January 13, 2026 • 26 mins
Fred VanVleet pulls up to ALL THE SMOKE Unplugged and keeps it 💯
From Kevin Durant’s viral moment to the REAL version of Dillon Brooks, Fred sounds off on everything fans don’t get to hear: ACL rehab, mental battles, grief, veteran leadership, and why today’s NBA is missing something real.
PLUS: Coach Ime Udoka’s leadership (“Popovich energy”)
Why the NBA needs vets more than ever
His most infamous ejection and the real-life context behind it
Quick hitters: toughest covers, MJ/Kobe/Bron, road trip cities & more
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Now joining us today is someone who is a prime
example of betting on himself. After going undrafted in the
twenty sixteen draft, he turned a summer league invite into
a G League championship and only two years later winning
an NBA Championship. Since has become an All NBA defender
and All Star. I'm a big fan of this guy,
(00:20):
not only for us play on the core, but just
his perseverance and his journey and being an undersized guy
and getting it done at the highest level. Currently is
recovering from ACL surgery right now with the tour September
twenty fifth. Welcome to the show, Fred man Fleet, what's
up Ford Man?
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Appreciate you, bro, I appreciate you.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
Come on, man, Yeah, that's what you've earned.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
So talk to us.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Obviously, going down shoot really right before training camp with
your first real knee injury, walk us through what happened
and what has really been the mental process. Unfortunately, but
fortunately now acls are very common and it's not like
you used to be ACL something you can come back
even stronger from, so we know that'll happen for you.
(01:04):
But what has been the mental process of this journey,
because this is your first real knee injury.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
Yeah, it was tough, you know it. It was a
heartbreaking moment getting ready for the season and tip top shape,
probably the best shape I've been in, you know since college.
How I felt just moving and grooving and knowing the
move that we made this summer to have a chance
to build towards the championship. So that was my mindset,
just playing fives, getting ready for I think camp or
(01:29):
media day was the next week after, so it was
like right before media day, you know, that vibe that
you get before the season and you're trying to get
your reps in. So unfortunately went down and I just
didn't want to believe it. You know, at first, it's
just hard to believe. I felt so strong and stable,
Like it wasn't like I couldn't walk or you know,
I still felt good. So it took a little bit
(01:50):
to process it. But ultimately, you know, once once you
go through surgery, you know you in it. So you're
about a while.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Yeah, you're about three and a hot three and a
half months post injury. You still on the training table
every day. Are you back on the court doing a
little bit of stuff yet?
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Yeah, So I'm finally moving a little bit finally running
and shooting and probably start jumping here soon. So that
part has been cool, just to get back doing what
I know how to do and getting off the training table.
So it was like four weeks on crutches and then
you know, four more weeks just on the table, not
being able to do a whole lot. To be back
sweating and like getting that energy out and running and
(02:27):
seeing the ball go through the net. You know, that's
been therapeutic for me, you know, back to the basis.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
To me, I think the biggest thing and I don't
think we talk about it enough as athletes, former athletes
and people around the game is not necessarily the injury.
The injury is very unfortunate, but the mental side of
it of you to me to your point, you know,
what you guys did in the off season, be able
to bring Kevin Durant to me, who was the missing
piece to what you guys are looking for. You being
(02:52):
excited to kind of piggyback off what you did last year,
last season and what you did last season the playoffs.
What has the mental process been for you again trying
to recover and then having to just watch your team
for the first time in your career, not being able
to contribute on the court. I'm sure we'll talk about
what you're doing behind the scenes, but how is the
mental side of just kind of understanding? Like, damn, you know,
the only thing I can really contribute right now is
(03:13):
my knowledge to the young guys and be encouraging for
my teammates. But what has that been like for you?
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Mentally? That's been tough, you know, But ultimately you just
have to take a step back, you know what I'm saying.
You have to take a step back and try to
reflect and keep your perspective and all of those things.
So that part has been tough. Ultimately you got to
look at it as a pause. Right. It's my tenth year,
(03:38):
so you know this is God telling me to sit
down and chill out for a minute, you know what
I'm saying, and try to build it back up brick
by brick, and like I said, going back to the basis,
the coaching, the helping, the teaching, that's the stuff that
I naturally do anyway. But not being able to walk,
not being able to run, not being able to shoot,
(03:58):
you know, that's the hardest part, and that's that's the
mental side. And the mental challenge. But it's been it's
been a process and something that I'm glad I'm going
through from the standpoint of like it's another challenge in
something new to attack and something else for me to overcome.
But I wouldn't I wouldn't wish this shit on nobody.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
M Is there I know sometimes guys are hesitant to
give dates, but is there is there a timetable for
a return? Do we have a chance to see you
this season? Are you going to hold tight and come
back fresh next year?
Speaker 2 (04:27):
My goal, My goal is to come back. I don't
know how realistic it is, but that's just my mindset
every day and attacking the rehab. You know what I mean?
This shit has been difficult. It's challenging. You got to
push new limits every day. As soon as you hit
a checkpoint, it's another checkpoint. So it's like it's a
grind of things. So I'm really not thinking about the
dates right now. I'm just trying to hit those milestones
(04:48):
and those checkpoints the places where I need to be.
So I definitely got it on the board as something
that's possible, but probably not smart to put a date
out there. You know what, I'm saying, but if you
know me, it's hard to count me ou out of anything.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
Right right before we get to the basketball side, you're
doing something new. You said you started when you got hurt,
your new show called Unguarded. What prompted you to start
this and how is the journey going in you know,
in this podcast show space.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Yeah, I mean, just like I said, not being able
to move around, trying to find things to do, find
things to get out the house and get your energy right.
And it's been therapeutic for me to use my voice
and my platform some that I've shot away from in
the past. I just like the hoop and be myself
and people that meet me and get a chance to
build a relationship with me, then they know me. But
(05:37):
to the fans and to the general public, I never
really cared to put myself out there. So it's been
kind of my opportunity to do that. And it's been fun.
You know, it's up and down, so challenges, a new space.
I've been in the content production space a little bit
like behind the scenes, but to be on camera and
giving opinions and you know what I'm saying, going back
(05:58):
and forth with fans and how to have a take
on every little thing like that's been an adjustment for me.
But I'm having fun.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
Is this something you feel like you could do if
you weren't hurt, if you were in the season playing,
Do you feel like you would have enough energy to
be able to balance? I mean, very few have been
able to do it. Draymond Green comes to mind. I
think PG was doing it, but he even took a
step back. Just something you feel like you could do
if you weren't hurt. Could you balance both of them?
