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Baron Davis
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Kevin Durant
A few weeks ago you Said you didn't want to be traded in the middle of the season, which is why you didn't come to the warriors, which I thought was gonna happen. I was at the game, I was like, oh, man, Katie came over here.
Baron Davis
He showed me love.
Kevin Durant
I was like, oh, we about to get kd. Do you want your career to end in Phoenix?
Kyrie Irving
Man, I want my career to end on my terms. That's the only thing.
Kevin Durant
Bingo.
Kyrie Irving
That's the only thing I'm worried about, you know what I'm saying?
Kevin Durant
That's all that matter.
Kyrie Irving
Because I see a lot of dudes that don't get that opportunity, you know what I'm saying? So I want to keep putting in that work to, you know, make that choice on my own. But as far as the Warriors, I just didn't think it was, you know, and then I didn't want to move. And then as a player like me, I just. I cost a lot. I cost. I mean, me going into your team is going to make just a. It's going to be a whole new area of your team when I get to your team, you know what I'm saying? So. And that's a lot of work and change through the season. Like, I'm still of value, you know what I'm saying? Especially in my contract and just my. In my production. That me just getting up and moving in the middle of season, it's going to be a big blow to any team I'm going to. You know what I'm saying? So it's like, I get why y'all want to trade me. And, you know, when y'all looking at it just from simple fact, that's just business. But from me looking at it, I'm just like. It just don't make sense for either side right now to go. Go through that, you know what I'm saying? When we just play the season out, and if that's the decision you want to make, you know, in the off season, then, you know, you figure it.
Kevin Durant
Out, so be it.
Kyrie Irving
It's just such a big change to make. And I've been through it before. I was like, damn, that's not really it.
Kevin Durant
Yeah, it ain't the right move, like, to be able to move in the middle of the season and all that. 26 games left, you know, if I.
Kyrie Irving
Can'T stop it, then why not? You know what I'm saying? But I. And then the narratives that's going to come with all that shit, it was just like, you know, you don't want to go stay There. You don't want to go play with Draymond no more. You don't want to. The nerd got in your way. You don't want to go back. I was like, yeah, that is annoying. I don't like it. But I can play under, like, you don't know what, like, the type of that people say about me. I could play under the noise. It's a simple fact that, like, there's no need. I didn't feel like it was a need to, you know, make that big of a change right now. It didn't make sense to me, so I tried to. I'm glad it was, you know. And look, look, look what y'all doing right now, Dre. Y'all looking good, Jimmy. And then you still got Camino on the way back, you know what I'm saying? So I didn't think it made sense.
Baron Davis
Absolutely, no. I think a lot of people don't realize what you going through that in Phoenix of the midnight hour. Trade. Bridges leave. I think Aiden left.
Kyrie Irving
No. Cam Johnson.
Baron Davis
Cam Johnson. Bridges, Cam Johnson. Those were big gaps, you know what I'm saying? To try to fill those holes. You make that move in the off season, there may be a third team you can get involved or different stuff where you don't have to deplete your whole team during the middle of the season. That is very tough to do. And I don't think people realize. And then, like you said, also, being at your age, I think everybody still look at you like you a spring chicken because of the way you play. So you still hooping at the same level, but you're set in your life and in your ways at this age to just up and leave. That is a lot like, for Jimmy, Jimmy needed that. You know what I'm saying? Like, Jimmy needed a change. That was a different thing. But, you know, if he didn't want that change before, which is probably why he was never traded before, because y'all do have that type of power to say nah. And no franchise ultimately want to disrespect guys like y'all, because if they do, how do you ever get another one that.
Norman Powell
Exactly.
Kyrie Irving
And then I just want to see it, you know, when you commit to something in a season like that, and it's like, everybody's still. Nobody's like, big injuries, like, everybody's in the lineup and, like, you know what I'm saying? I'm trying to see this through to the end and see what we can really do with it, you know what I'm saying? So. And I feel like I'm committed to my coaches and teammates and I want to see it through. So, man, I wanted to lock in on that.
Kevin Durant
Do you think people are still mad at you for playing with the Warriors?
Kyrie Irving
I mean, I'm sure some people not gonna, like, let it go. I'm gonna say they mad, they still angry about it, but I don't think they gonna forget that, that I went to the warriors, you know what I'm saying? There's gonna always be a talking point when it comes to my career, but I don't give a shit. We did some incredible things and we. Some of the most fun times of my life, moving around as a Warrior. So there's gonna be people that love it, there's gonna be people that hate it, man. But at the end of the day.
Baron Davis
It happened and it was great.
Kevin Durant
And we happy it did because it created a dynasty, man. Got to see you at the peak of your career and your moment. And so when you think about when time passed and people are like, damn, bro, like, we wish this would have stayed together for, you know, three, four more years.
Kyrie Irving
Yeah, they gonna say that. They gonna say that. But when? They should just be, you know, going back and watching that footage so they can learn.
Baron Davis
You hear people say that shit all the time. And the reality is 2015 to 2019 is, in my opinion, the best era of NBA basketball. The best five year stretch of NBA basketball, in my opinion. But regardless if that's your opinion or not, you may say, oh, it was the show. Talent is somewhere in the top three, which, the amount of guys that's coming to NBA, that's a big deal. And you coming to the warriors elevated it so much to where. That's why it became that. It doesn't become that. We never really experienced the era of basketball we experienced had you not came to the Warriors. That's actually what elevated the game. Cause it elevated teams. Because then all of a sudden it was like, oh, whoa, wait, we gotta build to be them and that dude. It elevated the team. It elevated skill sets. I think it elevated so much, in my opinion.
