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

Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- NBA regular season - October 26 through November 9, 1984- Chicago and Milwaukee's home-and-home series (Oct 27 & 29)- Insightful early-season minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball historyIn this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the first 15 days of the 1984-85 NBA season. We talk about the debut of future Hall of Fame players - Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon & John Stockton, then detail the Bulls' (late October) home-and-home series with the Bucks.We chat about Stockton's unwitting role in a Seattle radio station contest; his last-ditch shot had one-million dollars riding on it. In more random news of the era, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's BMW succumbs to foul play (no pun intended). We also talk about the NBA's best-performing players, milestones reached, the infamous Julius Erving & Larry Bird fight and m

Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- Sam Smith's book: There is No Next: NBA Legends on the Legacy of Michael JordanIn another special episode, we are joined by Bulls.com columnist, New York Times best-selling author (The Jordan Rules) and former podcast guest, Sam Smith. We deep dive into a great discussion of Michael Jordan's rookie NBA season (1984-85) and the Chicago Bulls franchise itself. We ask Sam all about his new book, which is part oral history / part narrative. Sam discussed MJ with an incredible cast of luminaries, including Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Phil Jackson, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins, President Obama and many more.Thanks to (the appropriately named) 'Johnny Kilroy' for submitting a listener question. You'll hear Sam's answer within this episode.This episode is (mostly) devoted to the 1984-85 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free

Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- Michael Jordan's NBA regular-season debut with the Chicago Bulls (October 26, 1984)In this special episode, we detail Michael Jordan's regular-season debut in the NBA. Until very recently, specifics of MJ's first professional game have been scarce. Wait no more, as we break down the entire contest - from pre-game, to quarter-by-quarter discussion and post-game statistics.You may be surprised to learn that His Airness only just avoided serious injury in the game's first half, after landing awkwardly following his first slam dunk attempt. He lay motionless on the court, for almost 30 seconds.This episode commences our coverage of the 1984-85 NBA season. We encourage your interaction. Feel free to suggest specific games, moments and events from within the season, for us to cover in future episodes of the series. Thanks for taking the time to lis

Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- Chicago Bulls' negotiations to sign Jordan- Details of Nike's efforts to secure Jordan's signature- Chicago Bulls' 1984-85 training camp and preseason gamesIn this episode, we discuss the lead-up to the Bulls' signing of Michael Jordan (September, 1984); including newly-discovered details that his first-pro contract may not have been what we thought it was. Thanks to Roland's Lazenby's, Michael Jordan: The Life and Julie Strasser's, Swoosh: Unauthorized Story of Nike, we cover Nike's play to obtain MJ's signature and discuss whether or not Adidas & Converse had a real chance to lure him away. We're also pleased to detail all seven games from Michael Jordan's first preseason with the Chicago Bulls (October, 1984).After listening to this, our fifth episode, you'll be anticipating our next install

Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- Team USA's gold-medal run in the 1984 Olympic GamesThe Olympians swept their way to gold, putting the sword to every team they played at the 1984 Olympic Games, in Los Angeles. In this episode, we recap each game along the way - settle in and prepare to learn the background behind each of USA's eight-game tear, versus the world.The most prominent players mentioned in this episode, include: Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullin, Wayman Tisdale, Steve Alford, Leon Wood & Sam Perkins.Topics / articles discussed (every effort has been made to confirm exact dates):84-07-23 - US team a cinch for gold?84-07-28 - China's basketball team plays police84-07-28 - Will U.S. hoop team win easily?84-07-30 - Robertson, Jordan on target as US cagers clobber Chinese84-07-30 - U.S. rips China84-08-01 - Knight's intimidation leads U.S. hoopsters past C

Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan‘s (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- Team USA’s 1984 pre-Olympic Exhibition Games versus NBA StarsThe Olympians played a total of nine exhibition games in just under five weeks, as a build-up to the 1984 Olympic Games, in Los Angeles. You’ll learn facts, figures and tidbits from each of the exhibition games – much of which, we’re confident you’ve never heard before.The most prominent players mentioned in this episode, include: Michael Jordan, Chris Mullin, Patrick Ewing, Isiah Thomas, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Sam Bowie & Terry Cummings.Many thanks to great friend of the show, Todd Spehr. He kindly provided box scores for each of the exhibition games.Topics / articles discussed (every effort has been made to confirm exact dates):84-06-23 - Olympic cagers prove team skills with victory over former Hoosiers84-06-23 - Jordan won’t overdose on basketball84-06-28 - Olympic Cage Squad Finalized84-07-02 -

