NBA vet and champion coach Damon Jones joins Joe Fahmy for a raw and insightful conversation covering everything from his underdog path to the league, playing alongside legends like LeBron and Shaq, lessons in leadership, and what it's really like behind the scenes in the NBA.
They dive into how the league evolved during Damon’s 12-year career, how mentorship and mindset fueled his rise, and what it takes to stay ready — on the court and in life. Damon also shares powerful reflections on coaching, social media, and why empathy matters more than ever.
Whether you’re a sports fan, investor, or just love great stories — this one’s got something for you.
⏱️ Chapter Markers
00:00 – Intro & Disclaimers
00:41 – Damon Jones Joins the Show
01:02 – Damon’s NBA Background & Current Work
02:16 – Growing Up in Galveston & College Decision
03:44 – Going Undrafted & Fighting to Get In
05:14 – The Call-Up from John Calipari
08:11 – Flight Issues & Loyalty from Sam Cassell
10:28 – Life-Changing NBA Moments
12:24 – Mentorship in the League
13:22 – Mookie Blaylock’s Unseen Assist
15:06 – Being Prepared for Any Opportunity
16:46 – Mental Toll of Retirement from the NBA
18:46 – LeBron’s Longevity & Work Ethic
21:09 – Conditioning at the Elite Level
23:35 – Surrounding Yourself with Greatness
24:25 – The Psychology of Performance
27:00 – Adapting Through NBA Rule Changes
30:05 – Jordan, Bird, and Momentum
34:05 – What Damon Learned from LeBron
38:40 – Why People Hate Success
41:02 – Learning from Greatness
43:26 – Transitioning into Coaching
46:16 – Ty Lue's Coaching Style & Impact
50:14 – 2016 Championship with the Cavaliers
53:10 – Final Thoughts: Empathy Over Judgment
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