Kyrie Irving
No, I agree, I agree. And as I was making that decision to leave okc, it was like, all right, if I stay in okc, I think I'm passing up on something so incredible that I don't know if I could just pass this up. This ain't. This is a regular opportunity. That's how I was feeling. And I didn't know exactly how it would play out, obviously, but it just felt like this would be a huge, huge shift in moment and not just to people that consume the game, but just how the game has played itself, you know what I'm saying? This seemed like something I can't turn down right now, you know what I mean? And it turned out to be that big. And I agree, you know what I'm saying? It was so many great teams. 67 wins, spurs that year, y'all won 73 then Cleveland 16 had won what, 14 in the playoffs. I think when they played 14 1. It was like insane shit that was going on team wise and individual player wise, you know what I'm saying? We were seeing that. That's when Kawhi started to emerge to become a superstar from there.
Kevin Durant
Right?
Kyrie Irving
You know what I'm saying? That's when y'all, the warriors started to come around 2015. That's when, you know, you, Steph Clay started to, you know, jump on to be all Stars every year, you know what I'm saying?
Baron Davis
So Kyrie started playing with Brian that year. We seen Kyrie in a totally different light.
Kyrie Irving
Exactly. You know what I'm saying? So it was a lot of shift in like, you know, dudes that are transforming to be like, are they stars now? These dudes are superstars too now. I'm saying it was a few extra dudes that you wouldn't expecting, like a Kawhi, like a sneer.
Baron Davis
James. James had just kind of left, y'all right when that happened.
Kyrie Irving
And James became James, James, James, you know what I'm saying? Like, even Steph, I mean Steph was at the all star level, but he ascended to like God tier levels around that time, you know what I'm saying? So when you see these dudes, you know, even myself, you know, going from an mvp, you know what I'm saying? And you see everybody ascending quick. D rolled, you know, I just go down the line.
Kevin Durant
Russ. Everybody. Everybody leveled up.
Kyrie Irving
Everybody leveled up at that time. All felt like at the same time. And when you go from seeing dudes become young stars to super mega stars, that's gonna, you know, push the league forward for the next 10 years, it's just like, wow, that shit happened quick. And it surprised us too, you know. Cause he was so used to the Kobe Shaq era things. The slow down pace of guards backing the backing you down all the way down court. It was very rare. You see a BD or Steve Francis or, you know what I'm saying? Or now you were seeing these dudes every night.
Kevin Durant
Every night.
Kyrie Irving
So I think the players that went to the next level. And then the team building, that went to the next level, too.
Baron Davis
Earlier this year, you had an interview where you said, it's a dis by subtraction. Did you think it would become this big of a deal that you say that you play how you play Philly, look how they look like, and everybody blowing that up. Like, what did you think of that when you said that? Did you know it was headed here?
Norman Powell
No, I didn't. I didn't think it was gonna be as blown up as it was, you know what I'm saying? Like, I honestly was just. Look like, as. As just motivation, you know what I'm saying?
Kyrie Irving
I'm get.
Norman Powell
I'm finally get the opportunity, you know? Like, I always felt like I was the guy that, like, the teams relied on, you know what I'm saying, as that X factor to help, you know, get us wins or push us over the top, you know, But I always had the feeling that, you know, I could be in that position, you know, and when I. You know, the. The moves that were made and that opening was there, it was just like, addition by subtraction because, like, I can. I can feel that void. You know what I'm saying? Like, I can be the one to step in and have that same production or impact, you know, and it was just like, a mentality approach to it. It wasn't like the shot at PG and. And do all that, you know, it was just like. Like, I'm here now. You know what I'm saying? I get an opportunity, you know, to be one of the guys that I've always wanted to be. But then, you know, media takes it in and runs with it. You know, you got people talking about it, and then Philly starts the way they start. Got people mad at PG for leaving, and then, like, it just turns into this, like, norm versus pg. Norm's playing better than PG right now. The Clippers are better than the. The Sixers. Like, it just turned into this whole crazy thing, and it was just like, nah. Like, we got. Like, not only myself, but we got other guys who were scratching and clawing as well. We had four hall of Famers on our team, you know what I mean? For. For two seasons, and we had to figure out how to.
John Wall
How.
Norman Powell
How to make it work. And, you know, you got to take a lesser role, you know, and. And play to help the team win. But now that that's a. That's not here anymore, like, you got the addition of these other guys in addition to me to be able to Step into a, a larger role.
Kevin Durant
No, I like it, man, because, you know, I've been, I was calling baller vision for a couple, I think two seasons and just to watch your evolution, just coming off the bench, you know, candidate for six man of the year, you know, coming in and, and, and being focal in the offense, right? Being being a focal point in the offense over the last two years and now becoming, you know, that guy. I remember, you know, I would say my third year when I kind of stepped into the role, like, hey, it's up for grabs. There's five, six, seven more points for me, there's more responsibility. You know, talk about this for you, you know what I mean? This being a year to be able to show what you can do and not that it was something that you've been waiting for this moment, you can pretty much say nine years of your career. You know what I mean?
Norman Powell
Yeah, man.
Kevin Durant
Yeah.
