Joe and Jada – John Wall on NBA Slam Dunk GOATs, Wizards & Kentucky, Allen Iverson & Lil Wayne

Host: Fat Joe & Jadakiss
Guest: John Wall
Release Date: September 16, 2025

Overview

This episode features NBA star John Wall joining hip-hop legends Fat Joe and Jadakiss for a wide-ranging conversation that blends deep basketball insights, hilarious storytelling, and respect for hip-hop culture. Topics include Wall’s transition to broadcasting, his Kentucky roots, behind-the-scenes NBA life, reflections on Rucker Park, the state of the NBA game, and lively debates about the greatest dunkers, point guards, and who’s really moving the culture. The chemistry among the hosts and Wall leads to an episode rich with untold stories, big laughs, and characteristically blunt opinions.

Key Topics & Discussion Highlights

John Wall’s New Chapter: Broadcasting & Life After the NBA

• Transitioning to Amazon Prime Analyst

  • Wall talks about joining Amazon Prime as an NBA studio analyst, working in LA alongside legends like Dwyane Wade, Steve Nash, Udonis Haslem, Candace Parker, Dirk Nowitzki, Blake Griffin, and Rudy Gay.
    • “Just being in a space where I get to talk basketball … it’s my next career.” (03:26)
    • Wall retired earlier this year: “Something I didn't want to do, but it was a perfect time. Had the next chapter coming and I’m taking the full head of steam.” (03:26)
  • He describes the emotional 'bittersweet' decision to retire, efforts to get back on the court, and finding fulfillment in his new broadcasting path. (04:56–05:47)

• Staying Around the Game

  • Wall emphasizes how important it is for former players to stay connected to basketball:
    • “I can still be around the game, but I just won’t be on the court no more… I wanted to leave on my terms.” (05:34)

Kentucky Days: Forming a Brotherhood and Rock Star Status

• Deciding on Kentucky

  • Wall details his mother's influence and ultimate support:
    • “She was like, don’t pick the school for me. Do what’s best for you. And I was glad that happened because I knew where I really wanted to be.” (07:24)
  • The Kentucky team’s rise to rock star fame, high expectations, and brotherhood, particularly with DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, and Eric Bledsoe. (08:10–09:39)
  • “College basketball didn't have that much excitement until we came. …We brought that excitement back.” (09:26)

• Bond with DeMarcus 'Boogie' Cousins

  • Wall recounts their friendship since age 13 and their pact to go to college together.
    • “From that day forward, we, like, we gonna go to college together.” (11:32)

• Pressures of Being a Top Prospect

  • On fame in high school and avoiding trouble:
    • “There was a lot of pressure. But… it wasn’t no camera. It was no social media back then, so I didn’t have to worry… You had to come see me to see what was really going on.” (12:33)

NBA Rookie Years & the Wizards

• Draft Night & Early Years in D.C.

  • Drafted #1, Wall thought he might end up in New Jersey but wound up close to home in D.C.; shares draft process nerves and excitement (33:21–34:20).

• On D.C. Nightlife and Adjusting to Big City Life

  • Wall stayed focused early in his career, didn’t join the club scene until years later when he felt established. (34:46)

• Rookie Hazing Stories

  • “Gotta have a snack bag… donuts in there in the morning before everybody get their newspapers. …You might get thrown into a cold tub.” (35:22–35:55)

• Life Lessons from the Vets

  • Fat Joe shares stories about players sleeping with cash in their bathtubs; Wall reflects on NBA money culture and respecting rookie dues. (36:24–37:04)

Facing NBA Greats & On-Court Legends

• First Time Guarding AI and Kobe

  • Wall describes chills facing Allen Iverson (“You getting the chills… after the first play it’s basketball”) and Kobe, including blocking Kobe’s shot as a rookie. (37:18–38:10)

• Fast Point Guards Era

  • Talks about going up against Derrick Rose, Westbrook, De’Aaron Fox, and Monta Ellis (“That was the first time somebody was quicker than me” – on D. Rose) (39:19–39:54)
  • Wall shares the grind of facing elite PGs nightly (56:15+).

Deep Dives: Coaching, the Modern Game, and IQ

• NBA’s Modern Three-Point Obsession

  • Fat Joe, Wall, and Jadakiss lament the shift away from midrange and smart basketball:
    • “If you shoot them in range on certain teams … it’s threes or layups. That’s what the league has evolved into now.” (46:30)
    • “Smart guys win championships. Can’t be a dummy.” (48:30)

• What Makes Jokic and European Centers Different

  • Discussion on how overseas players develop better fundamentals (“They’re more fundamental… they learn how to play fundamental before they play 5 on 5.” – Wall, 50:07)

Rucker Park Stories & The Culture

• Electricity of Rucker Park

  • Fat Joe and Jadakiss reminisce about NBA stars at The Rucker and why not everyone is built for streetball.
    • “Some of them wasn’t built for that. And they were … All Stars.” (51:02)
    • “[Kobe] lacing up at the park… the whole park is just electrified.” (50:36)
  • KD’s legendary Rucker game—unstoppable shooting, whole crowd swarming (52:31–53:21)

