Episode XXIV: NBA All-Star Antonio Davis

The 24th edition of Whe're They At features former National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star forward and Union President, Antonio Davis. Antonio starred at the University of Texas-El Paso under the tutelage of groundbreaking Hall of Fame coach, Don Haskins. He went on to play 3 years in Europe and then 13 years in the NBA. He was an All-Star in 2001 and proceeded to become President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). After retiring, he became a well-respected analyst for ESPN. Now, he is back in his hometown of Oakland, California contributing heavily into the community as a member of the organization, Coaching Corps (www.coachingcorps.org). Also, he is getting involved in entrepreneurship within the Transportation and Logistics industry. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Antonio on a cornucopia of topics including:              

01:43-Whe're is Antonio Davis at? What's he up to?                       

 

04:09-On his community work in his hometown of Oakland, California.                     

11:16-His upbringing and the guidance received in Oakland.               

 

14:47-On the local basketball influence of Coach Al 'Mr. Mean' Payton, (Gary's father).                    

 

17:33-Discusses other great basketball figures from Oakland.                     

 

20:10-What made him attend the University of Texas-El Paso?                    

 

23:09-On his UTEP teammate and fellow NBA All-Star, Tim Hardaway.                     

24:40-Why did Antonio decide to play in Europe before playing in the NBA? He mentions a current NBA head coach who was his coach in Italia.                   

28:22-Making his mark with the Indiana Pacers under the tutelage of Coach Larry Brown.              

 

32:08-Reminisces on the rivalry in the mid-late 1990's vs. the New York Knicks.                      

 

37:13-Names some of the physically strongest players in the league during the 1990's.                     

 

39:48-Thoughts on 'The Last Dance' documentary and his Pacers' being part of the storyline.                    

 

41:48-On the disappointing 1999 Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Knicks.                      

 

45:27-What made Larry Bird an effective head coach?                           

 

46:40-His reflections on being traded by the Pacers and becoming an All-Star with the Toronto Raptors.                   

 

51:18-On how he passed along his knowledge to the young talent on the Raptors and Chicago Bulls.                     

 

54:42-Looks back when he went into the crowd during a game while playing on the Knicks.                   

 

59:20-Pros and Cons on being President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).                     

 

1:02:23-Praises current NBPA President Chris Paul and Executive Director Michele Roberts.                     

 

1:03:42-Discusses on his recent experiences working with the NBPA.                   

1:09:42-On the current tension within the NBPA & the need for LeBron James to speak out, facilitating unity.                    

 

1:17:03-Comments on detailed protocols of the upcoming NBA 'bubble' in Orlando.                      

 

1:21:59-His take on the Knicks being the only NBA team not acknowledging the Black Lives Matter movement.                       

 

1:30:24-Does he see a surprise team unexpectedly winning the NBA championship under the unique circumstances of the 'bubble'?                          

1:33:52-Provides an update on his daughter (Kaela) and son (A.J.), both professional basketball players as well as his older daughters.                           

 

1:37:52-On Colin Kaepernick's imminent tryout with the Los Angeles Chargers.                     

 

1:41:41-Discusses his involvement in the Transportation and Logistics business.                  

 

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