Norman Powell
I think it's just being ready, staying prepared and continuing to have faith and belief in yourself throughout this grind. Like I said, I've always been the guy that teams like value in terms of like a winning player, you know, that can come in and help a guy that you can plug and play in situations, you know. And like I've had sparks and moments and stints in my 10 year career where like guys get hurt. And now I'm playing for 15 straight games, starting averaging 20 plus shooting efficiency, good, everything. But then guys come back and I'm at the end of the bench and I gotta fill that role again, just being up and down with that. But like I said, I always believe that, that I could do this, you know, and I always wanted the opportunity. Like talking to AJ my trainer that you all know, you know, just like, man, like we used to have conversations in the summer, like I really want to see what it's like when, when I got the, the, the reins, you know what I mean? Like, like, because I feel that I can, I can produce, I can, I can do this. Like, I've seen it up close. I've had it in stints and spurts. I've learned, I've watched the guys in front of me Demar, Kyle. Go Kawhi. Operate, Dame cj. Like, I've seen how these franchise players and, and organizations that hold these guys to a high standard operate and approach the game. And I have the same mentality, have the same approach. I have the same work ethic, if not more in some cases. Like, like, I want to see what it looks like, but it was just about staying Ready and staying prepared and believing in myself through all the ups and downs and just waiting, you know, and having talks with Elle and Mark when they traded for me, you know, about my value, you know. Oh, like, I just came from. Starting from Portland. I don't really want to come off the bench again. Like, I'm trying to keep elevating my career, you know what I'm saying, To hopefully become one of those guys, you know, and they said it, like, we see you as a starter, you know, but like, in terms of how our team is configured right now, like, we think it's best for you to come off the bench, you know, and be that spark plug and help us and that way, because we need firepower off the bench. And me being. I want to win at the end of the day, no matter what, what it is, like, I want to win. I want to win championships, I want to win games. I want to be known as a winning player. So I'm gonna do whatever it takes for the team to win. Whether that's me taking a lesser role, me stepping up into a bigger role, like. Like I'm all about winning, and that's what it is. And with this opportunity here, I told L in the summer, like, I'm ready for it, the ups and downs, like, you can lean on me, you know, I'm saying I'm gonna be ready for. I'm not gonna shy away from everything. Like, it's gonna be a learning experience because this is my first time, you know, in the league actually having this leadership role for a full season, you know, and being looked upon. So it's not going to be pretty every single game, every single night. But, like, you know, you got somebody that you can lean on, is going to continue to put the work in and go out there and try to help this team win.
Kevin Durant
I know. You know, this year you've been having a kick ass year, you know, all star year. I want you to tell everybody, you know, why you believe you're all star this year?
Norman Powell
Hey, man, you know, BD I don't like talking about myself, man.
Kevin Durant
I know you don't like Todd. I mean, I, I could do it for you. But, you know, just talk about, you know, the role, the role you stepped into, you know, where people didn't think, you know, let's say with PG Lee, right? And you know, Russ not being there as well. And then, you know, the Clippers not being, you know, thought of as a contender, you know, James Harden saying, I am the system, you know what I mean? Like you know, talk through all that and then how you've emerged, you know, as their counterpart. You know, I think, you know, I want to hear from you, but also the fans want to hear from you, you know, just about. You'll get there, you know what I mean? And your place this year and you know.
Norman Powell
Yeah, I mean, I think for me, you know, I think I'm an all star, just like you said, like where the team and where they saw us at, you know, like we was, I think second to last in, in the West. Like they had no belief that we were going to be a good team because we lost pg, we lost Russ and then the whole Kawhi, you know, being out and being hurt and then narrative around James. No, he's not the same player that he was not going to be able to carry a team that, you know, the, the his best basketball days, you know, are behind him, you know, and for me and him to, you know, come together, you know, and be the two guys that is leading this team, you know what I'm saying, on a nightly basis and making sure that we're competitive, you know, that that's a testament to, to who we are as a players. And then just my production as well, you know, from being able to being a role of six man behind four hall of Fame guys, you know, still putting up production in points last year, to stepping in and increasing my averages across the board, being super efficient from the field from the three point line and still being competitive. DG said at the beginning, like, if we can stay in that top five in the standings, you know, I have a good chance. But just me emerging as a guy that, you know, people didn't think would be able to do this in year 10, you know, that like I was just fit in this certain role. Yeah, I think that's the, the strongest candidate that my strongest pitch that I have. You know, I'm, I'm producing every single night. You know, I'm doing my thing. I'm holding it down against the top dogs, the top teams. And my mentality and approach has always been the same. You know, my work ethic hasn't changed. I think the biggest thing that I've done going into the season, knowing that I'm going to have a big bigger role and more pressure and stuff on me from myself, not much external because like, I don't really care what media and stuff talking about because they don't really know, but just with myself was just a mental approach, you know, just like, what is my gonna be? What is Going to be my, my daily approach to the game, you know, good days, bad gays, day days and games. Like am I gonna be somebody that rides the wave? Am I going to be even killed? You know what I'm saying? And going at it the same way. So I put a lot of emphasis on just like the mental part of the game. Making sure that my mind is ready night in and night out. Because I know my body can do it. You know, I stress my body out all summer long. Three workouts a day, five days a week, you know, going at it. Three weeks on, one week off, traveling, still, still training, still getting it in. So I know my body's up for the grind. But where's my mental gonna be, you know, when you know you're. I go one night, you know, I got 30, 37 and then the next night I got 22 or 15 and I'm shooting five for, for 19, you know, like I'm. Oh man, like the team meeting me tonight, man, like I can't do this or it's gonna be like, you know, this happens. Like how do I get better? How do I improve? How do I, how do I still get the best from the team? So that's the biggest thing that I changed going into this season is just making sure that I'm mentally strong no matter what, no matter what it is, whether I'm playing great, a stretch of games or you know, I have a few games where, you know, the ball's not going into the basket. How can I still be that leader? How can I still be impactful and keep this team, you know, as one of the top teams in the conference? And I think I've been able to do that so far. Even with being out with injuries and things like that, still being in guys ears, still bringing that competitive fire and grit to the game. But when I'm on the floor, like, like we're hanging in there, you know what I'm saying? We're going to figure it out. We're going to be competitive every single night. I think that's what makes me an all star.