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Hell nah nah? And not from the standpoint that I
couldn't do it. I just don't think I had a
desire to do it, Like I just can't see myself,
you know what I'm saying, preparing for a game or
in the mix of a slump or you know whatever,
like and then want to get on here and do
a podcast. So I'm building it, but I don't know,
(06:43):
you know, what's the long term plan? Maybe maybe like
less maybe you know what I'm saying, a couple of
times a month or something like that. I do enjoy
talking to the fans though. That's been a cool part
of our show. Is like having callers and being able
to connect with people that follow me and that support me.
So that part has been dope. But don't know about
like having an opinion on everything all the time.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
You had a viral moment with with with your teammate
and one of my brothers, Kevin Durant, talking about talking
about showering. Can you talk to us a little bit
about what Katie said about his boy his hygiene.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Speaking of the podcast. He gave me a gym that
was a layup, Like I ain't even asked for that,
you know what I'm saying. That's my teammates, So like
I'm not trying to get the viral moment, but like
you gave it to me. I ain't even asked for it.
So it was like I asked him what everybody always
wanted to ask him, Like why you don't brush your hair?
You know what I'm saying, Why you don't cut your hair?
Like that was that was the only question I had.
(07:38):
That was like, all right, I gotta ask you know
what I'm saying.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
But I might go a day without two days, I
might go two days sometimes what I mean hopping in
that water, wait till I get to the gym.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
No, no, no, shower pill not work out. I'm not
saying that that workout take a shot, not two days with.
Speaker 3 (07:56):
If I'm sitting in the house like we got and haircut,
I might not. I might just want to go musty
for this. Wash your ass man, Wash your ass man?
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Man? What's up with the with the hair? Though? I
don't brush your hair? I don't like for what? For what?
Why get cut? Why lotion my lotion? You don't wear
lotion either? No, I don't. I don't lotion my body
like that.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
I might loation my hands if they little dry.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
But he took that and went to like, I don't
use lotion to sometimes I don't shower for a couple
of days if I'm just chilling, and I'm just like, yo,
all right, thank you, thank you, you know what. That's it. Yeah,
it actually was a dope interview, but uh yeah, he
gave us a moment, so we appreciate that. Get us started,
you know, getting a chance.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Obviously you haven't got a chance to play with him yet,
but to see what he's doing in year eighteen, I
think twenty six and five on forty fifty ninety splits
really an elder statesman in the game. But it seems like,
this is the type of dude that could probably do
this for another five years. What have you been most
impressed by getting your chance to see him day to day,
not only on the court, but off the court. His
(09:00):
work ethic, he's routine. That was something I got a
chance to play with KD for about four months when
I went to Golden State. He was actually hurt, but
being able to see how hard he worked to get
back and in the depths he took his training. What
have you been most impressed by getting a chance to
see him day to day?
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Man, it's just easy for him, you know what I'm saying, Like,
it's just easy for him out there. Just make it.
There's no contest, he don't see a defender. It's nothing
that you could really do to throw him off his game.
But the most impressive thing has just been his energy
and his leadership, you know what I mean, as a
as an older guy with a young team, his energy
(09:37):
and his communication, his presence on the day to day
basically has been great for us and it's good for
all the guys to learn from. But it's so much,
so different than the narrative, you know what I mean,
He's got a real big divide between the narrative around
him and who he actually is. So it's just been
cool to get to know him and get to see
(09:57):
him every day and like, Okay, this is who we
really is versus like some shit you read online.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
You know what's interesting I found about him is he
doesn't give a fuck though you know about what about
perception and then reality. Obviously we found out we care.
He don't care about shower and lotion. But I think
I think there's power and obviously him being one of
the greatest players ever do it be an immediate person
I but not really caring, although he'll he'll do his
thing and take his shots back at people who take
shots at him. But he's very secure and comfortable at
(10:26):
the level he is, And to me, that's what's impressive
because everyone can say, oh, you know, don't pay it
to don't when you're at his level and have the
amount of Obviously he gets a lot of love, but
obviously the hate is louder than the love. And for
him to be as secure as he is in that
is it has always been really impressive to me.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
Yeah, it's dope, it's dope to see, but you got
to like be around him. You know what I'm saying,
because from the outside, you're like, damn, why is Kadie
responding to somebody on Twitter? Or why he cared about
what people think? And then you're getting next to him
is like, Oh, he really actually don't give a fuck,
you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
He'd just be over there in his own little world
talking shit.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
He's just chilling. He might be you know what I mean,
getting getting his getting his ankles taped. Then he might
just fire tweet out as somebody then he go hoop.
You know what I'm saying, he really actively, really online.
Now he is in tune. You know what I'm saying.
He do play the Internet. I give him that, but shit,
he inspired me. I threw me a couple of shots
back at a couple of people. Want there you go
(11:20):
there just because it's like, you know, you don't care.
It's a good therapy.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
Currently, your Rockets sit at twenty two and fourteen in
a little rocky spot right now, five and five, and
you guys last had but second net rating in the league,
third and net defense and excuse me, an offense and
sixth and defense. As you kind of sit and watch
your team go through the ups and downs of the season,
where do you feel? And this is what I kind
(11:46):
of ask younger players, although you're a vet, and I
asked my kids that I coach, like when you're not playing,
to watch to see where you can fit in and
where you can affect the game. And it's not always scoring.
What have you seen at times you feel like your
team lacks that you bring to the table.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Man, it's just so much out there. It's just like
the game within the game. It's so much opportunity out there.
We have so many weapons. We got a deep, versatile team,
and I think we're trying to find how to put
the pieces in the right place right now. So like
we got pieces, you know what I'm saying. But it's
like throughout the season, it's our first year playing together.
(12:23):
It's a completely different team than what we had the
last two years since I've been here, And right now
we're going through some of that, like all right, where
do we where can we get better? You know what
I mean? So we're not shooting the ball great right now.
I think once those numbers come back up, you'll see
us take back off again. But that's kind of what
I do. You know what I mean, just being a
coach on the floor and trying to put guys in
(12:45):
position to be successful, garden on the perimeter, making big shots.
So that part is hard when we lose. When we win,
I'm cool, But when we lose, and I'm like, man, damn,
I know what I'd be doing, you know, like, I
just know how much I can help, not even just
from my deduction, just for me being on the court,
like helping guys and leadership, putting them in the right spots.
There's only so much yelling you could do from the sideline.
