NBA History Conversations: Basketball Record

Send Adam a text message. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Reece Pedretti - one of the truest friends I've ever known. On February 22, 2025, Reece passed away peacefully at the age of 45, following a courageous, nearly two-year battle with a rare form of cancer. Throughout his illness, he faced major surgeries and numerous treatments with unwavering strength. We first met at work in 2000 and became fast friends, bonding over our shared sense of humour and a deep love for basketball - especially the NBA of the 1990s. Reece had a particular admiration for Shawn Kemp and Jalen Rose; so much so that replica jerseys of both players were displayed at the celebration of his life. Reece had many admirable qualities, but perhaps his greatest gift was his ability to make people feel at ease, regardless of the situation. He cherished his family deeply and had a love for music. A talented guitarist and singer, Reece regularly performed live, both solo and with various bands. My thoughts are with his cherished wife Sian; his sons Huw and Paddy; his stepsons Jasper and Jude; his parents Sherry and Des; and his brother Dallas. Their loss is immeasurable. In August 2013, Reece joined my podcast for a conversation that you're about to hear. I'm grateful to have this recording to remember him by. Knowing Reece for 25 years has made me a better person. I love you, mate, and I always will. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. Today’s guest is Mike Riordan. We dive into his incredible journey - from starring in college at Providence to playing a key role on the legendary 1970 New York Knicks championship team - delivering the franchise’s first title. Mike shared the floor with icons like Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Bill Bradley, and a young Phil Jackson. We talk about how he carved out his role on such a stacked roster, the lessons he carried into his years with the Washington Bullets, and how the era he lived through - including the Vietnam years - shaped his outlook on life. Off the court, Mike built a successful business career, and his reflections are insightful. A special shout-out to my friend and former guest, Rich Rinaldi, for making this connection. Now, let’s drop the needle. My conversation with Mike Riordan. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. Pete Babcock is a man deeply woven into the fabric of NBA history. Pete shares the innovative path he took to break into the league, starting as a volunteer scout and rising through the ranks as a regional scout, assistant coach, director of player personnel, VP of basketball operations, general manager, team president, and even minority owner. We explore Pete’s passion for Black history and humanitarian work, and reflect on a remarkable 42-year career that culminated in an NBA championship ring in 2016. This conversation serves as the perfect introduction to Pete’s forthcoming biography, Courts of Justice: A Life in Basketball and Activism. You can preorder the book now at PeteBabcock.com. In our chat, Pete offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art of scouting and drafting, and the complexities of navigating trades - including the high-profile deal that sent franchise favorite Dominique Wilkins from the Atlanta Hawks to the L.A. Clippers. We cover Pete’s tenure with several NBA franchises - including the New Orleans Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks, San Diego Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and Cleveland Cavaliers - discussing his roles and impact at each stop. Along the way, we talk about a wide range of players he worked with or observed closely, including Paul Westphal, Alvan Adams, Tom Chambers, Terry Cummings, Fat Lever, Christian Laettner, Dikembe Mutombo, Steve Smith, Isaiah Rider, and many more. Pete will return in a future episode to take us deeper into the making of his book. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. The 1995 season opener will likely never be forgotten. A pregame fireworks display triggered a fire-prevention mechanism that dumped 12,000 gallons of water inside the Alamodome. Would Golden State make a big splash in San Antonio? Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. Welcome writer Jack Danilewicz to the show. We discuss his 2019 book The Greatest Upset Never Seen: Virginia, Chaminade, and the Game That Changed College Basketball. Future Hall of Famer 7’4” Ralph Sampson and his Virginia Cavaliers – the #1-ranked team in the nation – flew to Hawaii for a game that neither school would ever forget. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. Welcome writer Jake Uitti to the show. He co-authored a newly-released book with NBA and European star, Michael Ray Richardson. Jake also released books with Muggsy Bogues and Earl Cureton. Next year, he has two more NBA memoirs set for release, which we also discuss in this conversation. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. Part two of our 1994 NBA Finals rundown. We continue discussing the battle between the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets. In part one, we covered through Game 4 of the series. Now, it’s essentially a best two-of-three scenario. As with part one, this episode contains added audio snippets for greater context. Thanks again, Jarrod Prosser, for a great conversation. Basketball Reference is Adam's primary source for research. He is a brand ambassador. Enter promo code 𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 for 20% off a yearly Stathead subscription. Pay monthly (plans from $9) and get your first month free! Cancel anytime. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. Part one of our discussion of the 1994 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. We dissect the history between Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon, comment on the 1994 regular season and much more. The episode features audio snippets to add even greater context. Thanks to a new friend of the show, Jarrod Prosser, for a great conversation. Basketball Reference is Adam's primary source for research. He is a brand ambassador. Enter promo code 𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 for 20% off a yearly Stathead subscription. Pay monthly (plans from $9) and get your first month free! Cancel anytime. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. Part two of my extended conversation with Rich Rinaldi. We now focus on Rico's - he shares the origins of his nickname - professional career. Rich offers fascinating insights into the ups and downs of his NBA and ABA tenure. Aged just 26 and his hoops life at a crossroads, Rinaldi traded the hardwood for a chalkboard. He worked as a physical education teacher before an offer to play basketball overseas rejuvenated his life. Rico's talents flourished in Europe. After an initial stumbling block, he starred in Switzerland for five years. At age 50, Rinaldi began working with the National Basketball Players Association. A position he relished and was arguably tailor-made for. Rich details the highlights of his almost 20 years at the NBPA. If you can't identify with the highs and lows of Rich's life story, I'm not sure what to tell you. This conversation is why I love producing my podcast. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. On November 2nd, 2023, six-time NBA All-Star Walter Davis died of natural causes while visiting family in Charlotte. Today, I welcome back Adam Beechen - a great friend of the show. We discuss Walter’s life on-and-off the basketball court. Amidst his innumerable accomplishments, Davis was certainly no stranger to adversity. Despite battling substance abuse for the majority of his Phoenix Suns tenure, Walter averaged 20-or-more points per season in six of his 11 campaigns in the Valley of the Sun. A quick sidebar. Per Basketball Reference.com, on July 6, 1988, Walter Davis was the second player in NBA history to sign as an unrestricted free agent. He joined the Denver Nuggets one day after another would-be Suns legend, Tom Chambers, signed w/ Phoenix. In the lead-up to recording this conversation, I put out a call for listener contributions. Tim Gallagher kindly answered the bell. Tim has collected sports autographs for more than 50 years and is a Consignment Director for Robert Edward Auctions. You’ll hear Tim’s reflections on Walter Davis as an interlude within the episode. Tim will also feature as a future guest on my podcast. He has a wealth of incredible stories to tell. RIP, Walter Davis. The Man with the Velvet Touch. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. A sliding doors moment from the 1993 NBA Playoffs would have significantly impacted the course of NBA history. Though I’m not normally a fan of what-if scenarios, let’s entertain one. Specifically, an examination of Game 5 of the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals (Knicks v Bulls). Behind the Game - this episode details the would-be ramifications on NBA history had the Knicks held on to win the ECF and advance to the 1993 Finals. People mentioned include Charles Smith, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Horace Grant, Pat Riley, David Robinson and Nick Anderson. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter [as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]