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Baron Davis
Okay, have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant. Their fans rebelled and wanted the old SIM back. And Degree Listen, that doesn't happen often.
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Kevin Durant
Man, you and Donovan Mitchell y'all look great this year together after three seasons, you know it looked like Y'all finally finding y'all groove. I remember playing with David Wesley, you know, and when you, you know, it's like almost similar size backcourt, right? It take you a little bit of time to figure out, like, okay, he used. He a point guard too. Used to having a ball in his hand, you know, I'm a point guard. This is what I really want to do. Like, when did y'all really, like, what was it a play or when. When did y'all really feel like y'all was locked in, you know, as teammates? And when did you feel like, okay, I'm the point guard, you the two, but I understand, you know, how you flowing.
Donovan Mitchell
To be completely honest, bro, I'mma really say this summer. Really, really got locked in on what we really want to do and what we want to accomplish. He knew that I was pretty upset about last year and not having the performance that I wanted and what he wanted and as like a team perspective. Yeah, we just sat down and talked and we just really explained to each other, like, this is what we're gonna have to do to win. This is what we're gonna have to do to get to the Eastern Conference finals and to the finals. And yeah, it was like a grown man conversation. Just really sat down and just unfolded everything. That's like probably like the first grown man conversation I had in the league so far.
Kevin Durant
Wow.
Donovan Mitchell
It was like, yeah, it was like a lot of release off my shoulders. And I know it's a lot of release off his as well because I know the tandem can work perfectly. He's a scoring guard and I like to plate mate. And then coming to this year, he's used to averaging 30 and high 20s, but now this year his minutes are down low and he's not averaging 25, he's averaging like 23, 24. And we the number one team in the league.
Kevin Durant
Right.
Donovan Mitchell
Like, he just realized what the talent that he had around him and he's just letting me facilitate and he's just playing off me a lot more as well. Just trying to get him open shots and open looks because everybody's going to hound him on a. On the offensive end because he's Donovan Mitchell raining off. He's a MVP candidate, so just trying to get him some easy ones, get him going. And when we need stretch to make some tough shots, that's when he can go be. Go be Spider that everybody else knows.
Kevin Durant
Yeah, I like that. I feel like that grown man conversation you can see because that's how y'all operating in the back Court like bro, professionals you got taking care of each other. And you know, sometimes it's not even communication, it's the no. And you can tell he'll playmake for you to get you going right. At the same time you're doing the same thing for him, you know. And I, I, you can see the maturity. I just like the fact that, you know, that's your first grown man conversation and it's with your back court mate.
Donovan Mitchell
Nah, it definitely took us over the top, what I believe, because that was my thing. Like my first all star year had Laurie marketing, Jared Allen, Evan Mobley as a rookie, Isaac Okoro. Like, I thought I had to do it all by myself. He felt the same in Utah before he came over here. So it's like now we got a dynamic duo with these two set of footers down there that can move their feet on a defensive end, block shots and then catch lives, break screens on the offensive end. So let's figure this thing out. Then we bring Max Strus, George Niang, Big Ty hooping. Like, you know, we got a lot more pieces now so we don't have to do as much on the ball. We can get off the ball a little bit more and they can go make a play for themselves. So I mean it was a perfect dynamic for sure.
Kevin Durant
You staring down the possibility of joining the exclusive 50, 40, 90 club this season. I know you're a team first guy, but how important is it for a point guard to be in this club? Especially the season you have, man, it's cool.
Donovan Mitchell
I mean, I think it's like eight guys in the NBA history that has actually done it and actually completed for entire season, which is pretty tough to do. But I mean it's cool just having the stats and like a great field goal percentage. Like Draymond said, like at my size, it's, it's pretty hard. So I mean it's cool just being up there with some of those guys haven't been completed yet for an entire season. So I'm not going to, not going to like jump into it. But I mean it's cool just being recognized like that. It's cool to have some stats like that. For sure.
Kevin Durant
You walk into the game, right? It's not like you said, I'm 50, 40, 90. You hitting those marks, you walking in the game like, what is that? What does that feel? Right, because, because you had a high clip right now, like, what is that confidence? What's, what's that feel, bro? It's got to be a feel.
Donovan Mitchell
Yeah. I mean, just going in with confidence, bro. Just trying to play the right way, be aggressive when I can, but just trying to take the right shots. Playing the system a little bit, you know, but just trying to be aggressive at all times, trying to get into paint as much as possible. And then with the live threats that we got, I mean everybody going back to their man. They five men, fives don't never want their bigs to score ever.
Draymond Green
But I mean.
Donovan Mitchell
Right now I'm getting some easy layups. So that's why the field goal percentage so high. I'm getting looks from the three point line base had some really good screens for me to come off and get some open looks. And then my team is setting me up so well, so. And then the free throw percentage, I mean that's just focus and concentration. So not too much to say free throws.
Baron Davis
I'd be pretty focused and concentrated when I'm going to the free throw line. I like that. It's crazy. They tell me it's just focus and concentration.
John Wall
That's not true.