(13:08):
But yeah, it's a lot of It's a lot of
room for growth for us, and that's that's exciting. It
should be exciting.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
You have Amen on your team, right, that's the twin
you have. Yeah, tell me about him. I think he
is going to be a superstar, two way star, someone
that's you know, filled in a little bit of point
along with Reach Shepherd. But what have you seen from
young fella that has you excited for his future and
what he brings to your guys his team.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Man, freaking nature, freaking nature just like one of one
obviously got a twin. So it's like, you know what
I'm saying one of two. But right like you know,
top top, top athlete that I've been around, But I'm
I'm bought in from the day I met him. On
who he is as a person, you know what I'm saying.
He's got the guy given ability, He's got the talent,
(13:50):
things that you can't teach. But one of the hardest workers,
one of the most coachable guys, one of the most
competitive guys. You got a mean streak, like he has
all of the intangibles as well, that's gonna make him great.
He's he's working through the jumper, but he keeps shooting him.
You know, he's not getting discouraged, and you know that's
a good sign to me. He wants to guard the
(14:10):
other team's best player. The s guy's a limit for him.
So it's been a pleasure to to help him and
you know, give him some of the experiences that I've had,
you know, to give him a foundation. But he keeps
getting better.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
One thing I feel like, and we talk about a
lot on all the smoke the league laxes is veteran leadership,
but you guys are really the opposite. You know, you're
in your you're in your ten or level year ten. Obviously,
Katie's in eighteen. Steven Adams and Jeff Green are shit,
they've been around for a long time too. And then
you have a real players coach to me, one of
the best minds in the game, and e may Udoka.
(14:46):
I don't think the younger crew that you guys have
understand how special the unit you have around is. Talk
to me about how the league has kind of changed
from when you first came into it to what the
league is now. But obviously your team, to me, your
team is an exception when it comes to that.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
Yeah, I think you know, with the with the rules
changing and the roster getting bigger, and now you got
the two ways with the I think it goes hand
in hand with the parody that the league was aiming for.
You know, the ownerships came about, and they want to
play in tournament and they want all these different things,
and everybody feel like they have a shot. So it
kind of like evened everything out to where there's not
(15:26):
much difference between the eighth guy and the fifteenth guy anymore,
you know what I mean. It's like they're kind of
that that crew is kind of all of the same
now and what they stopped doing was paying an older
veteran to come, you know, sit on the bench and
give game, and be in the locker room and give game.
And they just started replacing those guys with two way
guys or young guys that may have more of an upside.
(15:47):
So it's definitely been tough. I think there's there's pockets
of it. We have a great situation. Our young guys
are in an incredible position because they can get game
from anywhere anywhere they look, you know, they can get
a different aspect or a different position. But then you
got the other teams where it's like, you know, it's
it's blind leading the blind. You know, it's the young guys,
straight up, the young guys leading the young guys, and
(16:10):
they don't know no better. So you can't really fault
them for it. But I would like to see, you know,
more vets, even if they're not contributed on the court.
It's just like teaching guys how to be men. We
and now we're getting kids that's not even getting college,
they're not even getting a college experience. So nineteen twenty
twenty one, they don't even know how to be men yet,
you know what I mean? They don't know how to
carry themselves. They don't know how to move properly. As
(16:33):
we see, you know, on the on a weekly basis,
there's always a guy coming up and some shit that
you know, could be avoided. So I think it's a
lot of room for that still in the game, and
hopefully we can get back to that a little bit.
Speaker 1 (16:46):
Ka someone I'm a big fan of, someone I played
against for a long time. We were both in the
G League or was it the D League back then,
and kind of had our journeys throughout the league. He
had a stint in Boston, and I really think he's
found a home and really been able to kind of
show the mind of the basketball mind, his toughness, his approach.
Someone you train within the summer, not only on the court,
(17:07):
but in the boxing ring. What have you been the
most impressed with with your coach?
Speaker 2 (17:11):
His leadership and just being a real leader of men.
It's not easy in this league, especially you know, in
this time, like we just talked about with the young guys.
So for him to be able to have the post
of the locker room his coaches is tight nipped, you know,
leading leading the entire organization. It's been it's been you know,
impressive to watch. And he gets credit for you know,
(17:34):
the stern face and cutting guys out and holding you accountable.
But I really just call him. He liked the black Pop,
you know what I mean, Like he came up under Pops,
so he liked the if coach Pop was listening in
the future and running around you know what I'm saying.
That's email to me. So it's been cool to see
him grow as well. He's still a young head coach
in this league and I've seen him grow over the
(17:56):
last three years, and he's going to continue to get better.
But one of my favorite people and favorite coaches that
I've ever played for for sure, that's dope.
Speaker 1 (18:04):
One young fella in year two who's tried to help,
you know, feel the void that you've left behind. It
is Read Shepherd, someone who was I think one year
in college, really did his thing, tough rookie year, but
really bounce back, not really bounce back, just growth year
two afterging thirteen points a game, shooting forty percent from
the line, excuse me, from the three point line. What
have you seen from him? And what kind of conversation
(18:25):
do you guys have on a daily basis he's taking
a jump.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
This year has been great to see more opportunity, you know,
obviously with me being out. But he's got all the tools,
he's got the skills, he got the athleticism. He can
really shoot the ball like he's up there. He's up
there with some of the top shooters that I've seen
with my own two eyes. So all of our conversations
have nothing to do with any of that. Is just like,
you know, is doggie dog out there, and you know
(18:49):
what do you want to be? Who do you want
to be? In this league? You got to take take
matters into your own hands. So I'm trying to give
him more of that and let him go out there
and let his nuts hang a little bit more, because
when he does, he'll give you twenty five, He'll give
you thirty. Like he has that capability. But it's just
a matter of being a young guy in this league
and kind of finding out, you know who you want
to be. And I think some guys it takes a
(19:11):
little bit longer for them to realize that the power
is really in their own hands and not waiting on
somebody else to do it for you. So he's taking
a jump we've seen some flashes. I think he can
do it more. I think there's more that he can give.
And you know, I'm right there with him, you know,
every day up.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
Teammate of years last year who's really carved out a
niche as kind of if you want to call it,
the NBA bad Boy. He's out in Phoenix now. Dylan Brooks,
who's after their career high twenty one points with thirty
six excuse me, forty six thirty six eighty six shooting splits,
has made a big jump. Obviously on the scoring side.
He's been one of the best defenders in the league,
but he's made a real jump on the scoring side.
