All The Smoke

Cynthia Cooper, a WNBA legend and four-time Finals MVP, graces the conversation with her remarkable journey from picking up basketball at 15 to dominating the league. She shares heartwarming tales about her friendships with Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, highlighting unforgettable moments and their shared respect for the game. Cooper also discusses the impact of young stars like JuJu Watkins and reflects on her own late start in professional basketball, all while addressing the evolution of women's sports and the importance of resilience.

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas joins Matt Barnes to dive into the recent NBA Draft Lottery, speculating on players like Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks' strategy. They analyze Jalen Brunson's impressive playoff performance, comparing him to legends like Iverson and Kobe. Arenas shares insights from his show "Gil's Arena," including a recent spat between Kenyon Martin and Nick Young. He also opens up about his son Alijah's recovery from a serious accident and reflects on a personal detail he wished was included in his Netflix documentary.

Too $hort, a legendary rapper and actor known for his role in 'Freaky Tales,' joins storytelling maestro Symba for some hilarious and insightful chats. They dive into Too $hort's transition from acting in 'Menace II Society' to filmmaking, share wild studio tales, and discuss the evolving rap landscape. Tensions rise during a fiery debate over Steph Curry's legacy versus LeBron James, drawing on their own experiences in the game. Nostalgia fills the air as they reminisce about hip-hop's golden era and reflect on the Bay Area's cultural impact.

Vernon Maxwell, a former NBA player known for his fiery attitude, and Keyon Dooling, who shares insightful perspectives on the game, discuss redemption and mental health in the basketball community. They analyze playoff upsets, including the Knicks’ comeback against the Celtics, and John Haliburton's interactions with Giannis. Hilarity ensues as Maxwell sends a wake-up call to Boston, while Dooling unexpectedly praises NBA referees. The duo also examines the futures of the Mavericks and Lakers, offering hot takes on player performance and team dynamics.

Craig Hodges, a former NBA sharpshooter and political activist, shares his compelling journey from winning championships with Michael Jordan to being marginalized in the league. He discusses his coaching experience with Kobe Bryant and the powerful impact of his letter to President Bush during a pivotal White House visit. Hodges delves into the evolution of basketball play styles, the weight of athlete activism, and the importance of community ties, all while reflecting on the complexities of identity and advocacy in sports.

In this episode, Rasheed Wallace shares his funniest and most unforgettable NBA stories from his legendary career. Plus, Tee Grizzley breaks down how he built a million-dollar gaming empire from the ground up. You won't want to miss these wild behind-the-scenes moments and inspiring success stories!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NBA legend Reggie Miller joins All The Smoke for an unfiltered sit-down covering everything from Malice at the Palace to his iconic battles with Michael Jordan and trash-talking with the greats. He opens up about growing up with Cheryl Miller, mentoring Kobe, his sneaker game, and what he regrets most in his career. Plus, Reggie calls Spike Lee live and reveals his dream dinner guests, all-time best album, and 2025 NBA title pick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Nichols, a seasoned sports broadcaster and journalist, joins Matt Barnes to dive deep into the whirlwind of NBA playoffs. They discuss the Lakers' surprising struggles, Steph Curry's electrifying performances, and the complexity of NBA Awards voting. Rachel shares insights on Giannis’ potential dissatisfaction in Milwaukee, while Matt reacts to award candidates, spotlighting Jayson Tatum and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The duo explores coaching impacts and Rio's breakthroughs, mixing analysis with the excitement of postseason chaos!

Ryan Coogler, the visionary director behind hits like Black Panther, shares captivating insights about his creative journey. He opens up about his deep bond with Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan, revealing untold stories that shaped their collaborations. The discussion touches on the powerful intersection of music and film, especially his work with Kendrick Lamar. Coogler also reflects on the challenges of portraying sports narratives and shares his personal memories of legendary athletes, enriching the conversation with heartfelt anecdotes.

Keyon Dooling, a former NBA player, joins to dive deep into the chaos surrounding the Phoenix Suns, including the firing of Coach Budenholzer and Kevin Durant's uncertain future. He and Matt Barnes speculate on Durant’s next team and analyze playoff matchups, highlighting the Bucks and Lakers. Meanwhile, DeShaun Foster, head coach of UCLA Bruins, shares his journey back to UCLA, his coaching philosophy, and navigating NIL and the transfer portal. The discussions are lively and packed with insights into both NBA and college football dynamics.