Baron Davis
That's just simply not true. But you, you just made that sound less difficult than what I see. No, I'm talking about one thing you said in specific, which is specifically, which is you said bigs don't want their, their, their centers don't want their men to score. So I'm getting easy layups. I disagree with that. I agree that centers don't like their man to score, but I think you do such an incredible job of keeping like what we're taught as bigs is to cat and mouse, like never give up. Like if you're going to fully commit to the guard, never give up if you're completely taking the big away when you're in that two on one situation and you do it just about as well as anyone where you will literally pass the ball at the very last second. Like if you get all the way to the rim and you about to lay the ball up and finally I go, because I have to go at that point. You do as good a job as anyone of them making that drop off pass after you get that gotta commit at the last second and that's such an incredible skill. So I have to disagree with you there where you say I'm getting easy layoffs because I got live threats. Because I get a lot of guys with live threats in that situation and they can't finish and so they can't finish that layup. Don't know when to take that layup and if they drop that ball off, you Better believe it. I'm going to steal it and go the other way. And you do it as well as anyone in this league. So I just wanted to throw that out there while you make it sound so easy.
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Baron Davis
You spoke about being from Chicago. We all heard about the Chicago runs. I had the opportunity to go to a couple of them in my day, which is after the heyday of them. But Brian recently was talking the other day about getting on the court with MJ being there.
Draymond Green
I was there.
Baron Davis
He was unguardable. And I know you were there.
Draymond Green
I was there.
Baron Davis
So I just want to know, was he really as unguardable as he say he was the other day in the clip that he was talking about being unguardable in that pickup game?
Draymond Green
You talking about Mike unguardable?
Baron Davis
No. Was Braun as unguardable as he. Bron said he was unguardable that day he got out there.
Draymond Green
Yes, yes. I was listening to Maverick. He was talking about LeBron being at the, at there. We wanted to see what he had, what he could do. He didn't do it all the time because he, he, he had, he, he had broke his wrist and he, and it was like, it was like a week after his. He took the cast off, he came in, he was playing and he came down on a fast break and we thought he was gonna pass. The, took off from the free throw line. He just took off. He missed. He missed. But the just said, I mean, just like that, we, we thought he was gonna pass. It was, it was a three on two. We thought he was gonna pass and it was like in slow motion. The motherfucker just took off and I was like, damn, he just missed. The ball slipped out of his hand. He missed. But I said, you know, that's incredible. That's incredible. I mean, for, for a 16, 17 year old kid to come in and do some like that. And he was making shots, playing defense, passing the ball. You could, you, you could feel his presence. You could feel his presence. Then you could feel, you, you knew that he was going to be that in the NBA. You knew that.
Kevin Durant
Wow.
Baron Davis
So for everybody out there who say Brian be lying about all these stories he told and you know the OG right here, he ain't hold nobody.
Kevin Durant
Yeah.
Draymond Green
I'm gonna keep it real. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He was real. He was real that 16, 7. That thing was 17, 18, whatever. He was real. Yeah, yeah.
Kevin Durant
Hey, Tim, talk about, you know, Isaiah Thomas being your favorite player. We got a clip where you hit him with the UTEP2 step. I need to know won that moment. But also the origination of the UTEP2 step. How did that come about?
Draymond Green
Well, it came about cause everybody be like, you know, we had gang in Chicago and I didn't like going out because that's when people started shooting up places and backyards and all that type of stuff. And gang, you know, motherfuckers following you in cars and you know, all this time it was. It was crazy. It was wild. So I'm still in high school and so I just used to work on my game. I had an unfinished basement downstairs. We didn't have. We didn't have computers. We had three channels on the tv, you know. Yeah, we had. We had three channels on the TV and it got stale. So I used to go downstairs and. And I had two beams and I just used to work on you behind the back. Dribbles, spin moves, in and out moves, crossover playing. Like I'm. It was like a eight foot ceiling. I used to make layups, come coming down, doing some stuff and just. Just working on my game downstairs for about an hour. And it was snow, you know, it was cold outside. You didn't go outside either. So I'm just out there working on my. Just working on ball handling. So that's where my ball handling came in. And I used to go outside during the summer and play against the guys outside. And we used to have this on the sidewalk. It was like if you could steal the ball from a person, it was like four, four people. And I used to drill between four or five people, hold this guy off. And if you go. And if you go on the grass, that's out of the top. Yeah, I used to control, push off and just do all that type of stuff. And I used to go back and forth for about three or four times and then I'd like. I'd get it stolen. Just so, you know, game go on and like that.
Kevin Durant
So you got some.
Draymond Green
Yeah, I have some friends that I could, you know, work on my.
Kevin Durant
Yeah, right.