Hey, it's Adam here. A quick update for you on the lack of podcast episodes over the past month or two. [Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | Booktopia | PayPal] My health hasn't been great recently, so I chose to take a break for the first time in more than eight years. New episodes will return later this month and I plan to be back bigger and better than ever. Thanks for including my show in your podcast rotation. Remember, you can always reach me via...

Send Adam a text message. High school great, University of Texas at San Antonio star, NBA player and European standout, Derrick Gervin. Derrick Gervin is a Detroit native. He starred at Martin Luther King High School in his home state of Michigan. Twice, he was named to Detroit's All-Public School League first team. Following high school, Gervin moved cross country to play at a college where his jersey is one of just two to have ever been retired to the rafters - the University of Texas at San Antonio. Coincidentally, as Derrick continued to hone his skills at college, his older brother - future Hall of Famer, George Gervin (The Iceman) - was lighting up the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs. Leaving college after his junior season, Derrick was selected in the 1985 NBA Draft, before eventually travelling overseas to star in Europe. He would return to the USA and achieve his dream of playing in the NBA. We cover this and much more in a wide-ranging conversation. Derrick is a great story teller and shares some fantastic memories from his life in basketball. Check out his show: We Got Next (formerly D. Gerv and Big Mo). They have had a stellar list of guests, including Artis Gilmore, George Gervin and Mike Gminski to name a few. A slight correction - I inadvertently refer to Derrick’s junior season as his senior year. For context, this chat was recorded just prior to the madness of 2019 NBA Free Agency. People mentioned in this episode, include: Antoine Carr, Bill Fitch, Chris Morris, Drazen Petrovic, Flip Saunders, Joe Dumars, Joe Kleine, Leon Wood, Julius Erving, Wes Matthews and Terry Catledge. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. Remembering Michael Jordan's iconic 1989 moment. This episode covers: - Jordan's heroics in Round 1 of the 1989 NBA Playoffs Behind the Game. The inside story - from MJ's defender, Craig Ehlo - on the moments that culminated with Michael Jordan's amazing, series-clinching jump shot to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers. People mentioned include Larry Nance, Brad Daugherty, Ron Harper, Lenny Wilkens, Bernie Lincicome, Sam Smith, Mark Price, Bill Cartwright, Sam Vincent, Cheryl Raye-Stout and Peter Gee. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's fourth season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers: - November 21 through December 4, 1987 - Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history Notable: - Petur Gudmundsson – career-high 21 points - Mark McNamara – career-high 22 rebounds - Franklin Edwards – career-high 16 assists Links discussed: * Travelin’ Bulls (Higher Ground) * Jordan jabs Jazz: “Was he big enough?” This episode continues our coverage of the 1987-88 NBA season. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends! For context, here’s our 13-episode series (#NB87), exploring Michael Jordan’s third season in the NBA. Tune in to hear this and plenty more, as we uncover some hidden gems from the NBA’s golden era. People mentioned include Horace Grant, Mark Jackson, Xavier McDaniel, Fat Lever, Adrian Dantley, Wes Matthews, Clyde Drexler, Manute Bol, Muggsy Bogues, Walt Frazier, Tellis Frank and Bob Ryan. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's fourth season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers: - November 7 through November 20, 1987 - Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history Notable: - Larry Bird opens the season with an amazing performance at Washington - Artis Gilmore returns to Chicago (last played for the Bulls in 1982 season) - Chicago wins its 500th game in franchise history - Darren's day(e). Bird-less Celtics, down 28, beat Knicks at the buzzer - The Chicago Bulls' home-sellout streak commenced Links discussed: * Philadelphia 76ers @ Chicago Bulls (season-opener) * Bird's buzzer-beater buries Bullets * Reggie Miller, Chuck Person pace Indiana This episode continues our coverage of the 1987-88 NBA season. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends! For context, here’s our 13-episode series (#NB87), exploring Michael Jordan’s third season in the NBA. Tune in to hear this and plenty more, as we uncover some hidden gems from the NBA’s golden era. People mentioned include Maurice Cheeks, Rory Sparrow, Dallas Comegys, Jawann Oldham, Mark Eaton, Darren Daye, Dennis Johnson, Doc Rivers, Terry Porter and Bob Ryan. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter [as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]

