Podcast Summary: "NBA Magic Tricks (with Josiah Johnson)"
Title: NBA Magic Tricks
Host: Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts
Guest: Josiah Johnson
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Introduction to the Episode
In this episode of "My Mama Told Me," hosts Langston Kerman and David Borey delve into intriguing NBA conspiracy theories with special guest Josiah Johnson. The discussion centers around the alleged rigging of the NBA draft, particularly focusing on the 1985 draft, and explores how such manipulations might influence team compositions and league dynamics.
Segment 1: The 1985 NBA Draft Conspiracy
Josiah Johnson initiates the conversation by presenting the core conspiracy theory: the 1985 NBA Draft was manipulated to favor certain teams unfairly. He argues that the selection process, especially the lottery system introduced in 1985, lacks transparency and may be susceptible to undue influence.
- Quote:
David Borey: “[11:09] They didn't.”
Josiah Johnson: “[11:09] Every time we put credential requests out... your credential's been denied.”
Johnson explains how, despite being a passionate NBA fan and having a personal connection through his father who played in the NBA, his attempts to gain official credentials were consistently denied, suggesting favoritism within the league.
- Quote:
Josiah Johnson: “[12:01] ...they show the video, and if you go through and watch it, they basically, like, have this big, like, tumble thing with all the different envelopes in it…”
This refers to the draft lottery process, where Johnson posits that the selection was manipulated to favor the New York Knicks in acquiring Patrick Ewing, contrasting it with the randomness that should characterize such a system.
Segment 2: Modern Implications and Recent Trades
The conversation shifts to contemporary issues, including recent trades by the Dallas Mavericks, notably the controversial trade involving Luka Dončić. Johnson questions the rationale behind such moves, especially when it seemingly benefits power dynamics rather than fostering competitive balance.
- Quote:
Josiah Johnson: “[24:37] ...this is just some fucked up shit going on.”
He likens the improbability of certain trades to "magic tricks," suggesting that the outcome defies statistical likelihood and hints at deeper manipulation within the league's operations.
Langston and David engage by sharing personal anecdotes and perspectives on team management and fan experiences, emphasizing the emotional and financial investments tied to such conspiracies.
Segment 3: The Role of Lawyers and Entertainment in the NBA
Johnson draws parallels between the NBA and entertainment industries like wrestling, highlighting the legal influence on the league's operations. He suggests that the NBA’s classification as an entertainment entity grants it more flexibility and possibly the means to manipulate outcomes without public scrutiny.
- Quote:
Josiah Johnson: “[17:49] ...they hired a very powerful lawyer.”
He references former Commissioner David Stern and current Commissioner Adam Silver’s backgrounds in law, implying that their legal expertise might contribute to behind-the-scenes manipulations.
Segment 4: Player Conduct and League Policies
The discussion transitions to player behavior and the league's disciplinary actions. Johnson critiques how suspensions are handled, citing cases like Ja Morant's gun incident and the differing consequences for various players.
- Quote:
Josiah Johnson: “[18:55] So that's what it ended up becoming. But if you go back to why he initially got suspended...”
He argues that the league's responses are inconsistent and possibly influenced by internal agendas, undermining the integrity of disciplinary measures.
Segment 5: Media Influence and Narrative Control
Kerman and Borey explore how the NBA controls narratives through media interactions, shaping public perception of teams and players. Johnson emphasizes the league’s strategic communication to maintain certain images and stories that benefit its overarching interests.
- Quote:
Langston Kerman: “[49:24] ...they ultimately are weaving the story with the intention of just selling you the best story.”
This segment underscores the potential for the league to prioritize entertainment value over genuine competition, blurring the lines between sports and scripted entertainment.
Segment 6: The Future of the NBA and Competitive Balance
In concluding discussions, the hosts and Johnson ponder the future implications of these conspiracy theories on the NBA's competitive balance. They debate whether the league’s practices foster genuine talent development or merely sustain a controlled competitive environment.
- Quote:
Josiah Johnson: “[55:40] ...you literally telling me a team that has championship level aspirations, trades away their franchise guy…”
This reflects ongoing concerns about team strategies that may prioritize financial or entertainment gains over building competitive rosters, potentially disadvantaging teams striving for authentic success.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with a consensus among the participants that while the NBA presents itself as a fair and competitive league, underlying conspiracies may be at play to preserve its financial and entertainment interests. The conversation leaves listeners pondering the true nature of professional sports leagues and the extent of their influence over the games we watch.
- Quote:
Langston Kerman: “[49:50] ...the NBA is going to continue to rig our league we love so much.”
The hosts encourage listeners to critically evaluate the structures of professional sports and remain vigilant about the potential manipulations within.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- [11:09] David Borey: "They didn't."
- [12:01] Josiah Johnson: "They show the video, and if you go through and watch it, they basically, like, have this big, like, tumble thing with all the different envelopes in it…"
- [17:49] Josiah Johnson: "Their whole crew was all lawyers..."
- [18:55] Josiah Johnson: "So that's what it ended up becoming. But if you go back to why he initially got suspended..."
- [49:24] Langston Kerman: "They ultimately are weaving the story with the intention of just selling you the best story."
- [55:40] Josiah Johnson: "You literally telling me a team that has championship level aspirations, trades away their franchise guy..."
Final Remarks
“My Mama Told Me” offers an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of NBA conspiracy theories, blending personal anecdotes with critical analysis. Through dynamic discussions and insightful commentary, hosts Langston Kerman and David Borey, alongside Josiah Johnson, challenge listeners to reconsider the narratives presented by professional sports leagues.
For more episodes and in-depth discussions, tune in to "My Mama Told Me" on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.