Nba History [unofficial] | Michael Jordan-era And More (in All Airness)

Send Adam a text message.We journey back to 1989 and discuss a key matchup between Central Division rivals, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons.Let's welcome a new friend to the show – Ryan Van Dusen – an archivist and curator of Detroit Pistons and NBA-history content at-large. Over 80,000 fans already subscribe to Ryan's YouTube channel.It’s the final week of the 1989 NBA regular season. This contest had significant implications on postseason play. For added context, we cover a few incidents that happened earlier in the season that had an impact on this game – including a late-January fight between the Cavs’ Brad Daugherty and the Pistons’ Bill Laimbeer. Plus, a second fight, when Detroit’s Isiah Thomas mixed it up with Chicago’s Bill Cartwright, less than two weeks before the game we’re covering today. This conversation was a lot of fun and there are numerous audio drops to enjoy, too. After the recap, we briefly discuss Ryan’s YouTube channel. He kindly created a dedicated playlist of th

Send Adam a text message.Brian Burnsed is a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated. We do a deep dive into the process behind his brilliant – yet sobering - profile of 12-year NBA veteran, Shawn Bradley.Existing fans of my show will likely know that I’ve been a big fan of Shawn Bradley since 1994. I briefly elaborate on my fandom during this chat, however, we largely cover how Brian’s profile came to be, his process throughout, its impact on him and of course, how Shawn’s terrible accident has forever changed the course of not only his life, but that of his family.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]

Send Adam a text message.Jeff Wells is a Tom Chambers superfan. This is a super-fun conversation about Jeff’s excellent YouTube channel – TC24 – devoted to showcasing Tom’s fantastic career and advocating his worthiness for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.You’ll soon realise Jeff’s importance in relation to Tom Chambers being named a first-time nominee and candidate for the Hoop Hall’s Class of 2022. Our conversation covers the origin story of Jeff’s NBA fandom and the unique details behind his fascination with Tom Chambers. We talk about his YouTube channel and do a deep dive into the process behind the tremendous features he produces. We reference Pete Croatto's FanSided feature, too.This episode is filled with information on Tom’s journey from high school to the NBA. You’ll also hear some snippets of audio from Jeff’s videos that demonstrate the care and precision he takes with each upload. It’s a really fun and informative conversation. You can subscribe to Jeff’s channel by searching ‘

Send Adam a text message.The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recently announced the list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2022, including high-profile first-time nominee, Tom Chambers.Behind the Game - this episode details one of the NBA’s all-time greatest slam dunks. Learn why Tom Chambers and Mark Jackson are forever linked in NBA history.New York Knicks @ Phoenix Suns [01-27-1989] | Game highlightsPeople mentioned include Jerry Colangelo, Eddie Johnson, Jeff Hornacek, Kevin Johnson, Mark West, Tyrone Corbin, Larry Nance, James Edwards, Jay Humphries, Dan Majerle, Tim Perry, Andrew Lang, Patrick Ewing and Gerald Wilkins.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]

Send Adam a text message.Hey, it's Adam here. A quick podcast update for you as we near the end of 2021.It's official. My recent conversation with the great Jerry Colangelo was episode number 200 overall. It was the 127th edition of 'In all Airness'. The remaining episodes are a combination of detailed season-recaps, short-form stories and a few podcast updates.My great mate Aaron Stehn has featured regularly throughout the history of the show. We released a 30-episode series called #NB85 (devoted to Michael Jordan's rookie season). Our #NB86 series (you guessed it, chronicling the 1986 NBA seaon) is comprised of 15 episodes and #NB87 is a 13-episode run detailing the 1987 season. We're currently five episodes into #NB88 and hope to resume the series early next year. Shout-out to another great friend, Todd Spehr, for his support over the years, too.I created this show in 2012 because I couldn't find a podcast that offered what I wanted to hear as a diehard fan of old-school