(19:49):
Tell us the difference between like Dylan the villain and
Dylan Brooks the teammate.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Yeah, Doctor Jekyll and mister Hyde. Man. It's like literally
like WWE man, like at some point, I don't know
what time on the clock when he when he turned
in and put his costume on and put put his
thing up like he turns it on man. And one
of my favorite teammates that I played with, just a
classic example of a guy you hate when he's on
(20:15):
the other team and you love him when he's your teammate,
the ultimate hard worker, early mornings, late nights, coming working
out two three times a day. So his his progression
is no surprise to me. I always had a ton
of respect for him in Memphis, and now he's getting
the opportunity to, you know, showcase that in Phoenix, a
team that needs him to score, a team that believes
(20:35):
in him. He's having an incredible year. He's having an
all Star caliber year. I don't know if he'll get in,
but he should be in that conversation and I just
have fun, like, you know, rilling them in and telling them,
all right, bro, you're tripping, you know what I'm saying,
Like that's all he needs because sometimes you just go
a little bit too far. So we built a great relationship,
a great report or somebody that I had, you know,
(20:56):
a lot of battles with and battles against, but somebody
that would I would take on my team any day.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
Maybe one of your most impressive feats that you have
one of the most disrespectful ejections in NBA history. Let's
take a look at this clip real quick.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
And Portland bouncing back after getting blown out last night.
They're gonna get this win.
Speaker 2 (21:18):
Now.
Speaker 3 (21:19):
Fred van Fleet was just thrown out of the game.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
Oh, Fred has gotta be careful. Hopefully he didn't make contact.
Speaker 3 (21:25):
Hopefully that's not good.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
He was frustrated.
Speaker 1 (21:33):
I really had to hit a shot and talk to
us about that. What do you remember most from it?
Speaker 2 (21:38):
Oh? Man, that was a day. That was a day,
you know, the crazy part. And we talked about this
a little bit, the mental side of it, and it's
something that I learned. I only ever told this to
my homie. But like, man, that was a lesson for me,
bro because if I remember correctly, my aunt had just
passed like the night before the morning of, and I
(21:59):
shouldn't have played. I shouldn't have played, but I pushed through.
I was on edge. I never I didn't really deal
with it, you know what I'm saying. I just I
just kept locking in, focused on my work. And then
the game happened. And you're hoping you can catch a fire,
catch a wave and play out of your mind and
give all the glory to your loved one, you know
what I'm saying. But it was the complete opposite. It
(22:20):
was like everything was going wrong. So I was in
it and then I just felt like they was home me,
and you know, it built up and I let it out.
You know, it had to come out, and ultimately I'm
glad it happened like that instead of, you know, a
different way that could have been worse, but that needed
to happen. I apologized to two of the three rest
(22:42):
one of the guys. You know, well, we'll talk about
it whenever we talk about it, but yeah, it was
it was that was crazy.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
That was crazy, not to dragon, but I think again
the mental side, people think because we play basketball and
we make a lot of money, that we're not human
that were not affected by real life situations and we're
expected it every night no matter what. I remember, I
played the day after my mom died. I mean, there's
no there's no excuses out there. We don't give no excuses,
you know what I mean. But the fact that sometimes
we're going through some real life life shit and life
(23:10):
be lifing, but then we still got to go out
there sometimes and hope we can lose ourselves for two hours.
Then to your point, sometimes sh it just need to
come out.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Yeah, it was crazy, man. I wouldn't I wouldn't take
it back. I probably would do it a little differently,
but I wouldn't. I wouldn't take it back. Usually when
I crashed out, i'd be having I'd be justified, you
know what I'm saying. So I felt like I was
justified in that moment. The game was just going a
little crazy, and I got my money's worth. I do
know how to get my money's worth.
Speaker 1 (23:35):
Fifty K.
Speaker 2 (23:37):
I've got met.
Speaker 1 (23:39):
I've been fined fifty K for much less. So you
definitely got your.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
Mother when you told them by you weren't gonna start.
You weren't gonna keep jumping in. There was that the clip. Yeah,
I ain't gonna keep like that, damn bro.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
The only person that ever it was crazy, and I
told it's the only person to ever pay my fine
because I got fined man almost. You know, half half
half a million dollars is a lot back then, especially
considered none of this ship was really It was always
me taking up. But the only person to pay for
my fines for holding up from was cold everyone else. Oh, man,
appreciate you like nah nigga appreciated by paying the fine.
(24:09):
Ya Yeah yeah, don't pat me on the back like
good looking, like nah nigga, take that out of your
big old check and sure, especially when I'm coming to
help you. Come on, man, anyway, man, I appreciate your time.
Quick hitters. Quick, first thing to come to your mind.
Let us know toughest current player to game plan for
in your position that you gotta guard. Kyrie, he's on
(24:33):
his way back to the biggest difference between the league
now and when you entered in twenty sixteen shooting younger
players that you really like. Give me a couple of
guys you really like not on your team.
Speaker 2 (24:43):
VJ. Come Yeah. I like the rookies this year. The
kid and Charlotte's good. H the kid in New Orleans.
Queen just had some good games. Yeah, Nipple and Charlotte
he tough shop the flag who you know started slow,
you started putting it together. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (25:02):
I like this rookie class. I like this year a
lot of talent. The next year rookie class is gonna
be tough too. One player from the past. You wish
you could have played with.
Speaker 2 (25:09):
Kobe for sure.
Speaker 1 (25:10):
Best and worst NBA road trip city best.
Speaker 2 (25:17):
It changes, it changes. I'm gonna just I'm gonna give
the cliche answer. I can't give my real answer. I'm
gonna the Miami Miami. I can't blow the spot up.
Speaker 1 (25:29):
One city you're like, damn, we gotta go here. Mine
used to be Milwaukee or Utah.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
Yeah, probably probably like Indianapolis. I'm like, yeah, that's another
cold national Milwaukee close to the crib. I don't know,
like cold you always go in the wintertimes at the hotel.
They need a new hotel out then, God do they ever?
All right?
Speaker 1 (25:48):
Last question in your opinion? Ranked these three MJ, Kobe
Lebron I'm.
Speaker 2 (25:53):
Gonna go cold one, MJ two Bron three. Ain't mad
at that?
Speaker 1 (25:58):
Fred, Best of luck, Man Recovering. We can't wait to
see you back on the court. Best of luck with
your show. Tell them where they can find it weekly.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Man, find it wherever you find podcasts and videos that
if you need help, just go. Look me up on
Instagram shows called Unguarded and it's a little rehab for me,
little therapy, talking to some fans, talking some shit. So
check it out if you want. If not, fucking y'all
see me back on the court soon, he said, fuck
it if you want. If not, hey, if you need
(26:28):
some guests, let me know. Bro, it's gonna show. Love Man,
Thank you again. Yeah, Speedy Recovering, we'll talk to you soon, BRO.
