchise leading scorers and what each franchise's all-time leading scorer says about their history.Jason and Rich break down each team's leading scorer, if said player was the franchise's best player of all-time and where he ranks among other all-time scoring leaders. They also uncover each franchise's active points leader and project their chances to become the franchise leading scorer. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jason and Rich discuss NBA players who starred in other professional sports in the latest episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast.They discuss Wilt Chamberlain's post-NBA professional volleyball career with teams like the Seattle Smashers and the Southern California Bangers, The Big Dipper's dominating performance on national TV after a fellow star's criticism, 1993 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward's decision to pick the NBA over the NFL, Ward's success in baseball and tennis as well, Danny Ainge balancing baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays with basketball at BYU, the legal battle for Ainge to get into the NBA with the Boston Celtics, UCLA star (and good pal of Bill Walton) Bill Lee's prolific beach volleyball career in the 1970s, Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton's career in baseball's Negro Leagues and black pro basketball teams before becoming one of the first African-Americans to join the NBA, Gene Conley balancing a successful major league baseball career with b

On this episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast, Jason Mann and Rich Kraetsch explore some of their favorite "what-if" scenarios in NBA history including Jason Kidd going to the San Antonio Spurs in the summer of 2003, the Philadelphia 76ers traded Moses Malone to the Detroit Pistons in 1986, the Chicago Bulls trading Scottie Pippen to Seattle for Shawn Kemp, Detroit drafting Carmelo Anthony instead of Darko Milicic, Orlando holding onto Chris Webber's draft rights and more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast examines players that went out on a high note with productive final seasons in the league. Jason and Rich look at which players had the highest points-per-game, rebounds-per-game, Win Shares and PER in their final campaign including Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, John Stockton, Tim Duncan and more.Next is a deeper dive into some of the more interesting final seasons. Players discussed include Steve Stipanovich, Chet Walker, Jesse Branson, Willie Somerset, Paul Neumann, Alex Groza, Marlbert Pradd, Butch Feher and many more.Special thanks to Reinis Lacis (@LamarMatic) of The Handle Podcast for this episode's inspiration. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy