How's everybody doing. I want to welcome you into a very very special episode of NBA Rookie Life with Ryan Hollins.

How's everybody doing. I want to welcome you into a very very special episode of NBA Rookie Life with Ryan Hollins.

Man.

Man.

Listen, Man, I might have one of my favorite people in the world right now. He is a former mister Colorado first Team All acc and Man, I'm ecstatic. This is a whole different title. Man, an NBA champion. He was a twenty fourth pick in the twenty eleven draft. My dog, mister Reggie Jackson, Reg, what's going on with you?

Listen, Man, I might have one of my favorite people in the world right now. He is a former mister Colorado first Team All acc and Man, I'm ecstatic. This is a whole different title. Man, an NBA champion. He was a twenty fourth pick in the twenty eleven draft. My dog, mister Reggie Jackson, Reg, what's going on with you?

Man?

Man?

How much? How you doing doing?

How much? How you doing doing?

Good?

Good?

Man?

Man?

Hey, listen first and form we got to air it out. I can listen, Man, I was late to my own podcast. I got Reg was here on time. Normally the guest, I'm about twenty thirty minutes late, Man, but it was me shout out to you, Reg. But before we go into that anymore, Man, I gotta say this, Man, I am so happy for you, Dog. And you know every time I say you, I tell you because Reggie, I don't know, I know you remember this. But when you were coming into the NBA working out for the draft, we were over there in the valley at three sixty working out, and I think a lot of people have respect for you. They knew you, but I don't think they knew you were like that like that. And I don't know if I'm sure you remember this, but at the time, Ricky Rubio was the big deal. Ricky Rubio was coming in. He was projected to be like the next big point guard in the league. And shout out to Ricky, man, one of the most amazing dudes, great pro We know that. And I remember everybody being in a pack gym and you tearing Ricky Rubio's behind up all let's sen raj you Like it was one of those moments like before we got to the league, before it happened, you drug Ricky Rubio up and down the court, Dog Towey. It was like, Okay, that's one, that's two, that's three, like and I just remember it being like, nah, Reggie Jackson is like that, y'all gonna find out one day. So when you got an opportunity you came into your own. Man, I remember just just the energy going like Dog, we've seen that before.

Hey, listen first and form we got to air it out. I can listen, Man, I was late to my own podcast. I got Reg was here on time. Normally the guest, I'm about twenty thirty minutes late, Man, but it was me shout out to you, Reg. But before we go into that anymore, Man, I gotta say this, Man, I am so happy for you, Dog. And you know every time I say you, I tell you because Reggie, I don't know, I know you remember this. But when you were coming into the NBA working out for the draft, we were over there in the valley at three sixty working out, and I think a lot of people have respect for you. They knew you, but I don't think they knew you were like that like that. And I don't know if I'm sure you remember this, but at the time, Ricky Rubio was the big deal. Ricky Rubio was coming in. He was projected to be like the next big point guard in the league. And shout out to Ricky, man, one of the most amazing dudes, great pro We know that. And I remember everybody being in a pack gym and you tearing Ricky Rubio's behind up all let's sen raj you Like it was one of those moments like before we got to the league, before it happened, you drug Ricky Rubio up and down the court, Dog Towey. It was like, Okay, that's one, that's two, that's three, like and I just remember it being like, nah, Reggie Jackson is like that, y'all gonna find out one day. So when you got an opportunity you came into your own. Man, I remember just just the energy going like Dog, we've seen that before.

Reg.

Reg.

I don't know, Man, I know you remember that, but man, what was your mindset?

I don't know, Man, I know you remember that, but man, what was your mindset?

Dog?

Dog?

Because you hadn't even you know, stepped into the league yet. But I'm looking like, Nah, he different, he different. He got stepped back, he got float, he got pull up, Jay bounced, dunk on you everything. Man, do you remember what was going through your mind back then?

Because you hadn't even you know, stepped into the league yet. But I'm looking like, Nah, he different, he different. He got stepped back, he got float, he got pull up, Jay bounced, dunk on you everything. Man, do you remember what was going through your mind back then?

Man, Probably some of the same sentiments that you had. Like I knew Ricky had all the buzz. Shout out to him. He's been an amazing pro. Everything he's done for the game, for himself, for his family. Definitely not a slouch. I'm in to have the career that he's had. He's phenomenal. But coming in at that time, at that age, knowing all the buzz was around him.

Man, Probably some of the same sentiments that you had. Like I knew Ricky had all the buzz. Shout out to him. He's been an amazing pro. Everything he's done for the game, for himself, for his family. Definitely not a slouch. I'm in to have the career that he's had. He's phenomenal. But coming in at that time, at that age, knowing all the buzz was around him.

Definitely take it personal. Like I wanted to go out here play, wanted to compete against the best one to find out I get I was, And that's all it really was, was just competition. I always enjoyed competing, having fun, And definitely when I knew He's gonna be in the gym, it was on my list. He was somewhere on my list, somebody that I wanted to compete against and find out how good I was amongst my peers at that moment, those who were in my class, and then just trying.

Definitely take it personal. Like I wanted to go out here play, wanted to compete against the best one to find out I get I was, And that's all it really was, was just competition. I always enjoyed competing, having fun, And definitely when I knew He's gonna be in the gym, it was on my list. He was somewhere on my list, somebody that I wanted to compete against and find out how good I was amongst my peers at that moment, those who were in my class, and then just trying.

To compete against you know, the likes of you and the older bests as well. And before really getting in the league, knew the lockout was going to happen. Just want to try to stamp a stamp the name for myself a little bit before we actually got to regular season play and just.

To compete against you know, the likes of you and the older bests as well. And before really getting in the league, knew the lockout was going to happen. Just want to try to stamp a stamp the name for myself a little bit before we actually got to regular season play and just.

To kind of sept the scene. Man, Reg, I don't know if these young boys play, you know, and get it in still. But a lot of the guys who were pros we hooped like we played. I don't know if these dudes hooped. A lot of these guys just like to work out like we hoop. So if you think back and you said the scene, you know, Paul Pierce was a regular coming in there. Big Ticket was in there. Shout out PG. That's a little bro right there. Paul George was a regular. Paul George earned the stripes in there. Shout out of Danny Granger. Danny was in there every day. So John Wall John was in there with us for a whole summer. But like you, guys got to come in and just we would get it in like we will hoop it one pretty it. This guy was this guy whatever, and you you came in and held your own. So I just remember watching like you know how it is red Like somebody come in. He's like, oh he not to say he garbage, but it's like you have to prove yourself. But I think it was like, nah, it ain't Reggie just had one good game. He's like that and you know, shout out to Ricky Rubio. But I think for me seeing you that day, I was like this dude is like you amazing dude. Though We're gonna be dog no matter what. But I was like, man, he's special. So when you went off, none of that surprised me. So this is before the draft, this is pre job, So for me it was fun watching that process. Herege talked to me about draft day and kind of piggyback off that. What was your mindset like, because that has to be a super confidence boost. I can't I forget where Ricky ends up being drafted. I know he went to Minnesota, But how did that play with you going into the draft and kind of where were you projections? Did you get on the phone with your agent after that and be like, look, dog, like I just tore a Rubo okay, so they gotta respect my name? Man? How did that go for you going on into the draft and talk to me about that summer man because we were getting it in.

To kind of sept the scene. Man, Reg, I don't know if these young boys play, you know, and get it in still. But a lot of the guys who were pros we hooped like we played. I don't know if these dudes hooped. A lot of these guys just like to work out like we hoop. So if you think back and you said the scene, you know, Paul Pierce was a regular coming in there. Big Ticket was in there. Shout out PG. That's a little bro right there. Paul George was a regular. Paul George earned the stripes in there. Shout out of Danny Granger. Danny was in there every day. So John Wall John was in there with us for a whole summer. But like you, guys got to come in and just we would get it in like we will hoop it one pretty it. This guy was this guy whatever, and you you came in and held your own. So I just remember watching like you know how it is red Like somebody come in. He's like, oh he not to say he garbage, but it's like you have to prove yourself. But I think it was like, nah, it ain't Reggie just had one good game. He's like that and you know, shout out to Ricky Rubio. But I think for me seeing you that day, I was like this dude is like you amazing dude. Though We're gonna be dog no matter what. But I was like, man, he's special. So when you went off, none of that surprised me. So this is before the draft, this is pre job, So for me it was fun watching that process. Herege talked to me about draft day and kind of piggyback off that. What was your mindset like, because that has to be a super confidence boost. I can't I forget where Ricky ends up being drafted. I know he went to Minnesota, But how did that play with you going into the draft and kind of where were you projections? Did you get on the phone with your agent after that and be like, look, dog, like I just tore a Rubo okay, so they gotta respect my name? Man? How did that go for you going on into the draft and talk to me about that summer man because we were getting it in.

Yeah.

Yeah.

No, I didn't really think much about it, like I just for me, it was always about earning my strips and respect. So I'm always happy to just go out here and compete and play against, like I said, the next upcoming generation and play against the generation before, the likes of y'all, and being from Colorado, I didn't necessarily get to play those athletes who were going to be in the NBA. So for sure, every guy be an NBA guy, I'm really getting to find out how good I can be, things that I need to work on and try to improve.

No, I didn't really think much about it, like I just for me, it was always about earning my strips and respect. So I'm always happy to just go out here and compete and play against, like I said, the next upcoming generation and play against the generation before, the likes of y'all, and being from Colorado, I didn't necessarily get to play those athletes who were going to be in the NBA. So for sure, every guy be an NBA guy, I'm really getting to find out how good I can be, things that I need to work on and try to improve.

I was just excited, like that's all to me, was really figuring that out.

I was just excited, like that's all to me, was really figuring that out.

And my whole saying was like, once I get in the league, I'll figure it out from there.

And my whole saying was like, once I get in the league, I'll figure it out from there.

So I was just happy.

So I was just happy.

Like the whole draft process, I was excited once I was drafted bout Oklahoma City.

Like the whole draft process, I was excited once I was drafted bout Oklahoma City.

I remember being at home and Carl Springs with friends and family, and I couldn't be anymore related.

I remember being at home and Carl Springs with friends and family, and I couldn't be anymore related.

Once my name was called a twenty fourth pick, and I knew it was just time to get to work. Like my whole thing is always just let me get at the door and then I'll do the rest. So the way the story's going, I've just been very lucky and very fortunate to be able to play twelve long years and be going on.

Once my name was called a twenty fourth pick, and I knew it was just time to get to work. Like my whole thing is always just let me get at the door and then I'll do the rest. So the way the story's going, I've just been very lucky and very fortunate to be able to play twelve long years and be going on.

My thirteen man.

My thirteen man.

DG talked to me about what it was like because I don't know, for the hoop is Thorians, all the Ogs, everybody the real Hoopers really know. But you came onto a team with Westbrook Durrand like backa like these guys were up next in the NBA. The level of competition was off the chain, so it was like put up a shut up, Like it was like can you survive? So, you know, talk to me about that experience as a young guy once you get there, like, you know, are you looking over it because they're relatively young? Also, like was it like I'm just as good as you? Did they spur you on to end up being what you were? Did you have to kind of like hold your weight? Like where were those things that were? What was it like being a part of that young OKC team and kind of like making your presence known because Reggie you didn't get an opportunity to come in either, So you know, talk to me about.

DG talked to me about what it was like because I don't know, for the hoop is Thorians, all the Ogs, everybody the real Hoopers really know. But you came onto a team with Westbrook Durrand like backa like these guys were up next in the NBA. The level of competition was off the chain, so it was like put up a shut up, Like it was like can you survive? So, you know, talk to me about that experience as a young guy once you get there, like, you know, are you looking over it because they're relatively young? Also, like was it like I'm just as good as you? Did they spur you on to end up being what you were? Did you have to kind of like hold your weight? Like where were those things that were? What was it like being a part of that young OKC team and kind of like making your presence known because Reggie you didn't get an opportunity to come in either, So you know, talk to me about.

That yeah, No, I was good. I think it was great for me young my career.

That yeah, No, I was good. I think it was great for me young my career.

Definitely going into the NBA life, it was more college still atmosphere, especially being.

Definitely going into the NBA life, it was more college still atmosphere, especially being.

Up along the city. Everybody was tighten it. It was closed.

Up along the city. Everybody was tighten it. It was closed.

You only about fifteen to twenty minutes away from each teammates house at Max. So I remember spending a lot of time getting to a list from the guys, and really I think it was great for me because it's a little bit of both.

You only about fifteen to twenty minutes away from each teammates house at Max. So I remember spending a lot of time getting to a list from the guys, and really I think it was great for me because it's a little bit of both.

Like I was coming in.

Like I was coming in.

Amongst guys who were around my age, so that always kept me believing I could be just as good. It always kept me angry and wanted to prove myself. But then also it was great because these guys were emerging the stars. Being around you know, Russ KD and James, I'm getting to see the way they handled it handed to start them getting to be around a young athletic team, getting you know a lot of things that we can relate to, so whether it be TV shows, whether to be video games, you know, like I had, it was a good group of guys that you can bounce ideas off, you can relate to with the NBA life.

Amongst guys who were around my age, so that always kept me believing I could be just as good. It always kept me angry and wanted to prove myself. But then also it was great because these guys were emerging the stars. Being around you know, Russ KD and James, I'm getting to see the way they handled it handed to start them getting to be around a young athletic team, getting you know a lot of things that we can relate to, so whether it be TV shows, whether to be video games, you know, like I had, it was a good group of guys that you can bounce ideas off, you can relate to with the NBA life.

But.

But.

Being in the shadows there their starting and getting to see how they operate and how they handled it and how they moved. I think it also molded me and it kind of prepared me for once I got to Detroit. But it was great to see their work ethic being around them, Like I said, how quickly they were emerging and surging the stars, but getting to see them each and every day, the work they put in and trying to steal tid bits here and there. And you know, we all you always want to stack yourself up against yourself each and every day. That's the goal is looking yourself in the mirror, but having great examples around you.

Being in the shadows there their starting and getting to see how they operate and how they handled it and how they moved. I think it also molded me and it kind of prepared me for once I got to Detroit. But it was great to see their work ethic being around them, Like I said, how quickly they were emerging and surging the stars, but getting to see them each and every day, the work they put in and trying to steal tid bits here and there. And you know, we all you always want to stack yourself up against yourself each and every day. That's the goal is looking yourself in the mirror, but having great examples around you.

You got to be happy with that as well.

You got to be happy with that as well.

Hey, Rage, you got to give me a story now. Now, I know going against russ practice when you were young, but you first coming out, well, I know at some point things either got hated or you know, you had to hold graduate. You know what, funny you so subtle, you ain't no punk red. We're gonna all right, man, all right? Will you get the head of the Roland talk to me about that?

Hey, Rage, you got to give me a story now. Now, I know going against russ practice when you were young, but you first coming out, well, I know at some point things either got hated or you know, you had to hold graduate. You know what, funny you so subtle, you ain't no punk red. We're gonna all right, man, all right? Will you get the head of the Roland talk to me about that?

Man?

Man?

Well, like that that first I'm sure experience. I'm sure there's some story where y'all either got into it was kind of like, hey, like I learned the ropes, or hey, I made a mistake. Me and Russ compete. He pulled me to a side. You know, those were some heated practices, man, Katie and talker Russell talker, Jame's gonna talk and stuff. So talk to me about maybe a situation where you know what those practices were like, or maybe a lesson that you learned through those times because a lot of people don't know, like you got to put yourself in practice, Like forgive me rag. I don't want to feel anybody, but at that time, you had to earn your own in the NBA. You didn't come in. It was like, well, Reggie's gonna play ten fifteen minutes tonight.

Well, like that that first I'm sure experience. I'm sure there's some story where y'all either got into it was kind of like, hey, like I learned the ropes, or hey, I made a mistake. Me and Russ compete. He pulled me to a side. You know, those were some heated practices, man, Katie and talker Russell talker, Jame's gonna talk and stuff. So talk to me about maybe a situation where you know what those practices were like, or maybe a lesson that you learned through those times because a lot of people don't know, like you got to put yourself in practice, Like forgive me rag. I don't want to feel anybody, but at that time, you had to earn your own in the NBA. You didn't come in. It was like, well, Reggie's gonna play ten fifteen minutes tonight.

You know.

You know.

It was like, nah, Reggie got to earn his minutes or he gonna sit on the bench, you know what I'm saying. So, uh, talk to me about the was practices man.

It was like, nah, Reggie got to earn his minutes or he gonna sit on the bench, you know what I'm saying. So, uh, talk to me about the was practices man.

That was good.

That was good.

Actually, the first time I met Russell was Uh, Like I said, I came in during the lockouts. The first time I met Rustle was at UCLA, so we got a chance to play each other. It was actually my first time going to ucl and playing. You know, you hear the rumors of it. All the NBA guys like, like I said, I'm a kid coming from Colorado, so I'm like a kid in Candy. I'm like, man, you hear by La on the training all the NBA guys, you started hearing about the runs. So as I'm getting healthy, Nathan coming out of the drafts, I'm getting healthy. More games are going out before the lockown happens, and I kind of see Rust Walkers the gym from across the way, and I'm like.

Actually, the first time I met Russell was Uh, Like I said, I came in during the lockouts. The first time I met Rustle was at UCLA, so we got a chance to play each other. It was actually my first time going to ucl and playing. You know, you hear the rumors of it. All the NBA guys like, like I said, I'm a kid coming from Colorado, so I'm like a kid in Candy. I'm like, man, you hear by La on the training all the NBA guys, you started hearing about the runs. So as I'm getting healthy, Nathan coming out of the drafts, I'm getting healthy. More games are going out before the lockown happens, and I kind of see Rust Walkers the gym from across the way, and I'm like.

And is this hold on? Is this when you're drafted or before you drafted?

And is this hold on? Is this when you're drafted or before you drafted?

No, this after I'm drafted, after you draft. Okay, so but after.

No, this after I'm drafted, after you draft. Okay, so but after.

I was drafted, everybody only got coming in for like three days and then the lockerp like everybody kind of knew we were in the midxt of it. So everybody's still working out. Like I'm seeing y'all around this. I finally decided to go to U play.

I was drafted, everybody only got coming in for like three days and then the lockerp like everybody kind of knew we were in the midxt of it. So everybody's still working out. Like I'm seeing y'all around this. I finally decided to go to U play.

Well.

Well.

I see him coming in the gym. I like, oh, stay, that's Rust. I kin't of see him from the way. Nobody really knows me, but Paul basically helps get me on the court.

I see him coming in the gym. I like, oh, stay, that's Rust. I kin't of see him from the way. Nobody really knows me, but Paul basically helps get me on the court.

PG. My man always.

PG. My man always.

Is Liken Man, like he in the NBA obviously, like you know his name, but nobody kind of knows. So it's like, all right, whatever we're playing, I'm like, oh, I see Russ. I don't go across to save us up to him because it's just a lot of people, everybody shooting everything going. I'm like, all right, I'm gonna see like, I'm gonna save us up to him. And I see him. I know I ain't get a chance to talk to him before and all that, and I'm like, some people reach out to Immed at least some people don't, Like we all have lives going on.

Is Liken Man, like he in the NBA obviously, like you know his name, but nobody kind of knows. So it's like, all right, whatever we're playing, I'm like, oh, I see Russ. I don't go across to save us up to him because it's just a lot of people, everybody shooting everything going. I'm like, all right, I'm gonna see like, I'm gonna save us up to him. And I see him. I know I ain't get a chance to talk to him before and all that, and I'm like, some people reach out to Immed at least some people don't, Like we all have lives going on.

I don't take anything. That's how I feels a young guy. So I'm like, right, whatever. Then we have to match up. So I'm like, oh, snap, this is fun.

I don't take anything. That's how I feels a young guy. So I'm like, right, whatever. Then we have to match up. So I'm like, oh, snap, this is fun.

So you you you have not talked to Russ by this time, y'all haven't talked. But you on the team. You the backup point guard.

So you you you have not talked to Russ by this time, y'all haven't talked. But you on the team. You the backup point guard.

So it's just fun.

So it's just fun.

It was like getting a chance to compete against And I'm like, and my boys, like, so we have homies who kind of know each other, so he doesn't necessarily know it. I think our boys played together in college, so he's with me in l a kind of telling me before. He's like he's like, oh no, he sees this man. He's like, what's up. They say something like he's like, Russ is like, I'm telling you like I've heard about him. His man telling me like great dude, but Russ is locked in and killed him on the court and all I'm like, all right, bro.

It was like getting a chance to compete against And I'm like, and my boys, like, so we have homies who kind of know each other, so he doesn't necessarily know it. I think our boys played together in college, so he's with me in l a kind of telling me before. He's like he's like, oh no, he sees this man. He's like, what's up. They say something like he's like, Russ is like, I'm telling you like I've heard about him. His man telling me like great dude, but Russ is locked in and killed him on the court and all I'm like, all right, bro.

I was like, I'm fun.

I was like, I'm fun.

I was like, I look fun of getting but like when we lace him up, I'm ready to play. I'm like, I don't think we really say anything to each other, like what's upthing meat up because he's still say what's up to people. They kind of checked the ball up before. It's like hey, Russ, like we're about to play. So he just get on the court and it's like matchup immediately. Know, no words really exchange anything. So it's like we're playing. I think we get like steal. I fouled him, so it's like, all right, damn calls foul for ball point Like I'm like, damn, all right, kind of mad, somebody else calls a foul. We're the young boys, like at the time, Paul George, I'm playing Paul. I think Jordia Carl for myself and a few other young cats and like it's Russ and a few other people, a few of the bets and they got like smarto Samis who just came in and shout out to my man Tomato.

I was like, I look fun of getting but like when we lace him up, I'm ready to play. I'm like, I don't think we really say anything to each other, like what's upthing meat up because he's still say what's up to people. They kind of checked the ball up before. It's like hey, Russ, like we're about to play. So he just get on the court and it's like matchup immediately. Know, no words really exchange anything. So it's like we're playing. I think we get like steal. I fouled him, so it's like, all right, damn calls foul for ball point Like I'm like, damn, all right, kind of mad, somebody else calls a foul. We're the young boys, like at the time, Paul George, I'm playing Paul. I think Jordia Carl for myself and a few other young cats and like it's Russ and a few other people, a few of the bets and they got like smarto Samis who just came in and shout out to my man Tomato.

I just seen him. My god.

I just seen him. My god.

Somehow we get like a stop and Paul throws at not PG throws it ahead and off one bounce I had like mine, welcome to we like dunk on game point bucket.

Somehow we get like a stop and Paul throws at not PG throws it ahead and off one bounce I had like mine, welcome to we like dunk on game point bucket.

You see, I'm feeling good.

You see, I'm feeling good.

So we all kind of hype after just being young guys because that's the workout career we have been with and guys are kind of excited and like at the whole end of the day as like as starn.

So we all kind of hype after just being young guys because that's the workout career we have been with and guys are kind of excited and like at the whole end of the day as like as starn.

And locked in as he is. He wore he finally was like, hey man, welcome to the team. And like once ago we got to old case like it's all love.

And locked in as he is. He wore he finally was like, hey man, welcome to the team. And like once ago we got to old case like it's all love.

People will think, I don't know what they think of it, like I think we just both love to compete. But yes, tell everybody you know you see him like one of the best dudes in the world.

People will think, I don't know what they think of it, like I think we just both love to compete. But yes, tell everybody you know you see him like one of the best dudes in the world.

I'll vouch for that. I stand on it all the time.

I'll vouch for that. I stand on it all the time.

Like no animosity, it's just once we get in between the lines, that's how you get to this level, it's like there is no friendship. The way he was scoring and going at me, I think he knows who I am, and he's kind of sitting the message that I wouldn't have to hurt everything that I'm gonna get coming to the team.

Like no animosity, it's just once we get in between the lines, that's how you get to this level, it's like there is no friendship. The way he was scoring and going at me, I think he knows who I am, and he's kind of sitting the message that I wouldn't have to hurt everything that I'm gonna get coming to the team.

So he never so to give the context, he never you're the new point guard. You there's no dap up, there's no welcome to the team. He walks on the court and he's at your head, no conversation ass and then y'all was boys after at all.

So he never so to give the context, he never you're the new point guard. You there's no dap up, there's no welcome to the team. He walks on the court and he's at your head, no conversation ass and then y'all was boys after at all.

Man, it's like at the top of you know, you see how he runs. It was like, well, you got the three what was it about? Three four courts going, yes, fifteen people playing.

Man, it's like at the top of you know, you see how he runs. It was like, well, you got the three what was it about? Three four courts going, yes, fifteen people playing.

You got people waiting, you got people chirp from the side like it's it's busy, So you ain't really And like I had to learn it too once I got in and I was like, oh, you ain't really getting a chance of walking.

You got people waiting, you got people chirp from the side like it's it's busy, So you ain't really And like I had to learn it too once I got in and I was like, oh, you ain't really getting a chance of walking.

The gym relaxed. It's like it's a spectacle. And especially when we used to play there, I don't know how it is now. It was like for me it was out open. It was like it was respectable to be able to walk into that gym and be able to get on the court, and you see to love everybody's getting from people that they probably know him since they were kids. So yeah, like as much as people might take him like, there was really no time first interact. I worked like a kid in candy store wide. I seen what's going on, See if I get on court? Happy I got on the court, and then like he's walking around saying what's up to everybody? Kind of everybody's rousing him. And then it was lace sometime and I was like once we played kind of met man at the end of the day, you know, I was like, hey man, what was the team?

The gym relaxed. It's like it's a spectacle. And especially when we used to play there, I don't know how it is now. It was like for me it was out open. It was like it was respectable to be able to walk into that gym and be able to get on the court, and you see to love everybody's getting from people that they probably know him since they were kids. So yeah, like as much as people might take him like, there was really no time first interact. I worked like a kid in candy store wide. I seen what's going on, See if I get on court? Happy I got on the court, and then like he's walking around saying what's up to everybody? Kind of everybody's rousing him. And then it was lace sometime and I was like once we played kind of met man at the end of the day, you know, I was like, hey man, what was the team?

All that? It's cool?

All that? It's cool?

All right, stay tuned. We're gonna find out about about a young Kevin Durant Man. There's something that Reggie Jackson knew he saw about KD that was just different. A lot of players don't do this as a superstar, mega star talent. So find out stay tuned. Cool stuff coming up next. Let's get to my favorite funk show, the NBA Rookie Life Film. Mom, let's get to the NBA Rookie Life Film.

All right, stay tuned. We're gonna find out about about a young Kevin Durant Man. There's something that Reggie Jackson knew he saw about KD that was just different. A lot of players don't do this as a superstar, mega star talent. So find out stay tuned. Cool stuff coming up next. Let's get to my favorite funk show, the NBA Rookie Life Film. Mom, let's get to the NBA Rookie Life Film.

Move.

Move.

We're gonna pick your brain. I need I don't need Reggie Jackson. I need rags, I need coach Radge for this, and we're gonna break down some moments. Peter, let me know if you can pull up pull up some some ok C KD because I think people they know Warriors KD, they know next KD. I want OKC KD and I want you to let me know. What were your first impressions of KD, Like when did you realize, like, this dude is on another planet because it's different, rad Y, I'll been there before, like playing with these guys, but like when you play with a superstar not an all star, there's a difference. There's levels to this one of the greatest to ever do it. In KD. You see different things when you get up close to him. So let me know about KD. What made him different? Was there a story when you kind of remember like yo, like he's unguardable, bro, Like this is like this is not fair, Like talk to me about talk to me. I need I need a good KD story, man.

We're gonna pick your brain. I need I don't need Reggie Jackson. I need rags, I need coach Radge for this, and we're gonna break down some moments. Peter, let me know if you can pull up pull up some some ok C KD because I think people they know Warriors KD, they know next KD. I want OKC KD and I want you to let me know. What were your first impressions of KD, Like when did you realize, like, this dude is on another planet because it's different, rad Y, I'll been there before, like playing with these guys, but like when you play with a superstar not an all star, there's a difference. There's levels to this one of the greatest to ever do it. In KD. You see different things when you get up close to him. So let me know about KD. What made him different? Was there a story when you kind of remember like yo, like he's unguardable, bro, Like this is like this is not fair, Like talk to me about talk to me. I need I need a good KD story, man.

No, mom'd be like an accumulation.

No, mom'd be like an accumulation.

So during that same time, I think, Shoot, we had worked on a year that we ended up.

So during that same time, I think, Shoot, we had worked on a year that we ended up.

Losing in the finals.

Losing in the finals.

We did three or four summer camps as a team, he was already killing. We've seen a couple other pros at the time I get to I get to meet Tim Duncan play against him, and we went to Texas.

We did three or four summer camps as a team, he was already killing. We've seen a couple other pros at the time I get to I get to meet Tim Duncan play against him, and we went to Texas.

I think we went to Kentucky. He seen a few like you can see a d before ads in the league, So we're playing talent.

I think we went to Kentucky. He seen a few like you can see a d before ads in the league, So we're playing talent.

I always knew he was great, but when we came back and it was his work ethic, like being.

I always knew he was great, but when we came back and it was his work ethic, like being.

Seven foot could do it all.

Seven foot could do it all.

And he does his workout, then he wants to jump in my workout. Then he's trying to jump in like James workout. Then he wants to play ones after you're like, you know, you're really addicted to this game. So it was crazy to see that and his talent. And then like there was a few games. I remember probably the big shot everybody's seen. I think we're playing Dallas and he's running out and it's like the fade almost a couple of feet, like in between three point line and a half court.

And he does his workout, then he wants to jump in my workout. Then he's trying to jump in like James workout. Then he wants to play ones after you're like, you know, you're really addicted to this game. So it was crazy to see that and his talent. And then like there was a few games. I remember probably the big shot everybody's seen. I think we're playing Dallas and he's running out and it's like the fade almost a couple of feet, like in between three point line and a half court.

I just remember being hype as original, Hey man, you're gonna win the game for us, You gonna win the game, not understanding I played like now playing around greats like they really are built for this. They believe it.

I just remember being hype as original, Hey man, you're gonna win the game for us, You gonna win the game, not understanding I played like now playing around greats like they really are built for this. They believe it.

Like once he hit the shot, I'm running up all hype, like if you see me, I'm yelling at like if you see the stone cold like killer look in his face. That's when I was like, after trying to commend him and then stepping back and realizing, like all of us around him and everybody still hyping him, and I'm just looking at his face, I'm like, yo, he never I didn't even to say anything to him, like you almost sometimes want to be like feel like you part of moment. Like he's killer, Like he's a bucket. He's built for it. He's done it over and over. So like when we were young, that was amazing.

Like once he hit the shot, I'm running up all hype, like if you see me, I'm yelling at like if you see the stone cold like killer look in his face. That's when I was like, after trying to commend him and then stepping back and realizing, like all of us around him and everybody still hyping him, and I'm just looking at his face, I'm like, yo, he never I didn't even to say anything to him, like you almost sometimes want to be like feel like you part of moment. Like he's killer, Like he's a bucket. He's built for it. He's done it over and over. So like when we were young, that was amazing.

We'll flow in.

We'll flow in.

What a sensational way and shock by Kevin. He knew he had time to catch score up Dom de Vinci the big man on the ball, to take away to pass into the deep corner. They tore back toward the top of the circle. That is not an easy shot. It's well behind the three point line. But when you're six tens with long runs and you've got that elevation and you're a big time player like he is, that's how you win games.

What a sensational way and shock by Kevin. He knew he had time to catch score up Dom de Vinci the big man on the ball, to take away to pass into the deep corner. They tore back toward the top of the circle. That is not an easy shot. It's well behind the three point line. But when you're six tens with long runs and you've got that elevation and you're a big time player like he is, that's how you win games.

That's the buzz up and then I think we were in practice. We were up seven one time. And this is before maybe after James level. We're playing the second team. Yeah, I guess you started chirping a little bit, so we're talking a little trash.

That's the buzz up and then I think we were in practice. We were up seven one time. And this is before maybe after James level. We're playing the second team. Yeah, I guess you started chirping a little bit, so we're talking a little trash.

Yeah.

Yeah.

It's like a minute and thirty. I'm like, man, we won, this is over. I know I'm gonna hit free throws. I cash out free throws. You don't have to foul me. I make sure we get a great shot. Yes, it comes down. We double them. Hits the three in practice, like all right, we have nine.

It's like a minute and thirty. I'm like, man, we won, this is over. I know I'm gonna hit free throws. I cash out free throws. You don't have to foul me. I make sure we get a great shot. Yes, it comes down. We double them. Hits the three in practice, like all right, we have nine.

Whatever we come down, they had they found so I hit two free throws.

Whatever we come down, they had they found so I hit two free throws.

Now six comes down. Coach is like just drawing the plays out of bounce. He catches it. It's a fading three point overs. I'm like, man again, so like we come down to turn it over. I think it's like six seconds. It was like look at two point three seconds, like I ain't nothing. There's no way y'all gonna win. Like it's over, man, I like I'm fourth fallon forced them all the way up to half court. He catches it, you know, Like the rule is he catches it in front of half court. So it's the worst thing I've ever seen off one leg.

Now six comes down. Coach is like just drawing the plays out of bounce. He catches it. It's a fading three point overs. I'm like, man again, so like we come down to turn it over. I think it's like six seconds. It was like look at two point three seconds, like I ain't nothing. There's no way y'all gonna win. Like it's over, man, I like I'm fourth fallon forced them all the way up to half court. He catches it, you know, Like the rule is he catches it in front of half court. So it's the worst thing I've ever seen off one leg.

He turned and when I say, he pulled it like right, Nika Tessini hit nothing but net and Scottie Brooks just ended practice like he knew everybody was.

He turned and when I say, he pulled it like right, Nika Tessini hit nothing but net and Scottie Brooks just ended practice like he knew everybody was.

Man.

Man.

I was like, bro, this is this is the best score we ever seen.

I was like, bro, this is this is the best score we ever seen.

You guys were up nine.

You guys were up nine.

Oh it was quick with the ball.

Oh it was quick with the ball.

But like good minute and thirty in practice. It was just answer. He answered everything by himself. It's a big shot for big shot. We hitting like a two because we're making a great backpit. We feel good. He just walks up visit three. I'm like, we're playing basketball. He's working out as Wow, that's different.

But like good minute and thirty in practice. It was just answer. He answered everything by himself. It's a big shot for big shot. We hitting like a two because we're making a great backpit. We feel good. He just walks up visit three. I'm like, we're playing basketball. He's working out as Wow, that's different.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Man, shout out to KD, like, I don't think reg you not Like I pride myself as a defender. As the five. You played the back line. So I have to know the scouting report for everybody that I'm playing against. You know what I'm saying. So as I would devise the scouting report or how I'm gonna play guys, Kd's one of the rare guys that I was like, we just have to hope he misses because you get physical with him, he got stronger. You jam him up. He can drive around you. You switch a big guy on to him. He got right to left crossover. He like going left, he like going right.

Man, shout out to KD, like, I don't think reg you not Like I pride myself as a defender. As the five. You played the back line. So I have to know the scouting report for everybody that I'm playing against. You know what I'm saying. So as I would devise the scouting report or how I'm gonna play guys, Kd's one of the rare guys that I was like, we just have to hope he misses because you get physical with him, he got stronger. You jam him up. He can drive around you. You switch a big guy on to him. He got right to left crossover. He like going left, he like going right.

He go right.

He go right.

He'll bang on you. He long enough to bang on you. So there were different things that KDI would do that from a strategic standpoint, he was really impossible to guard. Or you would just hope he'd have an off night, or I'm just gonna.

He'll bang on you. He long enough to bang on you. So there were different things that KDI would do that from a strategic standpoint, he was really impossible to guard. Or you would just hope he'd have an off night, or I'm just gonna.

Keep a buck.

Keep a buck.

I would hope that you guys were so young at that time, and you know, Reggie, I'll be talking trash from another team that you guys would just be inexperience of, like not know how to put it together together. I believe if that group just rage, I'm sorry. I don't want to make you mad. Now I know this, this might be a little tender. If that group just stayed together, man, it's gonna be championships for days. But because there was just so much talent. But going into Oka, See, I tell a lot of people that they were like, well, where's some of the hardest places that you ever played? Okay see at Okay See, y'all played different. Talk to me about that radge, Like what what what y'all ran harder y'all were physical like that crowd. Oh my gosh, I got to show respected in that crowd. Man, it was it was just different radgs like y'all just walk around like some goons at home.

I would hope that you guys were so young at that time, and you know, Reggie, I'll be talking trash from another team that you guys would just be inexperience of, like not know how to put it together together. I believe if that group just rage, I'm sorry. I don't want to make you mad. Now I know this, this might be a little tender. If that group just stayed together, man, it's gonna be championships for days. But because there was just so much talent. But going into Oka, See, I tell a lot of people that they were like, well, where's some of the hardest places that you ever played? Okay see at Okay See, y'all played different. Talk to me about that radge, Like what what what y'all ran harder y'all were physical like that crowd. Oh my gosh, I got to show respected in that crowd. Man, it was it was just different radgs like y'all just walk around like some goons at home.

Yeah.

Yeah.

No, I think we were just young. Honestly, we were young. The team was young, like they finally had their own team, Like I know they had had the horn show up and everything after the hurricane, but like having their own team, it was packed that every night you felt like the playoffs. And then like I said, I just showed up at the at like the pinnacle of everything, like the perfect timing. The guys that put time in they had really kind of earned the battle scars and wounds and earned their respect. And the belief was I believe. And the guys like they knew it was time to take off. And at that time.

No, I think we were just young. Honestly, we were young. The team was young, like they finally had their own team, Like I know they had had the horn show up and everything after the hurricane, but like having their own team, it was packed that every night you felt like the playoffs. And then like I said, I just showed up at the at like the pinnacle of everything, like the perfect timing. The guys that put time in they had really kind of earned the battle scars and wounds and earned their respect. And the belief was I believe. And the guys like they knew it was time to take off. And at that time.

We felt like nothing can stop us.

We felt like nothing can stop us.

And then once you had like the right vets around, like you got Nick Collinson, og, you got the lagooning and perk, you got a steady head even in like Royal Ivy, whether he you know, he's letting us know we need to do each and every night, and like you find out, having like good vets, it was just a great mixture of young talent, having great leaders, having hungry young guys who were emerging coming to their own won the lead. And yeah, I think we definitely played with chip on our shoulder. Like practice sometimes was way more vetter than the games, and I think that was a scary thing. Everybody has something to prove, and at times we were trying to we were trying to prove it to each other that we were coming. So there was nights like our families sometimes talking to me like they could tell us like, yeah, I don't think they played the team that they played today.

And then once you had like the right vets around, like you got Nick Collinson, og, you got the lagooning and perk, you got a steady head even in like Royal Ivy, whether he you know, he's letting us know we need to do each and every night, and like you find out, having like good vets, it was just a great mixture of young talent, having great leaders, having hungry young guys who were emerging coming to their own won the lead. And yeah, I think we definitely played with chip on our shoulder. Like practice sometimes was way more vetter than the games, and I think that was a scary thing. Everybody has something to prove, and at times we were trying to we were trying to prove it to each other that we were coming. So there was nights like our families sometimes talking to me like they could tell us like, yeah, I don't think they played the team that they played today.

It was like, no, we're playing the proof to beside.

It was like, no, we're playing the proof to beside.

You Like.

You Like.

I'm like that, like.

I'm like that, like.

I deserve to definitely be known as well, Like I'm no hating, no shade on any year, what you're going on and what everybody was merging as in anybody starting, but everybody I think was chasing their own own love and like everybody was trying to chase just being the best that they could be at the time, which with all those players with three MVPs.

I deserve to definitely be known as well, Like I'm no hating, no shade on any year, what you're going on and what everybody was merging as in anybody starting, but everybody I think was chasing their own own love and like everybody was trying to chase just being the best that they could be at the time, which with all those players with three MVPs.

Like.

Like.

I think when you have a locker room in the building filled with that much talent and you kind of raised guys the way we were raising the environment.

I think when you have a locker room in the building filled with that much talent and you kind of raised guys the way we were raising the environment.

We had it gets scared. It was fun.

We had it gets scared. It was fun.

You talked about a chip on your shoulders, so Regg, we saw the show off. I knew you were like that. I don't think the league knew that you were like that. And people don't understand, like when your numbers called, it's called Reggie and what you did. I don't know if there's some history numbers behind it, I don't know what has been. You just put the league on notice.

You talked about a chip on your shoulders, so Regg, we saw the show off. I knew you were like that. I don't think the league knew that you were like that. And people don't understand, like when your numbers called, it's called Reggie and what you did. I don't know if there's some history numbers behind it, I don't know what has been. You just put the league on notice.

Dog.

Dog.

At this moment, Memphis was one of the top defenses physical, grit and grind. I mean you went off, Reggie, and I think everybody knew from then, like, oh, no, Reggie Jackson is a guy. Because you weren't really in the rotation. You weren't getting strong minutes. But it was like, no, we can put the ball in Reggie's hands. What don't we know about your takeover? Talk to me about your mindset going in because this is not normal, Reggie. But I remember, all of a sudden, just like I said, the league was on notice.