Send Adam a text message.Let's welcome ‘The Godfather of Arizona Sports’, Jerry Colangelo. Jerry’s contributions to professional sports are immeasurable. In this conversation, we focus primarily on his incredible basketball journey. Jerry discusses his high school, college and semi-pro career, before detailing how he became involved with the birth of Chicago’s NBA franchise in 1966. He recalls how the Bulls nickname came to be and what it was like to be a day-one employee.We cover his move to Arizona where he was named GM of another expansion franchise, the Phoenix Suns. Jerry talks about the famed coin flip to obtain the services of Lew Alcindor (later, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), and how the Suns worked their way to an NBA Finals appearance in 1976 versus the mighty Boston Celtics. Jerry describes how he built the mid-to-late 80s Suns into title contenders and the big trade that brought Sir Charles Barkley from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Valley of the Sun.We briefly cover Jerry’s vital role in rebuilding

Send Adam a text message.Joanne worked with Reebok for over 15 years. Her family has links to the Boston Celtics dating back nearly five decades. Joanne details what it was like to grow up within the confines of the Boston Garden and the unique relationships she has developed with the franchise and its players throughout her lifetime.Our conversation covers a wide range of Joanne’s amazing experiences working with Reebok. She joined the team in the mid-1980s and talks about the development of the brand and how Reebok managed to compete – and then thrive - in an intensely-competitive market for shoes and apparel. You’ll hear some tremendous stories about some of the NBA’s biggest names of the era – Larry Bird, Dominique Wilkins, Shawn Kemp, Dee Brown and Shaquille O’Neal, to name just a few.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as

Send Adam a text message.I’m excited to welcome Basketball Hall of Fame legend, Dave Cowens. The first NBA Most Valuable Player to appear on the podcast. In this fun, insightful and wide-ranging conversation, Dave discusses his days at Newport Catholic HS and run-ins with the assistant principal, who also doubled as his basketball coach. Dave details his recruitment to Florida State University – where he was a four-year standout with the Seminoles.Dave recounts an intriguing letter he wrote to Celtics legend – and then-Cincinnati Royals coach, Bob Cousy – ahead of the 1970 NBA Draft. Cowens was a busy man in the lead-up to his rookie debut with the Celtics. During the week, he played in Boston’s Neighborhood Basketball League (BNBL) and on weekends commuted to New York to play in the famed Rucker League. For good measure, Dave teamed with ‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich and stole the show at the Maurice Stokes Memorial Basketball Game.Of course, there’s plenty of NBA and Celtics discussion. We chat about the two title

Send Adam a text message.How good is your knowledge of NBA trivia? This episode is all about nicknames. 30 questions in total, courtesy of the mighty Basketball-Reference. Players from the 1950s thru 1990s. Only one question went unanswered. Test your knowledge and see how you match-up!Our first foray into NBA trivia. This is an edit of my Twitter Spaces recording from late August, 2021. We initially had four participants. In alphabetical order – Aiden, David, Joel and Richo. A fifth entrant, Matt, joined approximately halfway through. Competition was tough. Richo and David were particularly ruthless. However, everyone answered at least one question correctly.Due to the nature of Twitter Spaces, the audio quality is variable. If you want to hear more trivia episodes, or even take part in a future one, please reach out and let me know. I’d be more than happy to set-up my own higher-quality recordings.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts

Send Adam a text message.[2015 re-release] Adam and Aaron discuss Dominique Wilkins' return to Atlanta - his first game versus the Hawks as an opposition player. Nique dropped 36 points on his former team, as the L.A. Clippers defeated the Atlanta Hawks by three points. This game was just four weeks after the Hawks' blockbuster trade that sent Dominique to the Clippers, in exchange for two-time NBA All-Star, Danny Manning.We discuss all the key aspects of the game. We talk about the SportSouth broadcast and the commentary team's (Tim Brando and Mike Glenn) mention of an alleged rivalry between former teammates, Kevin Willis (1992 NBA All-Star) and The Human Highlight Film. We talk about each team's roster and our memories and opinions on this memorable match-up. Arguably, a forgotten gem of the 1994 NBA season.People mentioned include Ron Harper, Mark Jackson, Mookie Blaylock, Stacey Augmon, Bo Outlaw, Harold Ellis, Duane Ferrell, Jon Koncak, John Williams and Elmore Spencer.Support: Buy A