No do I appreciate you. Bro.
Speaker 1 (26:34):
That's a wrap. Thank you for Fred van Fliet for
joining us. Best of luck, BRO, get healthy. We'll catch
you guys next week.
Speaker 2 (26:41):
Peace
Now joining us today is someone who is a prime
example of betting on himself. After going undrafted in the
twenty sixteen draft, he turned a summer league invite into
a G League championship and only two years later winning
an NBA Championship. Since has become an All NBA defender
and All Star. I'm a big fan of this guy,
(00:20):
not only for us play on the core, but just
his perseverance and his journey and being an undersized guy
and getting it done at the highest level. Currently is
recovering from ACL surgery right now with the tour September
twenty fifth. Welcome to the show, Fred man Fleet, what's
up Ford Man?
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Appreciate you, bro, I appreciate you.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
Come on, man, Yeah, that's what you've earned.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
So talk to us.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Obviously, going down shoot really right before training camp with
your first real knee injury, walk us through what happened
and what has really been the mental process. Unfortunately, but
fortunately now acls are very common and it's not like
you used to be ACL something you can come back
even stronger from, so we know that'll happen for you.
(01:04):
But what has been the mental process of this journey,
because this is your first real knee injury.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
Yeah, it was tough, you know it. It was a
heartbreaking moment getting ready for the season and tip top shape,
probably the best shape I've been in, you know since college.
How I felt just moving and grooving and knowing the
move that we made this summer to have a chance
to build towards the championship. So that was my mindset,
just playing fives, getting ready for I think camp or
(01:29):
media day was the next week after, so it was
like right before media day, you know, that vibe that
you get before the season and you're trying to get
your reps in. So unfortunately went down and I just
didn't want to believe it. You know, at first, it's
just hard to believe. I felt so strong and stable,
Like it wasn't like I couldn't walk or you know,
I still felt good. So it took a little bit
(01:50):
to process it. But ultimately, you know, once once you
go through surgery, you know you in it. So you're
about a while.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Yeah, you're about three and a hot three and a
half months post injury. You still on the training table
every day. Are you back on the court doing a
little bit of stuff yet?
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Yeah, So I'm finally moving a little bit finally running
and shooting and probably start jumping here soon. So that
part has been cool, just to get back doing what
I know how to do and getting off the training table.
So it was like four weeks on crutches and then
you know, four more weeks just on the table, not
being able to do a whole lot. To be back
sweating and like getting that energy out and running and
(02:27):
seeing the ball go through the net. You know, that's
been therapeutic for me, you know, back to the basis.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
To me, I think the biggest thing and I don't
think we talk about it enough as athletes, former athletes
and people around the game is not necessarily the injury.
The injury is very unfortunate, but the mental side of
it of you to me to your point, you know,
what you guys did in the off season, be able
to bring Kevin Durant to me, who was the missing
piece to what you guys are looking for. You being
(02:52):
excited to kind of piggyback off what you did last year,
last season and what you did last season the playoffs.
What has the mental process been for you again trying
to recover and then having to just watch your team
for the first time in your career, not being able
to contribute on the court. I'm sure we'll talk about
what you're doing behind the scenes, but how is the
mental side of just kind of understanding? Like, damn, you know,
the only thing I can really contribute right now is
(03:13):
my knowledge to the young guys and be encouraging for
my teammates. But what has that been like for you?
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Mentally? That's been tough, you know, But ultimately you just
have to take a step back, you know what I'm saying.
You have to take a step back and try to
reflect and keep your perspective and all of those things.
So that part has been tough. Ultimately you got to
look at it as a pause. Right. It's my tenth year,
(03:38):
so you know this is God telling me to sit
down and chill out for a minute, you know what
I'm saying, and try to build it back up brick
by brick, and like I said, going back to the basis,
the coaching, the helping, the teaching, that's the stuff that
I naturally do anyway. But not being able to walk,
not being able to run, not being able to shoot,
(03:58):
you know, that's the hardest part, and that's that's the
mental side. And the mental challenge. But it's been it's
been a process and something that I'm glad I'm going
through from the standpoint of like it's another challenge in
something new to attack and something else for me to overcome.
But I wouldn't I wouldn't wish this shit on nobody.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
M Is there I know sometimes guys are hesitant to
give dates, but is there is there a timetable for
a return? Do we have a chance to see you
this season? Are you going to hold tight and come
back fresh next year?
Speaker 2 (04:27):
My goal, My goal is to come back. I don't
know how realistic it is, but that's just my mindset
every day and attacking the rehab. You know what I mean?
This shit has been difficult. It's challenging. You got to
push new limits every day. As soon as you hit
a checkpoint, it's another checkpoint. So it's like it's a
grind of things. So I'm really not thinking about the
dates right now. I'm just trying to hit those milestones
(04:48):
and those checkpoints the places where I need to be.
So I definitely got it on the board as something
that's possible, but probably not smart to put a date
out there. You know what, I'm saying, but if you
know me, it's hard to count me ou out of anything.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
Right right before we get to the basketball side, you're
doing something new. You said you started when you got hurt,
your new show called Unguarded. What prompted you to start
this and how is the journey going in you know,
in this podcast show space.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Yeah, I mean, just like I said, not being able
to move around, trying to find things to do, find
things to get out the house and get your energy right.
And it's been therapeutic for me to use my voice
and my platform some that I've shot away from in
the past. I just like the hoop and be myself
and people that meet me and get a chance to
build a relationship with me, then they know me. But
(05:37):
to the fans and to the general public, I never
really cared to put myself out there. So it's been
kind of my opportunity to do that. And it's been fun.
You know, it's up and down, so challenges, a new space.
I've been in the content production space a little bit
like behind the scenes, but to be on camera and
giving opinions and you know what I'm saying, going back
(05:58):
and forth with fans and how to have a take
on every little thing like that's been an adjustment for me.
But I'm having fun.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
Is this something you feel like you could do if
you weren't hurt, if you were in the season playing,
Do you feel like you would have enough energy to
be able to balance? I mean, very few have been
able to do it. Draymond Green comes to mind. I
think PG was doing it, but he even took a
step back. Just something you feel like you could do
if you weren't hurt. Could you balance both of them?
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Hell nah nah? And not from the standpoint that I
couldn't do it. I just don't think I had a
desire to do it, Like I just can't see myself,
you know what I'm saying, preparing for a game or
in the mix of a slump or you know whatever,
like and then want to get on here and do
a podcast. So I'm building it, but I don't know,
(06:43):
you know, what's the long term plan? Maybe maybe like
less maybe you know what I'm saying, a couple of
times a month or something like that. I do enjoy
talking to the fans though. That's been a cool part
of our show. Is like having callers and being able
to connect with people that follow me and that support me.
