NBA History Conversations: Basketball Record
Former NBA/ABA players, coaches, and media share their hoops journeys, with topic-driven episodes and Adam’s Australian take on basketball history.
Episodes
Fred Roberts’ basketball journey began with back-to-back state titles in high school - setting the tone for his fascinating career. He then starred for the BYU Cougars, began his pro career in Italy and went on to play 13 NBA seasons across seven franchises, while also winning a title overseas with Barcelona.
Fred looks back on stops in San Antonio, Utah, Boston, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Los Angeles and Dallas, with each chapter bringi...
In this special episode, we mark the 50th anniversary of the 1976 ABA All-Star Game - the final showcase of a league that helped reshape modern basketball.
Recorded in early 2026, this panel brings together those who lived it: Artis Gilmore, Billy Knight and Brian Taylor, alongside longtime NBA executive Pete Babcock and legendary journalist Peter Vecsey, who covered the ABA firsthand. Also joining is my good friend and longtime bas...
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 o...
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 year...
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 remar...
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?
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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.
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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.
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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...
Let's welcome long-time broadcaster, Jim Brinson, to the show. We dive into Jim's journey through radio and TV over the years. A highlight of our chat is Jim's experience covering Michael Jordan’s NBA regular-season debut on October 26, 1984. Jim has some fantastic stories to share. One involves the legendary Wes Unseld (RIP) and Danny Ainge, while the other takes us to a hilarious moment during Jim’s unforgettable v...
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 ...
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...
Welcome Rich Rinaldi to the show. Part one of our extended conversation about his life. We recorded this on Rich’s 75th birthday (an added treat). A wide-ranging discussion and perfect example of why I love creating my podcast. We talk baseball - Rich’s first sporting love - and what led to his switch to basketball at age 14.
Rinaldi became a hoops standout in high school and a star in college, amid the real possibility of...
My recap of the final stop on the No Bull Tour (Sydney). Australian legend, Luc Longley, invited his former Chicago Bulls teammates, Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, to our friendly shores. The show was even better than I could have imagined.
For greater context, I created this YouTube video to accompany the audio. It features a wide range of photos spanning the players' careers. There's also brief footage from t...
Let's welcome the legendary Tom Chambers to the show. A massive thanks to our mutual friend, Jeff Wells. Jeff was my guest on episode 128. We detailed his campaign for Tom to enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. We also spoke at length about Jeff’s awesome YouTube channel, TC24, devoted to the life of Tommy C. Without Jeff, today’s episode would simply not be possible. I strongly encourage you to subscribe to TC24 – it ...
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-...
Reggie Lewis tragically passed away 30 years ago (1993) at the age of just 27. This is an updated re-release of episode 27 with my great mate, Todd Spehr. We recorded our chat ten years ago to mark the 20th anniversary of Lewis' sudden passing.
I’ve added numerous audio clips for greater context, edited our original conversation and improved its sound quality. We discussed the life and times of Reggie - from his days ...
The legendary Beef Brothers (Rick Mahorn and Jeff Ruland) return for episode six.
01:49 2023 NBA Draft Lottery - Wemby to San Antonio Spurs
06:21 Ralph Sampson (and Bill Walton) - similarities to Victor?
07:16 Manute Bol was how old when he joined NBA?! Chuck Nevitt mention!
08:37 Bill Garnett ('82 Draft - pick #4) and Jeff Ruland have beef!
09:09 Rick offers Jeff tissues to get over the incident!
...
Let's welcome Bill Willoughby to the show. There are many more strings to his bow – as you’ll hear in my introduction - however, Bill rose to national awareness during the 1981 NBA Playoffs, by virtue of his excellent defense against the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Willoughby is one of only a few to ever reject The Captain’s iconic skyhook. A topic we certainly cover in this refreshingly open and honest conversation.
The legendary Beef Brothers (Rick Mahorn and Jeff Ruland) return for episode five.
01:12 2023 NBA Awards thus far
03:23 Rick Mahorn nominated for Washington Wizards President?!
05:12 Players who find a great fit on the right team
06:23 Kyrie conundrum
06:37 Jeff and Rick's role on 1980s Bullets
08:55 2023 Playoffs - 76ers, Nuggets and Suns advance to round two
09:47 Trae Young shocks Boston (Ga...
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