At this moment, Memphis was one of the top defenses physical, grit and grind. I mean you went off, Reggie, and I think everybody knew from then, like, oh, no, Reggie Jackson is a guy. Because you weren't really in the rotation. You weren't getting strong minutes. But it was like, no, we can put the ball in Reggie's hands. What don't we know about your takeover? Talk to me about your mindset going in because this is not normal, Reggie. But I remember, all of a sudden, just like I said, the league was on notice.

Man, sit up to Jackson and Jackson really finding this group here offensively in Game four and Jackson back the other way with one thirty four to go in the period Aggie Jackson, Action Jackson, I.

Man, sit up to Jackson and Jackson really finding this group here offensively in Game four and Jackson back the other way with one thirty four to go in the period Aggie Jackson, Action Jackson, I.

Had played with stars, Like honestly, I knew I was playing with stars, and unfortunately at the time Russ and Katie wasn't having the best games. They weren't having their greatest game. We had lost James. Like I said, you knew that they were drawing all attention, whether it be the best guy like Tony Allen. They're getting quartery leaves, they're getting double in trouble Team, and I just didn't want to go home, like in my mind, like there's no way I'm going home. There's no way we're going home. I knew all the work I put in over those last few summers since I've been in the NBA. First it took me to feel confidence that I could be like in the India and I could be playing for real. I've always truly believed it, but then have to go out and have the experience, and then after kind of dissecting it, being critical of myself analytical each summer, I try to go back and get better at something.

Had played with stars, Like honestly, I knew I was playing with stars, and unfortunately at the time Russ and Katie wasn't having the best games. They weren't having their greatest game. We had lost James. Like I said, you knew that they were drawing all attention, whether it be the best guy like Tony Allen. They're getting quartery leaves, they're getting double in trouble Team, and I just didn't want to go home, like in my mind, like there's no way I'm going home. There's no way we're going home. I knew all the work I put in over those last few summers since I've been in the NBA. First it took me to feel confidence that I could be like in the India and I could be playing for real. I've always truly believed it, but then have to go out and have the experience, and then after kind of dissecting it, being critical of myself analytical each summer, I try to go back and get better at something.

So I had to put too many hours like in the gym for.

So I had to put too many hours like in the gym for.

Till to not try anything and to just go home and say what if or if I would have got the ball, I wish I could have helped. I just would be like, hey, man, be aggressive, tonight's not there night and all they need is a little help, because I was like, we find a way to get a win. Those two guys being who they are, then they can close the series out for us.

Till to not try anything and to just go home and say what if or if I would have got the ball, I wish I could have helped. I just would be like, hey, man, be aggressive, tonight's not there night and all they need is a little help, because I was like, we find a way to get a win. Those two guys being who they are, then they can close the series out for us.

So Jackson with the poor and we're not in at eighty with thirty points six seconds ago, playoff.

So Jackson with the poor and we're not in at eighty with thirty points six seconds ago, playoff.

Career high for Regie Jackson, who has been a problem all night long for the Memphis Critchers. I just, like I said, I just want to do my partner.

Career high for Regie Jackson, who has been a problem all night long for the Memphis Critchers. I just, like I said, I just want to do my partner.

I felt like I had put the hours in, not only to prove it to myself, but I felt like even though if my teammates an't known at that moment, as everything started to unravel and shots started going, I think it's almost like reminding them and waking their mind up. Even himself, like, oh yeah, we've seen this, dude, put in the time. We've seen what's done in the gym with us.

I felt like I had put the hours in, not only to prove it to myself, but I felt like even though if my teammates an't known at that moment, as everything started to unravel and shots started going, I think it's almost like reminding them and waking their mind up. Even himself, like, oh yeah, we've seen this, dude, put in the time. We've seen what's done in the gym with us.

Like you said, like some of our best, some of the best competing is not necessarily even the games that the fans get to see. I guess some of the matchups that's happened in practice. I'm like, I believe myself. I had some pretty good matchups and y'all know what I'm capable of. I just got to remind you and I gotta wake all up to it.

Like you said, like some of our best, some of the best competing is not necessarily even the games that the fans get to see. I guess some of the matchups that's happened in practice. I'm like, I believe myself. I had some pretty good matchups and y'all know what I'm capable of. I just got to remind you and I gotta wake all up to it.

And it's over. This series is tied that to a piece.

And it's over. This series is tied that to a piece.

Going back to Oklahoma City on Monday Night, a Juberland Russell Westbrook and a grateful Kevin Durant for the performance of Reggie Jackson.

Going back to Oklahoma City on Monday Night, a Juberland Russell Westbrook and a grateful Kevin Durant for the performance of Reggie Jackson.

Look at the love Kevin Durant is giving his teammate.

Look at the love Kevin Durant is giving his teammate.

Reggie knows he bailed him out.

Reggie knows he bailed him out.

I was waking myself up, and yeah, I was just blessed, very blessed to have a great game. And once we won that, yeah, I think that was like all the emotions.

I was waking myself up, and yeah, I was just blessed, very blessed to have a great game. And once we won that, yeah, I think that was like all the emotions.

Why you've seen like tears coming around and all everybody seeing them, like all the work, all the nights.

Why you've seen like tears coming around and all everybody seeing them, like all the work, all the nights.

I had to trust that at times you don't go in like you said, you don't know your nerve's gonna be called. But you.

I had to trust that at times you don't go in like you said, you don't know your nerve's gonna be called. But you.

Man, what they always said, success is when preparation or opportunities preparation. So I was like, the preparation is one hundred that's controllable, and the opportunities Underson, luck and that was my lucky moment.

Man, what they always said, success is when preparation or opportunities preparation. So I was like, the preparation is one hundred that's controllable, and the opportunities Underson, luck and that was my lucky moment.

And yeah, that day I sank to level of my training.

And yeah, that day I sank to level of my training.

Reg, you had another moment. Man, I don't want to touch you. I don't want to get to all emotional, but we got we got to touch on it. Man, since we're there. When you, uh you went to Detroit, you did your thing and then you know that just part of the league. Man, you end up with the Clippers and you talked about confidence. Man, I remember you had you had an interview and I remember you just kind of thinking the Clippers, PG and all them just like yo, like, thank you for reminding me of what I was like, thank you for that moment. Like it got emotional, but REGI I know you, so I felt that. Like, Man, I'm glad my guys playing, but I know the way you love and appreciate this game. Talk to me about that interview.

Reg, you had another moment. Man, I don't want to touch you. I don't want to get to all emotional, but we got we got to touch on it. Man, since we're there. When you, uh you went to Detroit, you did your thing and then you know that just part of the league. Man, you end up with the Clippers and you talked about confidence. Man, I remember you had you had an interview and I remember you just kind of thinking the Clippers, PG and all them just like yo, like, thank you for reminding me of what I was like, thank you for that moment. Like it got emotional, but REGI I know you, so I felt that. Like, Man, I'm glad my guys playing, but I know the way you love and appreciate this game. Talk to me about that interview.