So that part has been dope. But don't know about
like having an opinion on everything all the time.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
You had a viral moment with with with your teammate
and one of my brothers, Kevin Durant, talking about talking
about showering. Can you talk to us a little bit
about what Katie said about his boy his hygiene.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Speaking of the podcast. He gave me a gym that
was a layup, Like I ain't even asked for that,
you know what I'm saying. That's my teammates, So like
I'm not trying to get the viral moment, but like
you gave it to me. I ain't even asked for it.
So it was like I asked him what everybody always
wanted to ask him, Like why you don't brush your hair?
You know what I'm saying, Why you don't cut your hair?
Like that was that was the only question I had.
(07:38):
That was like, all right, I gotta ask you know
what I'm saying.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
But I might go a day without two days, I
might go two days sometimes what I mean hopping in
that water, wait till I get to the gym.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
No, no, no, shower pill not work out. I'm not
saying that that workout take a shot, not two days with.
Speaker 3 (07:56):
If I'm sitting in the house like we got and haircut,
I might not. I might just want to go musty
for this. Wash your ass man, Wash your ass man?
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Man? What's up with the with the hair? Though? I
don't brush your hair? I don't like for what? For what?
Why get cut? Why lotion my lotion? You don't wear
lotion either? No, I don't. I don't lotion my body
like that.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
I might loation my hands if they little dry.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
But he took that and went to like, I don't
use lotion to sometimes I don't shower for a couple
of days if I'm just chilling, and I'm just like, yo,
all right, thank you, thank you, you know what. That's it. Yeah,
it actually was a dope interview, but uh yeah, he
gave us a moment, so we appreciate that. Get us started,
you know, getting a chance.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Obviously you haven't got a chance to play with him yet,
but to see what he's doing in year eighteen, I
think twenty six and five on forty fifty ninety splits
really an elder statesman in the game. But it seems like,
this is the type of dude that could probably do
this for another five years. What have you been most
impressed by getting your chance to see him day to day,
not only on the court, but off the court. His
(09:00):
work ethic, he's routine. That was something I got a
chance to play with KD for about four months when
I went to Golden State. He was actually hurt, but
being able to see how hard he worked to get
back and in the depths he took his training. What
have you been most impressed by getting a chance to
see him day to day?
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Man, it's just easy for him, you know what I'm saying, Like,
it's just easy for him out there. Just make it.
There's no contest, he don't see a defender. It's nothing
that you could really do to throw him off his game.
But the most impressive thing has just been his energy
and his leadership, you know what I mean, as a
as an older guy with a young team, his energy
(09:37):
and his communication, his presence on the day to day
basically has been great for us and it's good for
all the guys to learn from. But it's so much,
so different than the narrative, you know what I mean,
He's got a real big divide between the narrative around
him and who he actually is. So it's just been
cool to get to know him and get to see
(09:57):
him every day and like, Okay, this is who we
really is versus like some shit you read online.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
You know what's interesting I found about him is he
doesn't give a fuck though you know about what about
perception and then reality. Obviously we found out we care.
He don't care about shower and lotion. But I think
I think there's power and obviously him being one of
the greatest players ever do it be an immediate person
I but not really caring, although he'll he'll do his
thing and take his shots back at people who take
shots at him. But he's very secure and comfortable at
(10:26):
the level he is, And to me, that's what's impressive
because everyone can say, oh, you know, don't pay it
to don't when you're at his level and have the
amount of Obviously he gets a lot of love, but
obviously the hate is louder than the love. And for
him to be as secure as he is in that
is it has always been really impressive to me.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
Yeah, it's dope, it's dope to see, but you got
to like be around him. You know what I'm saying,
because from the outside, you're like, damn, why is Kadie
responding to somebody on Twitter? Or why he cared about
what people think? And then you're getting next to him
is like, Oh, he really actually don't give a fuck,
you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
He'd just be over there in his own little world
talking shit.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
He's just chilling. He might be you know what I mean,
getting getting his getting his ankles taped. Then he might
just fire tweet out as somebody then he go hoop.
You know what I'm saying, he really actively, really online.
Now he is in tune. You know what I'm saying.
He do play the Internet. I give him that, but shit,
he inspired me. I threw me a couple of shots
back at a couple of people. Want there you go
(11:20):
there just because it's like, you know, you don't care.
It's a good therapy.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
Currently, your Rockets sit at twenty two and fourteen in
a little rocky spot right now, five and five, and
you guys last had but second net rating in the league,
third and net defense and excuse me, an offense and
sixth and defense. As you kind of sit and watch
your team go through the ups and downs of the season,
where do you feel? And this is what I kind
(11:46):
of ask younger players, although you're a vet, and I
asked my kids that I coach, like when you're not playing,
to watch to see where you can fit in and
where you can affect the game. And it's not always scoring.
What have you seen at times you feel like your
team lacks that you bring to the table.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Man, it's just so much out there. It's just like
the game within the game. It's so much opportunity out there.
We have so many weapons. We got a deep, versatile team,
and I think we're trying to find how to put
the pieces in the right place right now. So like
we got pieces, you know what I'm saying. But it's
like throughout the season, it's our first year playing together.
(12:23):
It's a completely different team than what we had the
last two years since I've been here, And right now
we're going through some of that, like all right, where
do we where can we get better? You know what
I mean? So we're not shooting the ball great right now.
I think once those numbers come back up, you'll see
us take back off again. But that's kind of what
I do. You know what I mean, just being a
coach on the floor and trying to put guys in
(12:45):
position to be successful, garden on the perimeter, making big shots.
So that part is hard when we lose. When we win,
I'm cool, But when we lose, and I'm like, man, damn,
I know what I'd be doing, you know, like, I
just know how much I can help, not even just
from my deduction, just for me being on the court,
like helping guys and leadership, putting them in the right spots.
There's only so much yelling you could do from the sideline.
(13:08):
But yeah, it's a lot of It's a lot of
room for growth for us, and that's that's exciting. It
should be exciting.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
You have Amen on your team, right, that's the twin
you have. Yeah, tell me about him. I think he
is going to be a superstar, two way star, someone
that's you know, filled in a little bit of point
along with Reach Shepherd. But what have you seen from
young fella that has you excited for his future and
what he brings to your guys his team.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Man, freaking nature, freaking nature just like one of one
obviously got a twin. So it's like, you know what
I'm saying one of two. But right like you know,
top top, top athlete that I've been around, But I'm
I'm bought in from the day I met him. On
who he is as a person, you know what I'm saying.