Draymond Green
Yeah, if you want. Yeah. So. So I went to go see Isaiah. My coach took me out. I was. I was in sixth grade. Go. No, seventh grade. Coasted me on it. School. He said. We went to the amphitheater. He said, I want you to check out number 11. I said, all right, cool. Say, Joseph, I'm checking Him out like, wow, that cold in my mind and stuff. He said, what you think? I said, he. He cold blooded. He nice. And he said, you play like him. I said, get the out of here. I said, oh, you know what? My bad, I'm sorry. My bad. I'm sorry. I said, you. No, I don't play like him. He said. He said. He said, I'm gonna tell you something. You play just like him. You got the confidence like him. You control the team like him. You make shots like him. You do all the things that he's doing right now. Just in seventh grade, and at that particular time, when he told me that, I started watching Isaiah pattern in my game when he went to Indiana, I steady watched him, steady watched him. And this pattern in my game after he came back for some league, watched him love new day schedule, knew when he was gonna play. I'm there an hour ahead of time. I'm in the front row watching them play, you know, and so. And so he kept in touch with me. Somebody told him about me, and we was at a high school summer league game, and we playing, and they said, yeah, we got a surprise for y'all, whoever make the Final Four. You know, the teams, they come in and we got a special guest for you. And somebody told me, and I told my team, I said, I don't know what y'all gonna do, but I'm gonna be here every game. And I'm making the Final Four. Yeah, I'm making the Final Four. And Isaiah came in there and talked. And after he talked, everybody like, you know, everybody's about to leave. Say, hey, Tim Hardaway, let me talk to you. You want to talk to me? He's like, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. He talked to me, say, yeah, somebody told me that you've been patterning your game after me. I've been checking you out. I've been keeping tabs on you and stuff like that. And I was just blown away. He just said, keep doing what you're doing. Go to school, get your education. You know, I don't know if you're gonna make it. Nothing like that. But he said, just. Just use basketball. Get your education. But you, you playing well, man, and keep up good work and keep your confidence and keep playing. Said, okay. And. And so. And so. And so we came to Detroit my rookie year. He came to pick me up at the hotel and went to his house, had pregame meal, and on a drive back to the hotel, I'm like, how am I gonna tell this, man? I appreciate you Taking me to your house and feed me, but I'm still gonna bust your ass. So before I got it out, he said, now, you know, I. Because, you know, can't, you know, took you out for pregame meal to the house and everything. Talk to you. I hope you don't take it easy. I was like, you know what? I was gonna. I was gonna. I've been trying to figure out how to tell you this. Yeah, I'm not gonna take it easy. He said that. That's what I want to hear. And we, we play. We've beat him here too, in. In Detroit and. But yeah, man, I always wanted to play against him, man. And it's like the highlight of your whole career when you play. Yes, that dude.
Kevin Durant
That's how it was, man.
Draymond Green
Man, it's, it's, it's, it's. I know how you feel, Baron, but, man, it was, it was. It was like, wow. I mean, it was one of those moments. It was one of those moments.
Kevin Durant
Absolutely.
Baron Davis
Idols become rivals, man. We can't thank you enough, OG that was incredible. Just hearing the stories. Hey, so we all make mistakes, but owning up is the right thing to do, you know? A degree Cool Rush deodorant. Well, last year they changed the formula and it did not go well with their fans.
Kevin Durant
Degree's whole thing is it turns up the sweat and odor protection when you turn up the effort. And good thing it does, because Cool Rush fans really turned up the effort to bring back the original formula. One guy even started an online petition.
Baron Davis
And Degree Listen, they admitted they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. It's back in Walmart, Target, and other stores known for under $4.
Kevin Durant
There's a reason why it's been the number one men's antiperspirant for the last decade. It's the same reason why people were not happy when it changed. So if you never tried it, it might be a good time to see what the fuss is about.
Baron Davis
Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG degree Cool Rush for yourself. Okay. Have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant. Their fans rebelled and wanted the old SIM back. And Degree Listen, that doesn't happen often.
Kevin Durant
They admitted that they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the number one men's antiperspirant and it's back in Walmart, Target and other stores for under $4.
Baron Davis
So try it and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local stores to try the OG Cool rush for yourself.
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Baron Davis
J. Wall, have you seen anybody in the NBA from baseline to baseline, as fast as you either? After you, before you.
John Wall
Only one I could compare. You know, like, you know how this go, Dre. Everybody try to compare somebody to somebody. Only guy I've seen that's, like, close to me. I say, dear. And Fox, he just left. Like, I wonder. I remember, I forgot what year it was. We was in Houston about to play. We had a day off for the game. I went. I drove like an hour, two hours to go watch him play.
Baron Davis
Wow.
John Wall
And I was like, you know what? This is the one kid I can say is close to what I could see in myself, because I was basically supposed to be left handed, but he was really left handed. I'm like, this is the only guy I've seen that was close to me with that type of speed. Like, don't get me wrong, you know, like, D. Rose is quick. Like, his quick is on a whole nother level. You know, I mean, I feel like Jaga different type of quick, but they don't have that speed to go baseline to baseline.
Baron Davis
That's a different speed.
John Wall
Yeah. So I say the only one I can say is De'Aaron Fox.
Baron Davis
Speaking of D. Rose, it's funny, I was just about to ask you a question about D. Rose just in, you know, in light of him just retiring you. You coming into the league where, like, prime D. Rose. Not even prime D. Rose, because I. I would say, like, he never got the opportunity to really reach his prime, but what we know in his career is prime D. Rose, you coming into the league. What was those matchups like you with the. Because the thing about your speed was it was speed, but your speed was powerful. You know what I'm saying? Like, you played with so much force to where it just wasn't like. Like, De'Aaron Fox Speed was like, he still got it, but he played with way more pace now. But, yeah, like, his speed was just, like, fast speed. I feel like yours was like, Fast, but it was also, like, powerful. And coming into the league with a guy like D. Rose that, like you said, quick but also powerful. What was those matchups like early on in your care against D. Row?
John Wall
Well, I tell you this, my rookie year was MVP year for him.
Kevin Durant
Wow.
John Wall
So that was hell, just to be honest. But, I mean, we played him in preseason. I was just like, damn, this might be like the first guy I say that's like quicker, faster than me. I mean, just because he's already been in the league, he already had his twitch. He already had know what he wanted to do. Because me, like, when I watched him play in college, I forget his playing Tennessee. I mean, Oklahoma in the garden. And I was like, this is where I'm going to school. Like, when I seen that game and I seen him play Tennessee and Memphis, I already knew in my mind, I'm going to play for coach Kyle. Just because the way he allowed D. Rose to play, I knew I played a similar way. But when I was in the league, like I always tell you people, it's three people that was hard. Like three people, three to four people harder than me. Kyrie, because he could do everything, scoring every level. But the hardest person I had problems with was D. Rose.
