Episode XXXVIII: Longtime NBA GM Donnie Walsh

The 38th edition of Whe're They At features longtime NBA team President of Basketball Operations and Executive, Donnie Walsh. He was a star player in the New York City area, graduating Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx. He went on to play with the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) Tarheels, under Hall of Fame coaches Frank McGuire and Dean Smith. After receiving a law degree at UNC, he joined Coach McGuire's coaching staff at the Univ. of South Carolina, then Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown's staff with the NBA's Denver Nuggets. After a brief head coaching stint with Denver, he was hired as General Manager for the Indiana Pacers in 1985. During his 22 seasons with the Pacers running their basketball operations, they made 19 playoff appearances, 6 Eastern Conference Finals and an NBA Finals appearance in 2000. Also, he turned around the New York Knicks organization, making them a playoff team when he was hired for the same role. Mr. Walsh recently retired as a team consultant for the Pacers, after over 60 years in basketball. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Donnie on a cornucopia of topics including:                 

02:35-On how he and his family are staying safe amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.                      04:21-His thoughts on how the National Basketball Association have handled the pandemic and advocated for social justice.                      06:06-On Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon's activism and humanitarianism off the court.                   07:37-Reflects on Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis and is impressed by his son and current Pacers forward, Domantas.                    08:53-Remembers the 2000 NBA Finals with his Pacers.                   10:26-On his Fordham Prep basketball team being upset by Dr. Anthony Fauci's Regis High School team, 62 years ago.   15:06-On how his parents emphasized education in his household.               15:45-Reminisces about his time playing for Hall of Famers Frank McGuire and Dean Smith at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill).                   18:57-On turning down a job offer in Richard Nixon's law firm knowing that basketball was his true calling.                20:05-His first coaching experience under Coach McGuire at the Univ. of South Carolina.                     20:46-His bond with Hall of Famer Larry Brown (guest on the 18th edition of Whe're They At).                     23:58-His approach in turning the Indiana Pacers around in the late-1980's as General Manager, later President of Basketball Operations.                     25:54-On hiring Coach Brown and later Hall of Famer Larry Bird.                   30:56-On his unpopular draft selection of future Hall of Famer and Pacers legend, Reggie Miller.                  35:18-How close was Reggie to signing with the New York Knicks in 1996??                      39:28-On the intense rivalry between the Pacers and Knicks.                    42:01-Reflects on the infamous Malice in the Palace involving his Pacers and the Detroit Pistons.                46:08-On becoming the President of Basketball Operations for his hometown Knicks, was it his dream job?               48:15-On how he revived the Knicks organization.                  50:37-Were the Knicks close to signing LeBron James in 2010?                      53:32-Can LeBron surpass Michael Jordan as the G.O.A.T.?                        56:00-Why did he resign from the Knicks' President job?                   58:22-On the great trade involving Paul George, getting back Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis a few seasons ago with the Pacers.                       1:02:24-He is very impressed with first year head coach, Nate Bjorkgren.   1:05:17-On the NBA teams who look promising to him.                                      1:09:22-The maturation of Domantas Sabonis.                    1:11:50-FAST BREAK segment of random questions for Donnie.                      1:23:31-On his 57+ year marriage with his wife, Judy.