Digest

This episode of the Athletic NBA Show features a conversation with former NBA player and current LIU head coach Rod Strickland. The hosts discuss Kyrie Irving's recent performance in the playoffs, his leadership on the Dallas Mavericks, and his ability to play off the ball. They also discuss the impact of the NIL era on college basketball and the challenges of coaching in the current landscape. Rod Strickland shares his experiences as a player, including his time with the Washington Wizards and his decision to retire from the NBA. He also talks about his transition to coaching and the importance of having a good team around you.

Outlines

00:00:12

Introducing Rod Strickland

This Chapter introduces Rod Strickland, the head coach at LIU Brooklyn, as a special guest on the Athletic NBA Show. The hosts express their excitement to have him on the show and highlight his positive relationship with the media.

00:00:49

Kyrie Irving's Skill and Resilience

This Chapter delves into a discussion about Kyrie Irving's exceptional basketball skills, particularly his ball handling, accuracy, and shooting. The hosts acknowledge his resilience in overcoming challenges and returning to his peak performance on the court.

00:01:40

Kyrie Irving's Leadership and Experience

This Chapter explores Kyrie Irving's leadership qualities and his role as a veteran player on the Dallas Mavericks. The hosts discuss how his experience and understanding of the game have contributed to his leadership and his ability to guide younger players.

00:02:11

The Impact of the NIL Era on College Basketball

This Chapter examines the impact of the NIL era on college basketball, particularly the challenges it presents for coaches and players. The hosts discuss the financial incentives that players face and the potential for players to prioritize money over development.

00:33:40

Rod Strickland's Coaching Journey

This Chapter focuses on Rod Strickland's transition from player to coach. He shares his experiences coaching at LIU Brooklyn and the challenges of recruiting and building a team in the current college basketball landscape.

00:37:26

Rod Strickland's Retirement and Coaching Decision

This Chapter delves into Rod Strickland's decision to retire from the NBA and his journey to becoming a coach. He shares a personal anecdote about his near-retirement and how he ultimately decided to pursue coaching.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of Kyrie Irving's most impressive basketball skills?

  Kyrie Irving is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, accuracy, and shooting. He's able to shoot the ball with high accuracy, even from difficult angles, and his ball-handling skills allow him to create space and get to the basket with ease.

• How has Kyrie Irving's experience impacted his leadership on the Dallas Mavericks?

  Kyrie Irving's experience and understanding of the game have made him a valuable leader on the Dallas Mavericks. He's able to guide younger players, make smart decisions on the court, and help the team stay focused during crucial moments.

• What are some of the challenges that coaches face in the NIL era?

  Coaches face challenges in the NIL era, particularly in recruiting and retaining players. Players now have the opportunity to earn significant income outside of their scholarships, which can make it difficult for coaches to compete with the financial incentives that players may receive from other schools or from outside sources.

• What are some of the key factors that will determine the outcome of the NBA Finals?

  The outcome of the NBA Finals will likely depend on the performance of the two superstars on each team, Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić for the Dallas Mavericks, and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for the Boston Celtics. The role players on each team will also play a crucial role, particularly in providing support and making key plays.

• What are some of the key differences between the NBA of today and the NBA of Rod Strickland's playing days?

  The NBA of today is a more perimeter-oriented game, with a greater emphasis on three-point shooting and ball screens. The game is also less physical than it was in the past, which has allowed players like Kyrie Irving to thrive with their ball-handling skills and scoring ability.

• What are some of the challenges that Rod Strickland faces as a coach in the current college basketball landscape?

  Rod Strickland faces challenges in the current college basketball landscape, particularly in recruiting and retaining players. The transfer portal has made it easier for players to move between schools, and the NIL era has created new financial incentives for players. This has made it more difficult for coaches to build a consistent team and to maintain a strong program.

• What are some of the key lessons that Rod Strickland has learned from his time as a player and a coach?

  Rod Strickland has learned the importance of having a good team around you, both as a player and as a coach. He has also learned the importance of staying focused and resilient, particularly in the face of adversity. He believes that experience and understanding of the game are crucial for success, both on and off the court.

• What are some of the key differences between Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum as players?

  Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum are both exceptional players, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. Kyrie Irving is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, scoring ability, and creative playmaking. Jayson Tatum is known for his scoring ability, versatility, and playmaking. Tatum is a more traditional scorer, while Irving is more of a creative playmaker. Both players are capable of taking over games, but they do so in different ways.

• What are some of the key factors that will determine the outcome of the Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics series?

  The outcome of the Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics series will likely depend on the performance of the two superstars on each team, Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić for the Dallas Mavericks, and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for the Boston Celtics. The role players on each team will also play a crucial role, particularly in providing support and making key plays.

• What are some of the key differences between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics as teams?

  The Dallas Mavericks are a more perimeter-oriented team, with a greater emphasis on three-point shooting and ball screens. The Boston Celtics are a more balanced team, with a strong inside-outside game. The Mavericks are known for their high-scoring offense, while the Celtics are known for their defense. Both teams are capable of winning championships, but they do so in different ways.

Show Notes