Kevin Durant
Yeah, he was a problem.
John Wall
Cause you gotta think with Tim's system, everybody around him was located to play defense, and he was the guy.
Kevin Durant
Get the ball.
John Wall
Yeah, go get the ball. And you couldn't stop. It's unlimited pick and rolls. He's scoring that wheel. And you look at any other guards that play for tip, they all got that freedom. But you know, D. Rose just on a different level. And like I said, like I always say, like you, you know, injuries are part of the game. But I feel like if he ain't never had no injuries, bro, we wouldn't even be talking about a lot of these other guards the way we do.
Baron Davis
That's interesting because a lot of guys.
John Wall
Was acting like they were sick when he came in town. Yeah, yeah, I got an ankle injury or, yeah, I got the flu. Like, he was. He was scaring people.
Kevin Durant
He was that good.
John Wall
Now look. And I look at it like my third year, I kind of realized that to build my confidence to another level, like, I really can go at this guy toe to toe. But at first Rookie, I was like, man, this is right. These guys different.
Baron Davis
It's always interesting to think, like, what. What does the. The guard race, if you will, or the guard outlook, like, the outlook on the position look like if a D. Rose never got hurt you know, if a penny never got hurt, right, John? If you never got hurt, like, you got. I don't think people realize you got hurt right in the middle of your prime. And then like. And we'll get into the injuries a little later. But I always wonder, like, what does the guard position look like? If that never. What does the rap game look like if Biggie or Pac never get killed, right? Like, you always had those what ifs of, like, you see how it played out, right? Like Steph's. Steph's goaded. Like, Russ, like yourself, like the work everybody put in, but you just always wonder if it looks different at all. If D. Rose never gets hurt. Like, how does that pan out?
John Wall
It's interesting, to be honest. I feel like, man, I don't know. Like you said, like, they were so close to getting close to the championship in the east. Like, if he don't get hurt, like, how they was giving Miami a run every time me when they started to get to that point, he was right there on their toes, so. And then you had Indiana, you know, like, with Paul George is there. So I guess like you said, you just never really know what could have happened or what would have went on for sure. But, you know, I mean, like you say, you definitely got to get the roses flowers, bro. Because being the youngest mvp, having the battles against him, and it was. It was super exciting to see him go through the journey. He did it fighting back. I mean, I watched the game and he had his first 50 point game and breaking down in tears. And I've been watching a lot. You know, he never really talked, so I watched a lot of his podcasts he'd be having.
Donovan Mitchell
You know what I mean?
John Wall
He was talking about, like, when he realized he was injured with his toy acl, he had to come back. Like, people don't realize that shit is.
Kevin Durant
The hardest thing in the world, bro.
John Wall
Like, you be on top of the world and then you just feel like you hit rock bottom and you just gotta get through that. And everybody thinks everything's fine because we make the money and we living this latter's life. But the game we love is taken away from us for the time being. So you gotta fight your ass off to get back to even feel like you're 100 healthy.
Kevin Durant
Yeah, that. That happened to me, you know, I. But I was, I was.
John Wall
I know.
Kevin Durant
I watched you, but in college, right? And it's a lonely island, especially as a point guard, when you're an explosive point guard, because now you have to figure out a Different way to jump, a different way to land. You know how to. You got to change your game. And I was going to ask you that, you know, as you came into the league, you know, as fast, explosive one man, fast break. Talk about, you know, the steps of, of how you evolve, right, from a point guard perspective from like year one, because you made the leap from year one to year three to being dominant, right? Talk about that process.
John Wall
I think like really just man, like having Sam Cassell around, you know, I mean him being my coach, like he was the master of a mid range. So he was like, yo, you can't outrun everybody because I'll be pushing the breaking. Like, damn, where everybody at? They not even fast half court yet. So he was like, you gotta slow down, like you gotta figure it out. So just watching film with him and understand like you had to master the mid range. But like I always told people my whole life, I never had to shoot. Like, I always got wherever I wanted. I mean, no matter if I played up or played, I never tried to play my age. I played up. I always got wherever I want. Even in college, like there goes zone or box. I found ways to get there because we were just so talented. But in the league we had real power, four real centers. So nobody's. You might would probably shoot 10 threes, 11 threes the whole game. So your most mid ranges was your formula. So the pain is packed and then you come across the lane, they hitting you. So just, just working with Sam a lot. Working with Rob McClennan at the time, that was D. Rose, you know, Kevin Love, Russ, Kevin Durant, all those guys, trainer, just teaching me the basic, like, yo, you just got to slow down, you got to be able to knock down the mid range because no, you was going to these screen. It's a race to the basket. I feel like I can get there every time, but I might have a seven footer there. So just learning that, like learning how to change my pace and learn how to knock down the mid range a lot more with confidence. I think that made my game evolve. Like, I was always good at passing, always trying to get my teammates involved and finding those guys because I knew in the fourth quarter, if I passed the ball early on in the fourth quarter, you can't double team as much because my teammates have the confidence to make these open shots instead of them only getting the ball in the fourth quarter and they like, damn, bro, I don't got no rhythm. So that's kind of how I took my development. Just working with Sam a lot working on my mid range, working on change of pace and just watching film bro. And just watching our teams was guarding.
Chris Haynes
The volume.
Baron Davis
Okay, have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant. Their fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back and Degree listen, that doesn't happen often.
Kevin Durant
They admitted that they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back and it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the number one Manzani Perspirant and it's back in Walmart, Target and other stores for under $4.
