Larry Johnson, the former NBA star known as "Grandmama," reflects on his iconic career, including winning a national championship with UNLV and dominating the court with the Hornets and Knicks. He shares insights into his memorable endorsements with Converse and the impact of cultural icons like Tupac and Snoop Dogg on basketball. Listeners will also hear fascinating anecdotes about his role in 'Space Jam' and the enduring bonds formed with teammates during his career.
Larry Johnson reflects on his memorable NCAA championship win against Duke, showcasing the tenacity that defines his career.
He discusses the culture-shaping influence of figures like Tupac and Snoop Dogg during his time at UNLV, highlighting their significance.
Johnson emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the relationships forged in the NBA, demonstrating how they influenced his journey.
Deep dives
Legacy of Larry Johnson
Larry Johnson, famously known as Grandma Ma, discusses his impactful career in basketball, starting from his time at UNLV where he played alongside noteworthy teammates like Greg Anthony and Stacey Augmon. His dynamic playing style made a significant mark in the NBA, particularly during his time with the Charlotte Hornets, where he became a fan-favorite for his explosive dunks and charismatic presence on the court. Johnson highlights how his nickname and persona brought excitement to the game, which resonated with fans and players alike. Despite his success, he reflects on how he feels underappreciated, as he was often overshadowed by contemporaries, yet still recognized as a pivotal force by those in the NBA fraternity.
Life in the League
During the conversation, Johnson shares insights from his entry into the NBA, describing his experiences as a rookie and the challenges he faced, including the physicality of players like Dennis Rodman. He recounts a particularly tough game against Detroit, emphasizing the importance of resilience and mental toughness in professional sports. Johnson also addresses the common misconceptions about the lifestyle of professional athletes, shedding light on the discipline required to succeed amidst temptations off the court. He emphasizes that his journey through the league was forged in dedication to the game, which shaped him into the player he eventually became.
The All-Star Experience
Johnson recalls the pride and excitement of making his first NBA All-Star Game, highlighting the joy and recognition that came with it. The atmosphere surrounding the All-Star Weekend served as a testament to his hard work and effort in establishing himself in the league, making it a memorable milestone in his career. He fondly remembers the camaraderie with fellow players, who welcomed him and showcased the unity and respect amongst athletes. This celebrated experience solidified his belief that he was among the elite in basketball and further motivated him to continue striving for excellence.
Dunk Contest and Legacy
Discussing his experience in the dunk contest, Johnson reflects on the pressure and expectations placed on him, particularly being selected as one of the main competitors. Despite his preparation, he admits to feeling overwhelmed during the contest, which affected his performance and ultimately led to him not winning. Johnson acknowledges the creativity of other competitors and expresses a sense of longing for that opportunity to showcase his dunking abilities fully. His moment during the contest remains an important part of his legacy, reminding fans of the high-flying athleticism that defined his playing style.
Camaraderie and Influence in Basketball
Johnson underscores the importance of teamwork and the relationships he built throughout his career, emphasizing that players like Chris Childs and Charles Oakley were vital to his development as a player. He shares anecdotes about navigating the challenges of playing in different environments and reiterates that accountability resides with all team members. The respect he cultivated with teammates and opponents alike exemplifies the deep sense of camaraderie in basketball, which extends beyond the court. Johnson's reflections demonstrate how the connections formed during his career continue to influence both his life and the lives of those he played with.
This week we’re throwing it back to one of our favorite episodes, when we rocked out with “Grandmama” aka Larry Johnson. The UNLV legend sat down and covered everything from winning a national championship against Duke, to the iconic commercial that coined his nickname, to his time on the Hornets and Knicks. Grandmama was a straight-up bucket! Tune in!
Winning an NCAA championship against Duke (13:05)
Tupac, Snoop Dogg and UNLV’s impact on the culture (17:45)
Signing with Converse — Grandmama commercials and favorite shoes (24:13)
Going to New York, playing for the Knicks (49:32)
About Our Hosts:
NBA veterans Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles are lifelong friends and bona fide truth-tellers. Listen as they invite special guests, high-profile athletes, musicians and entertainers to get brutally honest about everything from current events to untold stories from the golden era of sports and culture. Named for the on-court celebration they made wildly popular, this unfiltered, hilarious and surprising podcast is like playing NBA 2K with no fouls.
