Playing, Winning, and Coaching in the NBA with Bill Cartwright

There are many things that young kids dream of growing up to be. One of the dreams of countless kids is to grow up and be a professional basketball player. I know for me, there were few things I liked to do more than shoot hoops in the basketball court behind our house.

For many kids born in the 70s and 80s they spent their time watching their favorite teams and players compete in aggressive games. Maybe it was Magic Johnson and the L.A. Lakers. It could have been Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. As the 90s hit there seemed to be a new powerhouse emerge with Michael Jordan in the Chicago Bulls. I feel fortunate to have grown up with those memories of a time before the internet and the excitement to watch the next great matchup live on TV.

There were many big players on the Bulls. Many people quickly think of Michael Jordan and Scotty Pippen. But the 'big guy' on the team was center Bill Cartwright. His career in the NBA started with the New York Knicks but what he is known for is his time with the Bulls and his coaching. Bill won 3 NBA Championships with the Bulls as a player and 2 more as a coach.

In today's episode we talk about what it was like to play in the NBA, to play on the NBA Champion Chicago Bulls, playing with Michael Jordan, the difference between playing and coaching, what it takes to be an elite athlete, the power to team, and life beyond the game.