Baron Davis
So try it and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local stores to try the OG Cool Rush for yourself.
Total Wireless
This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. When you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really does have your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. Visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Additional terms apply. See website for details.
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The Herd with Colin Cowherd: The Draymond Green Show w/Baron Davis - BEST OF: Special Guests | Kevin Durant, Darius Garland, John Wall & More!
Release Date: May 3, 2025
In this compelling episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin Cowherd delves deep into the NBA's current landscape with an impressive lineup of special guests. Featuring basketball legends and current stars like Baron Davis, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Norman Powell, John Wall, Donovan Mitchell, and Draymond Green, the episode offers an unfiltered exploration of team dynamics, player development, and the ever-evolving nature of the game.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving open the discussion by addressing rampant trade rumors swirling around the Warriors team. Durant shares his perspective on the potential impact of midseason trades, emphasizing the emotional and professional repercussions:
Kevin Durant ([02:50]): "I was like, oh, man, Katie came over here. He showed me love."
Kyrie Irving echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of ending his career on his own terms rather than being traded involuntarily:
Kyrie Irving ([03:11]): "Man, I want my career to end on my terms. That's the only thing I'm worried about."
The conversation underscores the delicate balance between team success and individual player aspirations, illustrating the complexities involved in maintaining team cohesion amidst external pressures.
Baron Davis provides a retrospective analysis of the Warriors' dominance from 2015 to 2019, asserting it as the pinnacle era of NBA basketball. He credits the strategic acquisition of top-tier talent like Durant and Irving for elevating not just the team but the entire league:
Baron Davis ([07:23]): "The reality is 2015 to 2019 is, in my opinion, the best era of NBA basketball."
Durant adds to this by reflecting on the dynasty built during this period:
Kevin Durant ([07:23]): "We happy it did because it created a dynasty, man."
Their insights highlight how a combination of star power and strategic team building can set new standards within professional sports.
Norman Powell takes center stage as he discusses his evolution from a supporting bench player to a pivotal offensive force within his team. Durant acknowledges Powell's significant growth:
Kevin Durant ([13:38]): "I've been calling baller vision for a couple, I think two seasons, just to watch your evolution."
Powell attributes his success to relentless work ethic and leadership, aiming to be a consistent contributor regardless of his role:
Norman Powell ([17:20]): "I'm all about winning, and that's what it is."
His journey exemplifies the impact of dedication and adaptability in climbing the professional ranks.
John Wall provides a candid discussion on how injuries have reshaped team dynamics and individual careers, particularly focusing on De'Aaron Fox and D. Rose. He reflects on the challenges posed by Rose's injuries and their broader implications:
John Wall ([52:53]): "If he ain't never had no injuries, bro, we wouldn't even be talking about a lot of these other guards the way we do."
Wall emphasizes the fragility of athletic careers and how unforeseen setbacks can alter the trajectory of both players and teams.
Donovan Mitchell shares his insights on evolving as a point guard within a dynamic team environment. Highlighting a pivotal summer conversation with Durant, Mitchell outlines the maturity and strategic adjustments required to thrive:
Donovan Mitchell ([28:31]): "It was like a grown man conversation. Just really sat down and just unfolded everything."
Mitchell discusses the transition from taking individual accolades to fostering a synergistic backcourt partnership, underscoring the importance of mutual support and strategic playmaking.
Draymond Green offers a personal narrative of his basketball journey, tracing his development from high school amidst challenging environments to becoming a key player in the NBA. He recounts formative experiences and mentorship that shaped his game:
Draymond Green ([36:27]): "I used to go downstairs and work on my game—dribbles, spin moves, in-and-out moves, crossover playing."
Green's story highlights the role of perseverance and continuous skill enhancement in achieving professional success.
The episode delves into the intricacies of guard matchups and how players like De'Aaron Fox and D. Rose have influenced the evolution of the guarding position. Baron Davis and John Wall discuss the impact of these players on defensive strategies and the overall pace of the game:
John Wall ([50:02]): "The hardest person I had problems with was D. Rose."
Their analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how individual brilliance can redefine team defenses and game strategies.
A recurring theme in the episode is the emphasis on mental resilience. Kevin Durant and John Wall share personal anecdotes about overcoming injuries and maintaining peak performance under pressure:
John Wall ([55:05]): "You gotta fight your ass off to get back to even feel like you're 100% healthy."
These discussions shed light on the psychological aspects of professional sports, emphasizing that physical recovery is only part of an athlete's journey.
Kevin Durant ([07:23]): "We happy it did because it created a dynasty, man."
Kyrie Irving ([03:11]): "Man, I want my career to end on my terms. That's the only thing I'm worried about."
Baron Davis ([07:23]): "The reality is 2015 to 2019 is, in my opinion, the best era of NBA basketball."
Norman Powell ([17:20]): "I'm all about winning, and that's what it is."
John Wall ([52:53]): "If he ain't never had no injuries, bro, we wouldn't even be talking about a lot of these other guards the way we do."
Donovan Mitchell ([28:31]): "It was like a grown man conversation. Just really sat down and just unfolded everything."
Draymond Green ([36:27]): "I used to go downstairs and work on my game—dribbles, spin moves, in-and-out moves, crossover playing."
This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd serves as a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted world of professional basketball. Through honest dialogues and personal stories, the guests provide listeners with an intimate look into the challenges and triumphs that define their careers. From strategic team decisions and player development to overcoming injuries and evolving roles, the conversation encapsulates the relentless pursuit of excellence that characterizes the NBA.