Rod Strickland | Ep 217 | ALL THE SMOKE Full Episode
Feb 1, 2024
auto_awesome
Rod Strickland, former NBA player and coach, opens up about his time in the NBA, coaching college, and NYC's best point guards. He discusses Kyrie Irving's greatness and reflects on his own career and regrets. The podcast also covers the challenges of coaching young basketball players, the influence and imagination in basketball, hip hop references, and the evolution of the point guard position.
The podcast discusses the evolving role of point guards in basketball, emphasizing the shift towards scoring point guards while acknowledging the continued value of playmakers like Chris Paul.
The conversation explores the greatness of Michael Jordan and the impact he had on the basketball culture, while also acknowledging the contributions of other players like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Stephen Curry.
Deep dives
Podcast Episode Overview
This podcast episode features an interview with Rod Strickland, former NBA player and current head coach at L.I.U. in Brooklyn. Strickland discusses his transition from working in the NBA front office to becoming a head coach, the challenges he faced in his coaching role, and the importance of communication and player development. He also reflects on his basketball journey, including his time playing in New York City and his experiences with notable players such as Clyde Drexler and Chris Webber. Additionally, Strickland shares insights into the changing landscape of the NBA and the role of skills and IQ in player development.
The Evolution of the Point Guard Position
The podcast discusses how the role of the point guard has changed over time. The guest mentions that the game has shifted towards a scoring point guard era, with shooting and three-point percentages becoming more important. However, the host points out that true point guards who prioritize making their team better, like Chris Paul, are still valued. The guest reflects on the impact of social media and the increased scrutiny on young players' performance. They also mention how Stephen Curry has revolutionized the game by influencing young players to prioritize three-point shooting from a young age.
Reflecting on Michael Jordan and Ranking Great Players
The conversation shifts to discussing the greatest player of all time, with the focus on Michael Jordan. The guest expresses admiration for Jordan's domination, his ability to instill fear in opponents, and his impact on the culture of basketball. They also acknowledge the greatness of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, with each player bringing different qualities to the game. The guest notes that ranking players can vary based on preferences and personal experiences, but believes Jordan's dominance sets him apart. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the different contributions of players like Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry in shaping the game.
The OG himself, one of the best point gods to come out of NYC, Rod Strickland joins the boys on today's episode of ALL THE SMOKE. Strickland opens up about his time in the NBA, his regrets and more. Plus, he talks about coaching college at LIU Brooklyn, growing up in the Bronx, NYC's best point guards of all-time, Kyrie Irving's greatness, and today's NBA.