Ten years ago, who would have imagined that current and former players would become the top analysts and commentators in the NBA? It was a groundbreaking concept. Former players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson’s podcast “All The Smoke” and Gilbert Arenas were among the first to pave the way for player-run podcasts. Since then, more players have joined in, including Draymond Green, CJ McCollum, Patrick Beverley, JJ Redick, Carmelo Anthony, Darius Miles, Quentin Richardson, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce.
With new podcasts emerging every season, there are several current and former players who we believe should start their own shows. These players were selected based on their ability to entertain, provide valuable insights, and their larger-than-life personalities. Their podcasts would be a must-listen for any basketball enthusiast.
Oakley’s memoir, “The Last Enforcer,” published in 2022, reaffirmed his status as a tough guy and a hero for passionate fans. Throughout his career with the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks in the 1980s and ’90s, Oakley was highly respected and known for his defensive prowess. In his book, Oakley doesn’t hold back, taking aim at Patrick Ewing, Dennis Rodman, and especially Charles Barkley. Oakley, the NBA’s toughest enforcer, deserves a platform to critique the softness of today’s NBA. Who better to lead the charge in critiquing the modern game than Oak?
Speaking of the Knicks, after years of struggle, New York is finally climbing its way back to the top of the NBA. As a former Knick during the 2000s, Nate Robinson witnessed the chaos and turmoil that plagued the franchise during its darkest moments. One particular season that stands out is 2005-2006 when Larry Brown was hired and subsequently fired as head coach. Brown and Robinson clashed during Brown’s short tenure, with Robinson later revealing the derogatory comments Brown made towards him on a daily basis. Robinson even confronted Brown, in tears, asking him to stop demeaning him. However, Brown continued to belittle Robinson in front of the entire team. To truly appreciate the present, it’s important to understand the struggles of the past. Robinson would be the perfect player to shed light on the poverty-stricken era of Knicks basketball.
After a few trial and error attempts, Arenas has finally found a platform that suits him. In his show, Gil’s Arena, he brings together other straight-shooters like Kenyon Martin and Brandon Jennings in a laid-back environment where they compete to deliver the hottest takes. Arenas has had a long-standing feud with his former Wizards teammate Kwame Brown. For years, the two have publicly criticized each other’s playing skills and character through video monologues. It’s time for Brown to have his own platform, an upgrade from his previous “live from his truck” uploads. Imagine a podcast featuring Brown and other No. 1 pick busts like Anthony Bennett, Michael Olowokandi, and Greg Oden, where they can roast each other and provide unique perspectives.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the former dynamic duo from Dallas reunite on a podcast? Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash could relive the glory days of the Mavericks, reminiscing about their dominance on the court and their adventures in the Dallas nightlife. Despite their success, Nowitzki and Nash never had the opportunity to fully maximize their time together on the court, as ownership decisions prevented them from reaching their full potential. Nowitzki eventually won an NBA championship in 2011, and Nash went on to win two MVP awards with the Phoenix Suns. However, the biggest “what if” in Mavericks’ history remains what could have been if Nowitzki and Nash had stayed together long-term.
Jimmy Butler is a multi-talented individual involved in various ventures such as coffee, commercials, and even a country album. So, why not add a podcast to his repertoire? Butler is one of the NBA’s most captivating and unique personalities, as evident in his distinctive appearance and style. His fierce and determined demeanor would make him an excellent media host, providing a contrasting perspective to the calm and collected personas of players like Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Butler’s unfiltered opinions on the state of the NBA and his fellow competitors would be highly anticipated. Most importantly, Butler could provide insights into the elusive “Heat Culture,” a concept often mentioned but rarely explained. As the best example of “Heat Culture,” Butler is the perfect candidate to delve into its intricacies.
Imagine a podcast featuring two of the greatest players in the game’s history and eternal rivals. This would be the first time they team up since the 1992 Olympics, where they played a pivotal role in rejuvenating the NBA and reigniting its most iconic rivalry. Their podcast would offer a unique perspective on the game’s history, their respective NBA journeys, and the evolution of basketball. They could provide a counterpoint to the modern game, discussing the disappearance of defense and the shift in offensive strategies. With decades of competition between them, they would have countless stories to share, dating back to their college days at Michigan State and Indiana, and their time together on the 1992 Dream Team. Having both retired from executive roles in the Lakers and Pacers organizations, respectively, they can now share their wealth of knowledge with fans.
Dennis Rodman is undoubtedly the most unconventional player in NBA history. He was not only known for his skills on the court but also for his unique fashion choices, his interactions with global leaders, and his high-profile relationships. Rodman’s memoirs provide fascinating insights into his time with the Bad Boy Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan era. Additionally, Rodman’s journey from a humble background in the Dallas Oak Cliff neighborhood to NBA stardom is an inspiring rags-to-riches story. He could offer valuable advice on navigating the challenges of the NBA and the importance of staying true to oneself. Moreover, Rodman’s fashion sense would undoubtedly add an extra element of excitement to each episode, with potential guest appearances from Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Carmen Electra.
There hasn’t been an NBA podcast from a European perspective yet. The international game has caught up with the NBA in terms of talent and dominance, as evidenced by the numerous international players who have become MVP candidates in recent years. Marc and Pau Gasol, both NBA champions, have played alongside some of the greatest players in history, such as Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, and Kawhi Leonard. The Gasol brothers have also represented the Spanish national team since 2006. They would provide valuable insights into the evolution of European basketball, player development, and what it takes to win a championship. Additionally, they could discuss their transition from being the primary option on a team to becoming role players on championship-caliber squads.
Few people, especially younger fans, are aware that Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter are cousins. They began their careers together with the Toronto Raptors before taking different paths in the NBA. McGrady spent three seasons coming off the bench before blossoming into one of the league’s greatest scorers with the Orlando Magic. A co-hosted podcast featuring McGrady and Carter would be a perfect reunion for these two exceptional players. Fans would be eager to hear them discuss their time in Toronto and reminisce about the era of wing play in the 2000s, which they dominated.
Let’s not forget J.R. Smith’s infamous tweet from 2013, where he asked a fan if she was “trying to get the pipe.” Smith could model his podcast after Jeff Teague’s Club 520 show. It wouldn’t be the guest stars or the brilliant basketball analysis that would make it popular, but rather Smith’s hilarious stories from his 12-year NBA career. He could reminisce about the trash-talking, locker room fights, and controversies he was involved in. Who better than the clown prince of hijinks to roast former and current players? Smith’s legacy includes winning an NBA championship in 2016, but it’s his spontaneous temperament and unpredictability that would make his podcast a must-watch.