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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 research. He is a brand ambassador. Enter promo code 𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 for 20% off a yearly Stathead subscription. Pay monthly (plans from $9) and get your first month free! Cancel anytime.

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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 visit to Wilt Chamberlain’s (RIP) bathroom. You won’t want to miss it!

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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 is a brand ambassador. Enter promo code 𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 for 20% off a yearly Stathead subscription. Pay monthly (plans from $9) and get your first month free! Cancel anytime.

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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 life. Rico's talents flourished in Europe. After an initial stumbling block, he starred in Switzerland for five years.

At age 50, Rinaldi began working with the National Basketball Players Association. A position he relished and was arguably tailor-made for. Rich details the highlights of his almost 20 years at the NBPA.

If you can't identify with the highs and lows of Rich's life story, I'm not sure what to tell you. This conversation is why I love producing my podcast.

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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 being drafted for military service in the Vietnam War. Our chat covers through early 1971 – just before the ABA and NBA drafts (March). Keep an ear out for part two where we’ll delve into Rich’s pro career; the NBA, ABA and overseas (where he starred for six seasons).

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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 the end of the show, when we were able to record video of the Bulls trio.

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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 features a wealth of excellent clips and features on Mr. Chambers.

This episode is sprinkled with audio snippets that add more context to my conversation with Tom. In some instances, the audio is edited for brevity. Where applicable, most clips are available to watch – or listen to - in full on TC24.

Please note that our conversation was recorded on January 21, 2024. As of that date, the stats I discuss with Tom - re the number of 60-plus point scorers - are correct. In recent weeks, remarkably, an additional five such games have been added to that exclusive list. TC discusses a wealth of topics in this episode. From a personal point of view, it may be the most enjoyable conversation in the history of my podcast.

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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-more points per season in six of his 11 campaigns in the Valley of the Sun.

A quick sidebar. Per Basketball Reference.com, on July 6, 1988, Walter Davis was the second player in NBA history to sign as an unrestricted free agent. He joined the Denver Nuggets one day after another would-be Suns legend, Tom Chambers, signed w/ Phoenix.

In the lead-up to recording this conversation, I put out a call for listener contributions. Tim Gallagher kindly answered the bell. Tim has collected sports autographs for more than 50 years and is a Consignment Director for Robert Edward Auctions. You’ll hear Tim’s reflections on Walter Davis as an interlude within the episode. Tim will also feature as a future guest on my podcast. He has a wealth of incredible stories to tell.

RIP, Walter Davis. The Man with the Velvet Touch.

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