• Genealogy of Dunk Contests & NBA Legends

  • Lively debate over the greatest NBA dunkers: Vince Carter, Zach LaVine, Desmond Mason, Jason Richardson, and more. (66:42–68:59)
  • Wall emphasizes: "The stars gotta be in it... you want to see a Ja Morant, Zion Williamson.” (64:45–65:10)

Music, Motivation, and Hip-Hop

• John Wall’s Pre-Game Playlist
  • “I like [Lil] Durk… Future … Carter 3, Dedication 2 … That’s all I was listening to like you gonna ever change this shit? Hell no.” (87:17–88:27)
  • Fat Joe shares stories of Lil Wayne’s lyrical dominance in the studio (90:03–91:39)

Top Point Guards of Wall’s Era

• Wall’s Picks (56:15–57:20)

  • Derrick Rose
  • Russell Westbrook
  • Rajon Rondo
  • Deron Williams ("People sleep on this guy and I don’t know why.")
  • Chris Paul

• Toughest Guarded:

  • Steve Nash, who “went 10 for 10… just running around eating.” (57:20–57:29)

The Business and Brotherhood of Basketball

• On Kentucky sending so many to the NBA

  • “Now we the first three to ever get five guys to go in the first round.” (24:25)

• Importance of Situation in Career Development

  • “It’s all about where you get drafted at… One wrong situation, four years put you on.” (100:06–100:25)

• Underrated Players

  • Wall names Darius Garland, Johnathan Kuminga, Jamal Murray, and DeJounte Murray as underrated “unsung heroes.” (101:02–102:24)
  • Fat Joe pushes back on Garland: “He fold all the time, man. He not the one.” (101:07)

Memorable, Candid Quotes & Moments

• On retiring:
  “I wanted to leave on my terms… not on the court, but leaving on my terms of what’s the next chapter.” – John Wall, (05:34)

• On seeing Allen Iverson for the first time in an NBA game:
  “You getting the chills. …Like, oh shit, it’s real.” – John Wall (37:18)

• On Rucker Park and KD:
  “KD’s the greatest. He had the greatest performance of an NBA player at Rucker park ever in history… Water in the net. I never seen no shit like that.” – Fat Joe (52:32–53:03)

• On the evolution of NBA offenses:
  “It’s threes or layups. That’s what the league has evolved into now.” – John Wall (46:30)

• On the best dressed NBA player:
  “Sga, if you argue with me, you wearing the red Nike… like, you gotta chill.” – Fat Joe (97:53)

  • “He throw that on… Fashion week every day.” – Fat Joe (98:15)

• On AI (Allen Iverson) Changing the NBA:
  “They changed the dress code because of AI… they worked so much against this guy.” – Fat Joe (72:02–72:20)

• On NBA IQ and winning titles:
  “Smart guys win championships. Can’t be a dummy.” – Fat Joe (48:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:26] – Wall talks broadcasting, moving to Amazon Prime after NBA
• [07:08] – Growing up in North Carolina, recruiting, and Kentucky choice
• [08:10–09:39] – Kentucky brotherhood, forming the “Three Amigos,” being college rock stars
• [14:04] – Early fame, handling pressure pre-social media
• [33:21–34:20] – Getting drafted, joining Wizards
• [35:22–35:55] – Rookie “snack bag” hazing stories
• [37:18–38:10] – First times playing against Allen Iverson and Kobe
• [39:19–39:54] – Facing fast guards: D. Rose, Westbrook, Fox, Ellis
• [46:30–47:15] – NBA’s three-point revolution vs. smart basketball
• [50:36–53:03] – Rucker Park legends: Kobe, KD, AI
• [56:15–57:29] – Wall’s top point guards and toughest assignments
• [64:45–65:10] – What dunk contest is missing, stars not participating
• [90:03–91:39] – Fat Joe/Lil Wayne story: “I am a beast, feed me hip hop…”
• [101:02–102:24] – Unsung NBA heroes and underrated players

Tone & Style

The conversation is unscripted, raw, and full of insider flavor—true to the streetwise, brag-heavy, and culture-driven style Fat Joe and Jadakiss bring. John Wall is candid, often self-deprecating but proud, and brings both humility and bravado to his stories. Frequent use of playful trash talk, asides about fashion and music, and open debates about player reputations and the real behind-the-scenes dynamics makes the episode especially lively and accessible—even for listeners less steeped in basketball or hip-hop.

Conclusion

This episode offers a richly detailed, entertaining, and insightful look at the intersection of hip-hop, basketball, and personal legacy. Whether it’s tales from Kentucky, the pros, or music studio wars; whether debating the GOATs of dunking or fashion; or whether breaking down the state of NBA strategy, the trio bring sharp opinions and infectious energy. John Wall’s journey—from a kid breaking onto the scene, to NBA stardom, to the next act in broadcasting—is at the center, but the show is just as much about celebrating the community, the culture, and the grind that connects hip-hop and hoops.

For die-hard fans and the uninitiated alike, this episode is a must-listen, blending the best of the barbershop, the locker room, and the backstage of a hip-hop show into two hours of culture, comedy, and truth-telling.