Hey, it’s Adam here. A quick note to advise you that I’ll be away on holidays for the next-three weeks. As I record this here in Australia, it’s December 19th, 2017. My wife and I fly to the USA tomorrow. We’re visiting New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you live near any of those cities and would be interested in meeting-up for a quick coffee, I’m all for it. Our first stop is New York - we’ll be attending the 76ers @ Knicks game on Christmas Day @ Madison...

Send Adam a text message. Adam & Aaron celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan's third season in the National Basketball Association. This episode covers: - NBA regular season – December 1 through 15, 1986 - Insightful minutiae, all but lost to the annals of basketball history In this episode, we discuss numerous happenings from the next 15-day block of the 1986-87 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls played eight games in this span – three wins and five losses. Notable milestones: Pat Riley - won his 300th game as coach Dominique Wilkins - scored an equal career-high 57 points Links discussed: * Michael Jordan's thunderous jam around Mark Eaton * Human Highlight Film versus Air Jordan This episode continues our coverage of the 1986-87 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 listen to the show. If you enjoy the content, please share it with your friends! People mentioned include Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Tom Chambers, Alvin Robertson, Charles Oakley, Alex English, Wilt Chamberlain, David Greenwood, Mike Brown, Isiah Thomas & Curtis Kitchen. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. High school, college and NBA coaching great, Don Casey. To say that Don Casey is an important figure to the game of basketball, is to massively undersell his contributions. His head-coaching journey began in 1958, when he was just 21 years old. Almost by accident, Don found basketball; perhaps, basketball found Don. He enjoyed great success, leading Bishop Eustace High School to two state championships (Class B and A in successive seasons) in six years. We discuss Don’s transition to the college ranks, where he spent nine seasons as the head coach of Temple University. We also chat about his long-time mentor, the legendary Harry Litwack. The NBA came calling for the 1983 season. Don remained at the highest level (as an assistant and/or head coach) for almost 20 years. We talk about his memories and experiences from that stage of his life. He went from the sleepless nights and frustrations of leading the L.A. Clippers (through 1990), to joining Chris Ford‘s coaching staff on the Boston Celtics (1991). We reflect on Don’s memories of Boston, including his links to the great Jack McCallum, who at one time, lived with Don whilst researching Unfinished Business. Don would move to New Jersey after the 1996 season, to work for John Calipari, before finishing his NBA (coaching) career as head coach of the New Jersey Nets. The conversation concludes with a brief discussion about Don’s post-NBA interests. Links discussed (include): * Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers (1991 NBA Playoffs) * New Jersey Nets vs Chicago Bulls (1998 NBA Playoffs) People mentioned include Terence Stansbury, Chuck Person, Jim McIlvaine, Kendall Gill, Bob Hill, Jim Lynam, Larry Bird, Red Auerbach, Reggie Miller, Sherman Douglas, Ernie Grunfeld, Gene Shue, Don Chaney and John Bagley. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (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. Notre Dame great, two-time NBA All-Star and broadcaster, Kelly Tripucka. Part one of an in-depth, wide-ranging conversation about Kelly's career. Topics / links discussed (include): re-retiringFrank Tripucka#18A Class with ClassThe bubble bursts1981 NBA DraftPeople mentioned in this episode, include: Peyton Manning, Isiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer, Julius Erving, Mark Aguirre, Dave Bing, Kiki VanDeWeghe, Pete Maravich, Danny Ainge, Bill Hanzlik, Albert King, Orlando Woolridge and Magic Johnson. Support: Buy Adam a coffee | Amazon: USA / Australia | Audible | PayPal Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast Follow: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Subscribe (free): NBA-history newsletter [as an Amazon Associate, Adam earns from qualifying purchases - you'll be supporting his podcast at no extra cost]