Untold Stories About Young Kobe, Beating Jordan, Latrell Sprewell, Larry Bird & More | STORY MODE
Feb 19, 2024
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Discussing playing with Young Lakers 3-Peat, facing MJ post-retirement, having Larry Bird as teammate. Revealing behind-the-scenes of Sprewell & Carlesimo incident. Exploring Kobe's competitive spirit, Shaq teamwork, and coaching styles. Delving into post-Jordan era basketball landscape and overseas playing risks. Sharing memorable stories with Larry Bird and insights on NBA trades.
Playing alongside Larry Bird pushed Brian Shaw to elevate his game with Bird's trash-talking and mental toughness.
Brian Shaw's decision to play overseas instead of signing a low-paying contract with the Celtics proved financially beneficial.
The altercation between Latrell Sprewell and P.J. Carlesimo highlighted the clash between coaching methods and player rebellion.
Deep dives
Shaq's Departure and Its Impact
When Shaq decided to leave Orlando and join the Lakers, it was a devastating blow for the Magic. The team relied heavily on Shaq's dominant presence in the low post, and his departure left a significant void in their roster. Other players had to adjust to new roles and responsibilities, and the team's dynamics changed. The loss of Shaq's scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking capabilities had a noticeable impact on the team's performance. Overall, the departure of Shaq was a significant setback for the Orlando Magic.
Playing Overseas and Returning to the Celtics
Brian Shaw's decision to play overseas after his first year with the Boston Celtics was considered unusual at the time. Many people criticized his choice, but it ultimately ended up being a wise decision financially. He received a lucrative offer to play for an Italian team and decided to take it, rather than signing a multi-year deal with the Celtics for a relatively low salary. While he faced some backlash upon his return to the Celtics, he ultimately earned a more lucrative contract and secured his financial future.
Playing Alongside Larry Bird
Playing alongside Larry Bird provided Brian Shaw with a memorable experience. Bird's reputation as a notorious shit-talker was well-known, and Shaw witnessed it firsthand during practices and games. Bird's trash talking and competitive nature pushed Shaw and his teammates to elevate their game. It was initially surprising to Shaw how effective Bird was, despite not possessing extraordinary athleticism. Bird's basketball IQ and skills were top-notch, and he utilized his sharp wit and mental toughness to outsmart opponents and get inside their heads. Shaw has fond memories of his time playing with the legendary Larry Bird.
Memorable Stories with Larry Bird
Larry Bird was famous for his trash talking and competitive nature. One memorable story involves Bird challenging Brian Shaw and Reggie Lewis to a one-on-two game during practice. Bird stipulated that he could have the ball first, causing Shaw and Lewis to initially underestimate Bird. However, Bird quickly scored six points before they even touched the ball. Realizing they needed to change their strategy, Shaw and Lewis shifted to double-teaming Bird, eventually winning the one-on-two match-up. This experience highlighted Bird's exceptional skills and competitiveness, leaving a lasting impression on Shaw.
The Importance of Work Ethic and Fundamentals
In this podcast episode, the speaker reflects on his time playing with Larry Bird and Kobe Bryant. He emphasizes their exceptional work ethic and fundamental skills, which set them apart from other players. The speaker shares anecdotes of Larry Bird's dominance on the court, his skill at trash-talking opponents, and his sense of humor. On the other hand, he discusses Kobe Bryant's dedication to his craft, including his pre-practice routine of visualizing his moves and practicing footwork. The speaker also highlights how he passed on these lessons and insights to Paul George, who quickly improved his game and developed a more aggressive mentality.
The Latrell Sprewell and P.J. Carlesimo Altercation
The podcast also delves into the infamous altercation between Latrell Sprewell and P.J. Carlesimo. The speaker reveals that tensions had been building between them due to Carlesimo's coaching style and his strict enforcement of team rules. The incident occurred when Carlesimo repeatedly criticized Sprewell's clothing choices and confronted him during practice. Sprewell finally snapped and put Carlesimo in a chokehold, leading to his suspension for the rest of the season. The speaker mentions how the team rallied behind Sprewell during a press conference to show support, leading to trade rumors and resulting in changes within the team. Ultimately, the incident highlights the clash between Carlesimo's coaching methods and Sprewell's rebellious nature.
In this edition of STORY MODE, Brian Shaw (3x NBA champion, 14-year NBA vet & Clippers assistant coach) joins to discuss playing with the Young Lakers 3-Peat and his time with the Orlando Magic. Also, the guys talk about playing MJ fresh off his first retirement and what it was like having Larry Bird as a teammate. Then, find out what really happened behind the scenes of the infamous choking incident between former Warriors player Latrell Sprewell and his head coach P.J. Carlesimo.