Send Adam a text message.I’m very pleased to welcome Caitlin Shea and Greg Hassall - co-producers of Australian Story’s two-part feature on Luc Longley - ‘One Giant Leap’. Personally, this podcast episode is extra special. Luc contacted me in June to ask if I’d be interested in doing research for the project. When Luc Longley calls, you don’t need to be asked twice. I offered some historical context and pointed Greg towards particular video footage of Luc’s career. A minor role, however, I'm extremely thankful to Luc, Caitlin and Greg for trusting my judgement.In this conversation, we discuss behind-the-scenes details on how One Giant Leap originated. The pair talk about their experiences meeting Luc and the interview process with Longley’s family and friends. You’ll learn how interviews with US-based guests such as Scottie Pippen, Coach Phil Jackson and Steve Kerr were conducted. Of course, we examine how Caitlin and Greg managed to secure the involvement of Michael Jeffrey Jordan. They chat about how i

Send Adam a text message.Approximately 20 basketball crazies here in Australia, flew to the USA for two weeks of NBA experiences we’ll never forget. It was an amazing time that I’ve occasionally mentioned throughout the course of this podcast’s existence.You’re about to hear me reflect on that trip, enhanced with additional research and select audio clips. I also share a few unexpected twists and turns that I guarantee even the most ardent fans of the show have never heard before.Once you’ve listened to this episode, I recommend venturing into the podcast archive. A great mate of mine, Aaron Stehn, joined me to recap the 1994 NBA season. That conversation is a perfect complement to what you’re about to hear.I’ll preface this episode by saying that Michael Jordan’s October 1993 retirement from the Chicago Bulls was just weeks after the deposit for my USA trip had been paid.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow:

Send Adam a text message.Hey, it’s Adam here. A quick podcast update for you as we near the end of the first week of July, 2021. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening behind the scenes.I have recorded - but not yet released - part one of my conversation with Wali Jones. He starred in college at Villanova, before entering the NBA and earning an All-Rookie selection in 1965 and winning an NBA championship in 1967 as a key member of one of the most-dominant teams in history - the Philadelphia 76ers. Wali discusses his memories of being teammates with the iconic Wilt Chamberlain and much more.Numerous topic-based episodes are also in the works. Fans of Tom Chambers would be wise to keep an eye on the podcast feed over the coming months. Plus, upcoming episodes will feature authors discussing a range of great basketball books.I've updated my website. It now offers the ability for fans of the show to support the podcast monetarily. Completely optional, of course. You can make PayPal donations, sponsor episodes

Send Adam a text message.I’m very pleased to welcome Terry Davis (10-year NBA veteran). All going to plan, Terry will join the show at a future date for a deep dive on his life in basketball.Here, Terry reflects on his NBA return and pivotal role in the debut of Washington’s MCI Center, early in the 1998 NBA season. Shout-out to great friend of the show, Jim McIlvaine, whose VHS tape of the game – his Sonics played against Terry’s Wizards – is the source audio you’ll hear during the episode.Normally, I’d preface a conversation with facts and figures about my guest. However, in this format, it’s best to listen and learn as the episode unfolds.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]

Send Adam a text message.Last week marked the 45th anniversary of Game 5 (3OT) of the 1976 NBA Finals. Phoenix Suns at Boston Celtics. It's often called The Greatest Game Ever Played.Let's welcome back legendary Basketball Hall of Famer, Bob Ryan. Plus, my good pal from Phoenix (who lives in Los Angeles) - Suns Super Fan - Adam Beechen. We discuss the iconic game, the series in general and numerous other topics from NBA history.Though it was the early hours of June 5th here in Australia, for Bob and Adam, our conversation was held on the afternoon of June 4th in the USA – 45 years to the day since the game was played. Bob covered the 1976 Finals for The Boston Globe. He shares wonderful anecdotes from his vantage point at the famed Boston Garden. Adam was seven years of age and shares his recollections of the '76 Finals and the impact they would have on his life. Me? Well, I was only 11 months, 21 days old. The first I learnt about the series was when I watched the excellent NBAE VHS, Awesome E