Man, first thing I told this guys to Stafty for saving me. I appreciate it. I appreciate every guy in the locker room, and I appreciate it. Paul for getting on my phone last year at the end of the season when I was talking to do a bio with Detroit to thank for everything I've experience being here, this city, making me feel home, this organization, walking home, my quirks, my strengths, my weakness systems. I'm not here to David out this team. I'm not still playing without this team.

Man, first thing I told this guys to Stafty for saving me. I appreciate it. I appreciate every guy in the locker room, and I appreciate it. Paul for getting on my phone last year at the end of the season when I was talking to do a bio with Detroit to thank for everything I've experience being here, this city, making me feel home, this organization, walking home, my quirks, my strengths, my weakness systems. I'm not here to David out this team. I'm not still playing without this team.

So yeah, it was funny, like I really had waned to quit the year before I was done. We had, unfortunately the Bubble year. I hadn't been healthy for a few years in Detroit and it was tough. So after everything happened in Bubble, I was ready to wrap it up.

So yeah, it was funny, like I really had waned to quit the year before I was done. We had, unfortunately the Bubble year. I hadn't been healthy for a few years in Detroit and it was tough. So after everything happened in Bubble, I was ready to wrap it up.

And were you ready to wrap it? When you say wrap it up, what do you mean wrap it up?

And were you ready to wrap it? When you say wrap it up, what do you mean wrap it up?

Read?

Read?

Oh man. I had made generational wealth. I had been very thankful, very blessed with everything. But I hadn't found drawing basketball anymore. And there was more the experience. I didn't get to go on the court and experience, and I was sitting there. I felt like every day was rehab. As soon as you get healthy enough to come back, I had another injury. So it was like I just got tired of it, got tired of hearing the chatter, got tired of taking the ridicule.

Oh man. I had made generational wealth. I had been very thankful, very blessed with everything. But I hadn't found drawing basketball anymore. And there was more the experience. I didn't get to go on the court and experience, and I was sitting there. I felt like every day was rehab. As soon as you get healthy enough to come back, I had another injury. So it was like I just got tired of it, got tired of hearing the chatter, got tired of taking the ridicule.

When I feel like on the court, I can I can take it.

When I feel like on the court, I can I can take it.

Everything like I don't mind people calling me out, critiquing me, criticism, whatever you call it. But it got hard to and I'm sure people feel this in like like when you feel like you can't fight for yourself, you can't do anything, and just get it down. So I had got to that point. I was like, man, I'm cool. I don't want to do it no more. And my brother just got me thinking about it. Especially he was like, yo, mall, like you've done it so long, Like you got to try at least get your ten, like get year ten, go back and in the bubble. Like he based on me, like think about all the fun that I had, like instead of all the bad. I started so soaking for myself, always focused on bad. He's like, what's the good.

Everything like I don't mind people calling me out, critiquing me, criticism, whatever you call it. But it got hard to and I'm sure people feel this in like like when you feel like you can't fight for yourself, you can't do anything, and just get it down. So I had got to that point. I was like, man, I'm cool. I don't want to do it no more. And my brother just got me thinking about it. Especially he was like, yo, mall, like you've done it so long, Like you got to try at least get your ten, like get year ten, go back and in the bubble. Like he based on me, like think about all the fun that I had, like instead of all the bad. I started so soaking for myself, always focused on bad. He's like, what's the good.

Things that.

Things that.

Just for the season, And I was like, I ain't going on, Like it was fun for me working with the young guys at the time, my guy working with parents, man, you know, working with a mere coffee, getting a chance to play.

Just for the season, And I was like, I ain't going on, Like it was fun for me working with the young guys at the time, my guy working with parents, man, you know, working with a mere coffee, getting a chance to play.

Games at the time, joke king knowing just being around the guys.

Games at the time, joke king knowing just being around the guys.

But really is about teaching the young guys and like trying to help them because there's been people who gave to me so like I I said, always the name who resonates, whether it's not necessarily with fans, your average fan, but for me, it was Ivey, like everything that he poured in me.

But really is about teaching the young guys and like trying to help them because there's been people who gave to me so like I I said, always the name who resonates, whether it's not necessarily with fans, your average fan, but for me, it was Ivey, like everything that he poured in me.

Everything young and good days. On my bad days.

Everything young and good days. On my bad days.

Luckily he was right above me, so he poured so much to me. I was like, I gotta pour it back into the next guy. So I just wanted to be right by the game and be around it and then doing right just being lucky.

Luckily he was right above me, so he poured so much to me. I was like, I gotta pour it back into the next guy. So I just wanted to be right by the game and be around it and then doing right just being lucky.

I ended up being blessed, like I have to play a lot of roles that season. We made it the first we ever had. We made the West Conence finals.

I ended up being blessed, like I have to play a lot of roles that season. We made it the first we ever had. We made the West Conence finals.

And when like you know, was all said and done, like all my motions poured out, I was like, yo, if if it wasn't for my brother, if it wasn't for the time, like Paul called me, just don't quit. I'm like yeo, man, he didn't force me, but like, yeah, you got a lock still to give. I'm like, yeah, I'm done. I'm cool. Whi's been a fun journey together. He's like, no, man, like, just just.

And when like you know, was all said and done, like all my motions poured out, I was like, yo, if if it wasn't for my brother, if it wasn't for the time, like Paul called me, just don't quit. I'm like yeo, man, he didn't force me, but like, yeah, you got a lock still to give. I'm like, yeah, I'm done. I'm cool. Whi's been a fun journey together. He's like, no, man, like, just just.

Take the time. We can pick up the ball. So those guys and like having the team trust me in different roles, embraced me for myself like things that I whether it be my awkward states or how I am at times, I'm like they really truly embraced me. The city embraced me.

Take the time. We can pick up the ball. So those guys and like having the team trust me in different roles, embraced me for myself like things that I whether it be my awkward states or how I am at times, I'm like they really truly embraced me. The city embraced me.

I was just so thankful, like everybody who was on me with that journey for that year, I was like, man, if y'all only understood like I was, I was done, Like I was cool home and wrapping them up and just watching or even not watching.

I was just so thankful, like everybody who was on me with that journey for that year, I was like, man, if y'all only understood like I was, I was done, Like I was cool home and wrapping them up and just watching or even not watching.

But I I had.

But I I had.

Accomplished a lot league for myself at already, and I was just like I said, it was cool being domb. But I'm just thankful that I had a great circle, a great team that convinced me I had a little more of me and never still here.

Accomplished a lot league for myself at already, and I was just like I said, it was cool being domb. But I'm just thankful that I had a great circle, a great team that convinced me I had a little more of me and never still here.

Talk to me about that relationship with PG Man. Shout out PG Man. It's a little bro too.

Talk to me about that relationship with PG Man. Shout out PG Man. It's a little bro too.

Man.

Man.

He was one of the dogs in the gym, and I remember watching PG just get better and better, Like it's crazy, you know what they say, like the greats just get something every summer, like PG has added something to his game every summer. So talk to me about PG Man and that relationship with him, man, And people don't know how forgetting anything that Paul does on the court. What he does off the court. So talk to me about PG man. What don't we know about him?