Episode XLIII: Former NBA All-Star/Current NBA Exec VP Kiki VanDeWeghe

The 43rd edition of Whe're They At features Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the National Basketball Association and 2-time NBA All-Star, Kiki VanDeWeghe. He was a second generation NBA player as his father, Ernie had a 6-year career. Kiki starred within the rich tradition of UCLA Basketball as he led the Bruins to the 1980 NCAA Title game. He became a 2-time NBA All-Star, while being one of the most potent offensive players of the 1980's. He played 13 seasons in the league, 12 of those seasons, he was major contributor to playoff teams. Kiki proceeded to lead the front offices of the Denver Nuggets and New Jersey Nets. His vast career led him to where he's at now, overseeing the basketball operations for the National Basketball Association. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Kiki on a multitude of topics including:                 

02:36-On building a foundation for excellence.                         

05:37-Do the current NBA players know how good of a player he was?                      

 

06:42-Remembers his fellow UCLA alum and NBA All-Star, the late Mark Eaton.                          

12:51-Discusses NBA arenas starting the process of occupying all of their seats.                   

14:54-On the continuous growth of the NBA, led by the next generation of superstars.                         

17:48-On how the return of fans have inspired the players and their play.                        

 

19:07-How will the NBA look to help protect the players from unruly fans?                       

 

21:51-Will the NBA release their 75 All-Time Players List to commemorate the imminent 75th Anniversary of the league?                      

 

24:16-On his experiences being the son to two parents in the public eye, former NBA player Ernie VanDeWedge and 1952 Miss America Connie Kay Hutchins.                        

 

30:01-Reflects on the early greatness and leadership of Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown while making the NCAA Championship Game in 1980 with UCLA.                    

 

32:41-Did he see the revolutionary, fast-paced offense of his Denver Nuggets in the 1980's influence the league four decades later?                    

 

34:40-On how he was able to excel as part of that offense?                      

 

37:50-On his step back jumper and the players using it in their arsenal today.                    

 

39:27-What factors have made the game evolve at a rapid rate?                       

 

43:16-On the plethora of All-Time Great forwards during his playing days in the 1980's.                        

46:27-Discusses the impeccable leadership of current NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.                        

48:41-On how former NBA Commissioner David Stern, Adam Silver and Rod Thorn mentored him as he eventually became Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the NBA.                       

 

53:35-Does he foresee a majority of the top high school prospects forgoing college to enter the NBA's developmental G-League within the next decade?                      

 

56:47-Will the Play-in Round continue for seasons to come?                        

 

59:16-Which team does he see emerging as the next dominating team after the Golden State Warriors of the late-2010's?                          

 

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Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website: www.nabateisles.com as well as https://nsiuniversal.bandcamp.com/