Send Adam a text message.This week marks the 30th anniversary of the NBA's 1991 Eastern Conference Finals. Chicago versus back-to-back NBA Champion, Detroit.Chicago and Detroit had met in each of the previous three postseasons. In 1988 it was the ECSF (Pistons 4-1). In 1989, Chicago went one better, meeting Detroit in the ECF (Pistons prevailed 4-2). In 1990, Chicago took Detroit to the brink of extinction in the ECF, before Detroit’s experience saw the Pistons advance to - and win - the NBA Finals for the second time in a row.The Eastern Conference Finals, whilst often physical, were largely a non-event. Chicago cruised to a 3-0 lead with the opportunity to close out the series in Detroit and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. The bruising nature of the series was punctuated in the second quarter of Game 4, as Scottie Pippen drove to the hoop, only to be confronted by two of the men responsible for Detroit’s iconic Bad Boys moniker. Down 23 points, with less than five min

Send Adam a text message.My friend, Joseph Corr - host of NBL Pocket Podcast - invited me on his show. We recorded this evergreen conversation in August of 2019. The episode was released on his podcast feed in early 2020.This is my edit of the hour-long episode that Joe released. Fans of my show may be interested to hear me mention a few guest episodes that have not yet come to fruition. We also discuss plenty of 1990s NBA topics.Joe's podcast is primarily focused on Australia's National Basketball League (NBL). Our league gained global recognition recently due to its Next Stars program, thanks largely to LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton.Check out Joe’s podcast if you haven't already. Search for ‘NBL Pocket Podcast’ on your podcast player of choice. I'm a fan of his interviewing style - he is matter of fact, curious and asks great questions of his guests.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Ins

Send Adam a text message.Eight-time Emmy Award winner, Mandy Cohen, witnessed NBA history as a vital member of WGN-TV Chicago in a decade where the Bulls won six NBA titles in eight years.This is a fun and insightful conversation about Mandy’s life in sports. Her unique first conversation with Michael Jordan, to the continued impact and influence of Phil Jackson on her life.We discuss the 10-part docuseries The Last Dance, Mandy’s link to the series and a magical moment she witnessed involving Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen that didn’t make the cut.Plus, we delve into what it was like to cover the Chicago Bulls on a day-to-day basis at the height of their collective fame.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPalListen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | OvercastFollow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | FacebookSubscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter[as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]

Send Adam a text message.Let's welcome iconic Boston Globe columnist and Basketball Hall of Famer, Bob Ryan. His excellent book, Scribe: My Life in Sports (2014), will be the framework of our multi-part conversation.In this first instalment, we cover Bob’s early life in New Jersey - his parents’ influence on his love of sports, the first column he released as an 11-year old, his transition to grade school and on to Boston College where he’d first meet recently-retired NBA star, Bob Cousy - and a few years hence - the legendary Red Auerbach. Bob chats about calling the Eagles’ basketball games on student-run radio, graduating from BC and transitioning to The Boston Globe.You’ll hear the funny story behind Bob’s assignment to cover the Celtics and his unique experiences working the 1970 NBA Finals, amidst a who’s who of superstars at Madison Square Garden in New York. All that and plenty more – to top it all off, Bob’s recall is stunning.Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayP

Send Adam a text message.Danny Manning has a storied career in basketball. We cover lots of topics, including his formative years of watching and learning the game, his family’s move to Kansas where he starred for the Jayhawks in college and ultimately was selected first-overall pick of the 1988 NBA Draft.Danny describes his terrifying transition of moving from Kansas to Los Angeles to begin his new life as the L.A. Clippers' number-one draft pick.We discuss his tenure with the Clippers, his back-to-back All-Star selections (1993 and 1994) and trade from Los Angeles to the Atlanta Hawks, where he had the unenviable task of replacing the iconic Dominique Wilkins.In September of 1994, Manning signed with the Phoenix Suns. He played in Arizona for five seasons. Danny reflects on the importance of the support he was given from the Suns franchise and President Jerry Colangelo. Danny was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 1998.The conversation even ventures briefly into dessert food and body art. Plus, I quiz