Utah Jazz great, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and NBA All-Star, Mark Eaton.Few players have ever experienced a rise from near-obscurity to NBA All-Star, like Mark Eaton. We discuss Mark's incredible transition from auto-mechanic to NBA-draftee and ultimately, Defensive Player of the Year (twice) and All-Star honors.We chat about Mark's two seasons at Cypress Junior College, that led to him accepting a scholarship at UCLA. During his time with the Bruins, Mark had a brief, yet crucial encounter with all-time great, Wilt Chamberlain. The future-impact of that meeting forever changed Mark's focus on the game of basketball.We cover Mark's early years in the NBA and how he adapted to playing at the highest level. He details his strong relationship with coaching great Frank Layden - the man who coined the phrase, "You can't teach height" - Layden coached Mark in his first six-plus seasons with Utah.Mark talks about his defensive-prowess that led to him being named a two-t

Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers:- Team USA 1984 Olympic Training Camp- 1984 NBA Draft- NBA TV's Original Documentary: 'THE84DRAFT'- Roland Lazenby's book - Michael Jordan: The LifeThe most prominent players mentioned in this episode, include: Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Sam Bowie, Chuck Person, Charles Barkley, Terry Cummings and Julius Erving.Topics / articles discussed (every effort has been made to confirm exact dates):84-05-23 - Rockets win coin flip with Blazers84-05-23 - Rockets win flip again, will draft Olajuwon84-06-05 - Pros consider draft picks84-06-14 - Jordan's draft is June 1984-06-15 - Person hoping to make team84-06-16 - NBA files suit, seeks to replace Clippers84-06-17 - Rockets expect to make Olajuwon first pick84-06-17 - U.S. Olympic basketball tryouts a sports fan's delight84-06-17 - Preps to attend summer camps84-06-19 - Predicting first-ro

Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (1984) arrival in the National Basketball Association. Our special, debut episode covers:- Michael Jordan's final season (1984) with the North Carolina Tar Heels- Team USA 1984 Olympic Trials (including a chat with Roosevelt Chapman)- Lead-up to the 1984 NBA DraftA wide-array of players are mentioned in this episode. The most-prominent, include: Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, Sam Bowie, Terry Porter, Danny Manning, John Stockton, Chris Mullin, Wayman Tisdale and Sam Perkins.Topics / articles discussed (every effort has been made to confirm exact dates):84-03-14 - AP All-America84-03-22 - Jordan's final game for North Carolina84-03-28 - Jordan player of year84-03-31 - Michael Jordan: Final Four - in 198584-04-04 - Olympic Trials84-04-14 - Bowie, Turpin won't attend Olympic trials84-04-18 - Olympic cagers begin practice84-04-21 - U.S. Olympic basketball tryouts a sports fan's delight84-

Dayton Flyers' all-time leading scorer and NCAA star, Roosevelt Chapman. Adam & Aaron welcome Roosevelt to the podcast, with an in-depth discussion of his very successful, well-traveled, yet largely-unheralded basketball career. If ever a guest warranted featuring on the show, Roosevelt 'Velvet' Chapman is that guy. In 1984, within the span of just three months, he starred in the NCAA Tournament, was invited to the Team USA Olympic Trials and was selected in the NBA Draft.Roosevelt talks about his early years in Brooklyn and how his game developed on the playgrounds of New York City. He discusses some of the future NBA stars he grew up with, including Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson and Rod Strickland, to name a few. The development of Chapman's game earned him the opportunity to attend the University of Dayton. We chat about his incredible senior season at college, where he led the Flyers to the Elite Eight in the 1984 NCAA Tournament - overcoming Wayman Tisdale and Detlef Schrempf in the

