Episode III: Basketball Hall of Famer Rod Thorn - a podcast by wheretheyat

The 3rd edition of Whe're They At features Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, Rod Thorn. Rod has spent over 50 years in the National Basketball Association as a player, coach, general manager, team president AND Vice President of Basketball Operations for the NBA. He was on the coaching staff during Julius 'Dr. J.' Erving's rise with the New York Nets (ABA), he drafted Michael Jordan in the 1984 NBA Draft as general manager of the Chicago Bulls and traded for Jason Kidd to facilitate the resurrection of the New Jersey Nets, leading to being awarded 2001-02 NBA Executive of the Year. He was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Rod on a cornucopia of topics including:         

02:00: On how his father inspired him to be involved in athletics.         

04:43: Did he see himself pursuing a professional career in both basketball and baseball, ala fellow Hall of Famer Dave DeBusschere?          

06:23: A funny story relating to the state government of West Virginia.        

07:13: On his interaction with fellow Hall of Famer and West Virginia Univ. alumnus, Jerry West while they were on the basketball team.       

10:07: Nabaté shares a surprise audio greeting from a distinguished alumnus and figure in West Virginia basketball lore, Coach Bob Huggins.         

12:22: Looks back on how the NBA Draft was completely different from when he was drafted (2nd overall in 1963) to what is now.        

14:57: On the spectacular growth of the NBA.         

17:00: There was NO Load Management when he played in the league BUT there are more injuries with today's players.       

19:54: On his pursuits after having to retire as a player early.        

24:44: The perspective he gained after coaching the eccentric ABA star, Marvin Barnes (great stories).         

30:24: Reflects on fellow Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan, who he regrettably had to fire as head coach of the Chicago Bulls.       

33:39: On missing out on Earvin 'Magic' Johnson in the 1979 NBA Draft.           

37:02: Was he completely sold on drafting Michael Jordan in the 1984 NBA Draft?          

40:40: Nabaté shares another surprise audio greeting for Rod, this time from Oscar/Grammy winner and hip-hop legend, Common.         

43:45: On the infinite impact of the 1992 Men's Olympic Basketball Team, known as the Dream Team (Rod led the selection committee).        

48:27: On the qualities that made the late NBA Commissioner David Stern prolific.          

50:33: What made him accept the New Jersey Nets team president position? And his philosophy that made the Nets flourish instantly.         

57:01: Nabaté shares another surprise audio greeting for Rod, it's from his 1st draft pick with the Nets in 2000 and eventual All-Star, Kenyon Martin, Sr.          

59:33: Did he see Giannis Antetokounmpo becoming a potential All-Time Great player while he was an advisor for the Milwaukee Bucks?              

1:03:56: His take on the proposed major changes to the NBA schedule and playoff format for the 2021-22 season and beyond.       

1:06:30: A quote about Rod from former comrade that is 100% accurate.       

1:07:47: His All-Time West Virginia Univ. team.      

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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             

 

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