He's got the guy given ability, He's got the talent,
(13:50):
things that you can't teach. But one of the hardest workers,
one of the most coachable guys, one of the most
competitive guys. You got a mean streak, like he has
all of the intangibles as well, that's gonna make him great.
He's he's working through the jumper, but he keeps shooting him.
You know, he's not getting discouraged, and you know that's
a good sign to me. He wants to guard the
(14:10):
other team's best player. The s guy's a limit for him.
So it's been a pleasure to to help him and
you know, give him some of the experiences that I've had,
you know, to give him a foundation. But he keeps
getting better.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
One thing I feel like, and we talk about a
lot on all the smoke the league laxes is veteran leadership,
but you guys are really the opposite. You know, you're
in your you're in your ten or level year ten. Obviously,
Katie's in eighteen. Steven Adams and Jeff Green are shit,
they've been around for a long time too. And then
you have a real players coach to me, one of
the best minds in the game, and e may Udoka.
(14:46):
I don't think the younger crew that you guys have
understand how special the unit you have around is. Talk
to me about how the league has kind of changed
from when you first came into it to what the
league is now. But obviously your team, to me, your
team is an exception when it comes to that.
Speaker 2 (15:04):
Yeah, I think you know, with the with the rules
changing and the roster getting bigger, and now you got
the two ways with the I think it goes hand
in hand with the parody that the league was aiming for.
You know, the ownerships came about, and they want to
play in tournament and they want all these different things,
and everybody feel like they have a shot. So it
kind of like evened everything out to where there's not
(15:26):
much difference between the eighth guy and the fifteenth guy anymore,
you know what I mean. It's like they're kind of
that that crew is kind of all of the same
now and what they stopped doing was paying an older
veteran to come, you know, sit on the bench and
give game, and be in the locker room and give game.
And they just started replacing those guys with two way
guys or young guys that may have more of an upside.
(15:47):
So it's definitely been tough. I think there's there's pockets
of it. We have a great situation. Our young guys
are in an incredible position because they can get game
from anywhere anywhere they look, you know, they can get
a different aspect or a different position. But then you
got the other teams where it's like, you know, it's
it's blind leading the blind. You know, it's the young guys,
straight up, the young guys leading the young guys, and
(16:10):
they don't know no better. So you can't really fault
them for it. But I would like to see, you know,
more vets, even if they're not contributed on the court.
It's just like teaching guys how to be men. We
and now we're getting kids that's not even getting college,
they're not even getting a college experience. So nineteen twenty
twenty one, they don't even know how to be men yet,
you know what I mean? They don't know how to
carry themselves. They don't know how to move properly. As
(16:33):
we see, you know, on the on a weekly basis,
there's always a guy coming up and some shit that
you know, could be avoided. So I think it's a
lot of room for that still in the game, and
hopefully we can get back to that a little bit.
Speaker 1 (16:46):
Ka someone I'm a big fan of, someone I played
against for a long time. We were both in the
G League or was it the D League back then,
and kind of had our journeys throughout the league. He
had a stint in Boston, and I really think he's
found a home and really been able to kind of
show the mind of the basketball mind, his toughness, his approach.
Someone you train within the summer, not only on the court,
(17:07):
but in the boxing ring. What have you been the
most impressed with with your coach?
Speaker 2 (17:11):
His leadership and just being a real leader of men.
It's not easy in this league, especially you know, in
this time, like we just talked about with the young guys.
So for him to be able to have the post
of the locker room his coaches is tight nipped, you know,
leading leading the entire organization. It's been it's been you know,
impressive to watch. And he gets credit for you know,
(17:34):
the stern face and cutting guys out and holding you accountable.
But I really just call him. He liked the black Pop,
you know what I mean, Like he came up under Pops,
so he liked the if coach Pop was listening in
the future and running around you know what I'm saying.
That's email to me. So it's been cool to see
him grow as well. He's still a young head coach
in this league and I've seen him grow over the
(17:56):
last three years, and he's going to continue to get better.
But one of my favorite people and favorite coaches that
I've ever played for for sure, that's dope.
Speaker 1 (18:04):
One young fella in year two who's tried to help,
you know, feel the void that you've left behind. It
is Read Shepherd, someone who was I think one year
in college, really did his thing, tough rookie year, but
really bounce back, not really bounce back, just growth year
two afterging thirteen points a game, shooting forty percent from
the line, excuse me, from the three point line. What
have you seen from him? And what kind of conversation
(18:25):
do you guys have on a daily basis he's taking
a jump.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
This year has been great to see more opportunity, you know,
obviously with me being out. But he's got all the tools,
he's got the skills, he got the athleticism. He can
really shoot the ball like he's up there. He's up
there with some of the top shooters that I've seen
with my own two eyes. So all of our conversations
have nothing to do with any of that. Is just like,
you know, is doggie dog out there, and you know
(18:49):
what do you want to be? Who do you want
to be? In this league? You got to take take
matters into your own hands. So I'm trying to give
him more of that and let him go out there
and let his nuts hang a little bit more, because
when he does, he'll give you twenty five, He'll give
you thirty. Like he has that capability. But it's just
a matter of being a young guy in this league
and kind of finding out, you know who you want
to be. And I think some guys it takes a
(19:11):
little bit longer for them to realize that the power
is really in their own hands and not waiting on
somebody else to do it for you. So he's taking
a jump we've seen some flashes. I think he can
do it more. I think there's more that he can give.
And you know, I'm right there with him, you know,
every day up.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
Teammate of years last year who's really carved out a
niche as kind of if you want to call it,
the NBA bad Boy. He's out in Phoenix now. Dylan Brooks,
who's after their career high twenty one points with thirty
six excuse me, forty six thirty six eighty six shooting splits,
has made a big jump. Obviously on the scoring side.
He's been one of the best defenders in the league,
but he's made a real jump on the scoring side.