Michael Jordan's lifelong friend and confidant, David Bridgers. A unique episode. Ross Franco is a North Carolinian friend of mine. We connected, through my podcast - one of the many great outcomes I've experienced, since creating the show. Ross is a great friend of David Bridgers. Ross and I have previously discussed the possibility of inviting David on the podcast, as a guest. When the opportunity presented itself, we were both very pleased. The three of us had a great chat.Prior to speaking with Ross and David, I wasn't sure if our conversation would necessarily make for an interesting podcast episode. However, five minutes into proceedings, that all changed. This is simply three guys, talking all-things Michael Jordan, from a perspective you'd be very hard-pressed to top. You'll learn the origins of Bridgers' relationship with Jordan. The two first met, at just seven years of age! We cover David's enduring friendship with Michael and his experiences with the Jordan famil

One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, Rick Barry. Rick discusses his first sporting love of baseball - he talks fondly of his hero - the reason behind his choice to wear the iconic jersey number 24. Incredibly, as a high-school senior, Rick almost gave up on his future Hall of Fame career, due in large-part to his then-coach.We chat about the origins of his unique, underhanded free-throw shooting technique and its impact on his overall game. Rick talks about his passion for basketball and his immense desire to win. We talk about his outstanding college career at the University of Miami and how it prepared him to make an instant impact at the next level. We discuss the 1965 NBA Draft, where Rick was one of 10 future All-Stars selected.We cover Rick's NBA Rookie of the Year triumph, playing against Wilt Chamberlain in the 1967 NBA Finals and Barry's decision to join the fledgling ABA (he won the 1969 ABA Championship) for its inaugural season. Rick talks candidly about being forced to sit out

High School All-American, NCAA great and NBA All-Star, Jeff Ruland. Jeff discusses his early sporting life and the major growth-spurt that coincided with his decision to focus on basketball. He was named High School All-American in the same class as Magic Johnson and was heavily recruited across the country. We chat about his decision to remain in New York and commit to Iona College, led by future luminary, Jim Valvano.Jeff opens up about the 1980 NBA Draft and why he opted to head overseas and play in Spain, before commencing his rookie season in 1982. We talk about Jeff's excellent first three full seasons, that resulted in NBA All-Star selections in 1984 and 1985. Jeff recalls Michael Jordan's debut game in the NBA and the rude awakening that MJ would receive on his first dunk attempt in Chicago Stadium.We chat about the impact of the Showtime Lakers and Boston's Big Three, plus, the onset of injury issues that began to halt Jeff's career. We also talk about one of the most memorable tr

Adam and Todd discuss Michael Jordan's record-breaking Playoff game - April 20th, 1986 - MJ scored 63 points in the Chicago Bulls' double-overtime loss to the Boston Celtics.We discuss all the key aspects of the game. We talk about the CBS broadcast and its commentary team of Dick Stockton, Tom Heinsohn and Pat O'Brien. We chat about the contrasting nature of Boston and Chicago's respective seasons, leading into their first-round Playoffs meeting. We talk about each team's roster and our memories and opinions on this incredible match-up - arguably one of the top 10 NBA games ever played.As per usual, the conversation is scattered with humor and plenty of insight. Todd also updates us on the status of his forthcoming book on the late, great, Drazen Petrovic. A must-listen, for die-hard NBA fans, regardless of the team you support.Show notes | I appreciate all feedback, FB Page 'Likes' and iTunes ratings / reviews.Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Google+Subscribe: iTunes | Stitche

NCAA All-American, All-Star and five-time NBA Champion, Bill Cartwright. Bill discusses his early years, growing up in California and playing baseball - his first sporting love. He became a highly-recruited basketballer, but chose to remain in his home state, developing into a standout at the University of San Francisco. We also chat about Bill's first memories of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. In his senior season, Cartwright was named 1st Team All-American.Bill talks about the 1979 NBA Draft and his (very) underrated rookie season - where he was named an All-Star and All-Rookie 1st Team selection. He recalls some of the all-time greats he played with and against, including Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe, Darryl Dawkins, Julius Erving, Dave Cowens and many others. We learn about Bill's career in New York, the legendary coaches he played for and the interesting details behind his trade to the Chicago Bulls.We chat about The Jordan Rules and its impact on the Bulls' unity. We break down Bill&a

Illinois Fighting Illini great and NBA star, Kendall Gill. He talks about growing up in the city of Chicago - where he played baseball and took up boxing - before his family moved to the suburbs and he started playing basketball. Kendall starred at Rich Central High School and played four seasons at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was named 3rd Team All-American, his senior season.We chat about Kendall's memories of the 1990 NBA Draft, where the Charlotte Hornets selected him with the fifth overall pick - he was named All-Rookie 1st Team, in 1991. We discuss his three seasons in Charlotte and his involvement in the 1991 All-Star Weekend.Kendall talks about his trade from Charlotte to Seattle, where he played two seasons on one of the most exciting and up-tempo franchises of the 1990s. He discusses his trade back to Charlotte - where he played a further 36 games - before learning the shock news that he was traded to New Jersey. Kendall played six seasons with the Nets. We cover his fina

NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Illinois great, TV analyst and author, Eddie Johnson. The timing of this episode is perfect. Eddie was recently honored, in a half-time ceremony, at Illinois, commemorating the 35th anniversary of his game-winning jumper, against Magic Johnson and the Michigan State Spartans.We learn about Eddie's early sporting career and how he first became involved with basketball. He chats fondly of his playing days at Westinghouse High School, where he first appeared on the national radar. We discuss his great college career, where he was a four-year star at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Eddie talks about his return to Illinois, just last week, as mentioned above. We also touch on his collegiate link to future NBA star, Derek Harper.We cover Eddie's memories of 1981 NBA Draft day and the motivating factors that ensured his place within NBA history. Eddie chats candidly about his professional career, where he was a scoring machine with the Kansas City Kings (who becam

Marquette star and seven-year NBA veteran, Jim McIlvaine. In part two of this special double-episode, I welcome back Marquette great and NBA veteran, Jim McIlvaine. If you missed part one, we discussed Jim’s college career in-depth, where he was a stand-out at Marquette. He talked about his selection in the 1994 NBA Draft and first three NBA seasons – including, a completely open and honest assessment of his free agent move from the Washington Bullets to the Seattle SuperSonics, in 1996.This episode features part two of our chat - we continue discussing Jim’s playing days with Seattle, his relationship with George Karl and the coaching staff, plus, more great stories from on and off the court. Jim talks about his career-ending injury whilst a member of the New Jersey Nets.We also talk about some of the radio and TV commentators he admires, and chat about his current role as a broadcaster at the university where he starred; Marquette. Towards the end of our mega-chat, Jim shares a wonderful, funny story about

Marquette star and NBA veteran, Jim McIlvaine. In a first for the podcast, this conversation will be released in two installments. Our chat was almost two hours, in length – I’m pretty sure that Jim’s wife had the authorities on speed dial, ready to report him missing – however, all’s well that ends well – Jim returned to normality at its conclusion and I couldn’t be happier with the finished episode.In part one, we discuss Jim’s early years playing basketball and learn a great deal about his college career, where he was a stand-out at Marquette. This includes a funny story about Marquette’s early 1990s exhibition series that touched down here in Australia, then onto New Zealand and Fiji – complete with a near international incident. Also, if you’re a fan of the great documentary, Hoop Dreams, you won’t want to miss this chat.We talk about the 1994 NBA Draft and Jim’s two seasons in Washington, playing for the Bullets. He openly-discusses his free-agent move to Seattle – a contract widely debated at the time

Adam and Aaron discuss the 1988 NBA All-Star Game - one of the greatest ever. Michael Jordan scored 40 points, en route to Most Valuable Player honors. We devote an entire episode to our favorite All-Star Game, ever.We cover a multitude of topics, including how and when we first watched this game - plus, its ongoing effect on our NBA-fandom. We talk about the CBS television coverage, pre-game player introductions and national anthem; Adam freely admits to choking up, before the game even commenced. We chat about the vast array of (future) Hall of Fame players, who competed in this game.We break down Pat O'Brien's, 'At the Half' (TV segment), featuring a great story about then-coach of the Utah Jazz - and, regular funny-man - Frank Layden. There's even brief discussion of the Legends Game, Three-Point Shootout and Slam-Dunk Competition. Controversy reigns supreme, when we answer a listener-submitted question. All this aside, we dissect the game's key moments, great plays and all t