(19:49):
Tell us the difference between like Dylan the villain and
Dylan Brooks the teammate.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Yeah, Doctor Jekyll and mister Hyde. Man. It's like literally
like WWE man, like at some point, I don't know
what time on the clock when he when he turned
in and put his costume on and put put his
thing up like he turns it on man. And one
of my favorite teammates that I played with, just a
classic example of a guy you hate when he's on
(20:15):
the other team and you love him when he's your teammate,
the ultimate hard worker, early mornings, late nights, coming working
out two three times a day. So his his progression
is no surprise to me. I always had a ton
of respect for him in Memphis, and now he's getting
the opportunity to, you know, showcase that in Phoenix, a
team that needs him to score, a team that believes
(20:35):
in him. He's having an incredible year. He's having an
all Star caliber year. I don't know if he'll get in,
but he should be in that conversation and I just
have fun, like, you know, rilling them in and telling them,
all right, bro, you're tripping, you know what I'm saying,
Like that's all he needs because sometimes you just go
a little bit too far. So we built a great relationship,
a great report or somebody that I had, you know,
(20:56):
a lot of battles with and battles against, but somebody
that would I would take on my team any day.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
Maybe one of your most impressive feats that you have
one of the most disrespectful ejections in NBA history. Let's
take a look at this clip real quick.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
And Portland bouncing back after getting blown out last night.
They're gonna get this win.
Speaker 2 (21:18):
Now.
Speaker 3 (21:19):
Fred van Fleet was just thrown out of the game.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
Oh, Fred has gotta be careful. Hopefully he didn't make contact.
Speaker 3 (21:25):
Hopefully that's not good.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
He was frustrated.
Speaker 1 (21:33):
I really had to hit a shot and talk to
us about that. What do you remember most from it?
Speaker 2 (21:38):
Oh? Man, that was a day. That was a day,
you know, the crazy part. And we talked about this
a little bit, the mental side of it, and it's
something that I learned. I only ever told this to
my homie. But like, man, that was a lesson for me,
bro because if I remember correctly, my aunt had just
passed like the night before the morning of, and I
(21:59):
shouldn't have played. I shouldn't have played, but I pushed through.
I was on edge. I never I didn't really deal
with it, you know what I'm saying. I just I
just kept locking in, focused on my work. And then
the game happened. And you're hoping you can catch a fire,
catch a wave and play out of your mind and
give all the glory to your loved one, you know
what I'm saying. But it was the complete opposite. It
(22:20):
was like everything was going wrong. So I was in
it and then I just felt like they was home me,
and you know, it built up and I let it out.
You know, it had to come out, and ultimately I'm
glad it happened like that instead of, you know, a
different way that could have been worse, but that needed
to happen. I apologized to two of the three rest
(22:42):
one of the guys. You know, well, we'll talk about
it whenever we talk about it, but yeah, it was
it was that was crazy.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
That was crazy, not to dragon, but I think again
the mental side, people think because we play basketball and
we make a lot of money, that we're not human
that were not affected by real life situations and we're
expected it every night no matter what. I remember, I
played the day after my mom died. I mean, there's
no there's no excuses out there. We don't give no excuses,
you know what I mean. But the fact that sometimes
we're going through some real life life shit and life
(23:10):
be lifing, but then we still got to go out
there sometimes and hope we can lose ourselves for two hours.
Then to your point, sometimes sh it just need to
come out.
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Yeah, it was crazy, man. I wouldn't I wouldn't take
it back. I probably would do it a little differently,
but I wouldn't. I wouldn't take it back. Usually when
I crashed out, i'd be having I'd be justified, you
know what I'm saying. So I felt like I was
justified in that moment. The game was just going a
little crazy, and I got my money's worth. I do
know how to get my money's worth.
Speaker 1 (23:35):
Fifty K.
Speaker 2 (23:37):
I've got met.
Speaker 1 (23:39):
I've been fined fifty K for much less. So you
definitely got your.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
Mother when you told them by you weren't gonna start.
You weren't gonna keep jumping in. There was that the clip. Yeah,
I ain't gonna keep like that, damn bro.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
The only person that ever it was crazy, and I
told it's the only person to ever pay my fine
because I got fined man almost. You know, half half
half a million dollars is a lot back then, especially
considered none of this ship was really It was always
me taking up. But the only person to pay for
my fines for holding up from was cold everyone else. Oh, man,
appreciate you like nah nigga appreciated by paying the fine.
(24:09):
Ya Yeah yeah, don't pat me on the back like
good looking, like nah nigga, take that out of your
big old check and sure, especially when I'm coming to
help you. Come on, man, anyway, man, I appreciate your time.
Quick hitters. Quick, first thing to come to your mind.
Let us know toughest current player to game plan for
in your position that you gotta guard. Kyrie, he's on
(24:33):
his way back to the biggest difference between the league
now and when you entered in twenty sixteen shooting younger
players that you really like. Give me a couple of
guys you really like not on your team.
Speaker 2 (24:43):
VJ. Come Yeah. I like the rookies this year. The
kid and Charlotte's good. H the kid in New Orleans.
Queen just had some good games. Yeah, Nipple and Charlotte
he tough shop the flag who you know started slow,
you started putting it together. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (25:02):
I like this rookie class. I like this year a
lot of talent. The next year rookie class is gonna
be tough too. One player from the past. You wish
you could have played with.
Speaker 2 (25:09):
Kobe for sure.
Speaker 1 (25:10):
Best and worst NBA road trip city best.
Speaker 2 (25:17):
It changes, it changes. I'm gonna just I'm gonna give
the cliche answer. I can't give my real answer. I'm
gonna the Miami Miami. I can't blow the spot up.
Speaker 1 (25:29):
One city you're like, damn, we gotta go here. Mine
used to be Milwaukee or Utah.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
Yeah, probably probably like Indianapolis. I'm like, yeah, that's another
cold national Milwaukee close to the crib. I don't know,
like cold you always go in the wintertimes at the hotel.
They need a new hotel out then, God do they ever?
All right?
Speaker 1 (25:48):
Last question in your opinion? Ranked these three MJ, Kobe
Lebron I'm.
Speaker 2 (25:53):
Gonna go cold one, MJ two Bron three. Ain't mad
at that?
Speaker 1 (25:58):
Fred, Best of luck, Man Recovering. We can't wait to
see you back on the court. Best of luck with
your show. Tell them where they can find it weekly.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Man, find it wherever you find podcasts and videos that
if you need help, just go. Look me up on
Instagram shows called Unguarded and it's a little rehab for me,
little therapy, talking to some fans, talking some shit. So
check it out if you want. If not, fucking y'all
see me back on the court soon, he said, fuck
it if you want. If not, hey, if you need
(26:28):
some guests, let me know. Bro, it's gonna show. Love Man,
Thank you again. Yeah, Speedy Recovering, we'll talk to you soon, BRO.
No do I appreciate you. Bro.
Speaker 1 (26:34):
That's a wrap. Thank you for Fred van Fliet for
joining us. Best of luck, BRO, get healthy. We'll catch
you guys next week.
Speaker 2 (26:41):
Peace
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