This episode was great, but what struck me the most was the sincere emotion with which Chris webber spoke of his coaches and idoles, and how he still look up to them, and the immense sense of gratitude you could feel from hearing him speak
I don't think so. I know one or two instances who equally or arguably did better without fanfare. Better yet, let's just check recipients of NBA Community Assist Award.
@@OrionOodama Can you talk a bit more about the context? I am not an nba fan, but just an outsider. To me it feels like it is no big deal at all you know. Once game where he showed bad sportsman ship. Who cares? I feel like it has become a big deal just because Michael Jordan made it one and the media has run with it since.
@@larllockman4749 that’s not what I meant. They wanted to play always wanted to play tough and physical. Until someone was played physically against them. Then they wanted every call. And they wanted to be “bad boys” and now Isaiahs still on TV complaining about not making the dream team and how no one likes them.
@@Kdough_33 The physicality of those pistons teams came from the dirty plays that the Celtics put on them. The Celtics were the dirtiest team in basketball until they fell off in 87. Those dirty plays got them at least 3 trophys and even more Finals appearances.
For all that shiznit they gave that man Isaiah, look what he does for his community.... He'll always be my number one pic. Biggest heart in the league on and off the court💪🏾
exactly..gets a bad name ...he and dominique were my two faves as a kid in the 80s....Isiah is a class act.....not sure what the cat above me is talking about..sounds a bit racist. but sticking to Isiah...I watched him any opportunity I got as a kid...heart of a lion
They hate on Isiah for everything they brag about others… he was competitive, super competitive, played with as much heart as anyone, went through great lengths to win.
This was a really interesting episode because it shined a light on an aspect of Isiah Thomas' time in and around the NBA that I never knew, but this panel had unique insight into it. I was a huge Michael Jordan fan as a kid so I'd always had an aversion to Thomas and the Bad Boys of Detroit. But the respect/reverence with which Chris Webber, Steve Smith, and Grant Hill talked about Thomas teaching, encouraging, and mentoring them [well before they'd made the NBA in some cases] struck me as being a stark contrast from all of the videos I've seen and all of the articles/essays I've read about how Jordan's competitive nature "destroyed" or "broke" his competitors and some of his own teammates. This isn't to say that Thomas is perfect or didn't have his flaws as a player/coach/GM or even that he's a better player than Jordan; none of those statements are true. But he clearly engaged and reached out to others in a way I can't imagine Jordan doing, and I think he deserves respect for that, even from a Jordan fan like myself.
Notice how the mainstream media demonizes Isiah and glorifies MJ, but when you talk to the former players themselves, they hold Isiah on a higher level of respect as a man. Just compare how many HOFs requested Isiah to welcome them into the HOF compared to MJ. That says a lot.
The look on Zeke face when he said "when they said they were changing the culture in Detroit" told me all I needed to kno about how he felt. Might be Mike's top hater 2nd to Nick Wright but unc knows basketball. Real basketball
Had watched many "Open Court" episodes and if asked spur of the moment, this is my topmost favorite episode (barring something better came up). Kudos to EJ or anyone who brought the concept of delegating the topic/s to the players. Second, Kenny "The Jet" Smith-less episodes have become personal favorites. He's been a heckler and overly butting in in someone's stories/sharing as if he's the alpha in the panel. Sure, he's a Tar Heel, but without Hakeem in his career he don't deserve to be there. Thankful he went sabbatical at some point during the show's run. Third, C-Webb's sharing/revelations have been eye-opening, like he considered joining Tim Duncan in 2001, which is intertwined with Doug Christie's extension that probably led for him to re-sign as well, plus Christie's trade affected him too in 2005. Few weeks later, he was traded to Philly. Great balance, wonderful insights and storytelling.
Kenny can definitely be annoying and arrogant at times, fully agreed. However, he does show a good understanding of the game, and he’s not as irritating as Shaq when he gets salty and agressive. Kenny should be more like Steve Kerr. Love that dude. Humble, funny and real insightful.
@@production60 Well, "The Jet" must know the game better as he has been on TNT since the late 90s. Problem is, he has Dunning-Kruger effect and disrupted supposed great stories/insights from colleagues several times. Having a know-how never means other people's takes are to be interrupted and denied to unfold, betraying the audience's curiosity. I take Steve Kerr's stories anytime. He's a class act while edgy and competitive if necessary. Remember this is the same man stood for himself when he had enough of GOAT's bullying ways. And as a coach, he meshed the teachings and philosophies of PhilJax and Pop into his.
@@OrionOodama I completely agree, Kenny interrupts the others way too much. I think he feels disrespected or overshadowed by players that were far better than he was. Like he needs to interrupt them to tell his stories, so he feels like he belongs. Meanwhile, Steve Kerr understands, and seems completely at peace with the fact that he was a role player. He brings his different perspective without interrupting the others.
Trade issue: Exactly why I don't get mad at the player's these days. They do them so dirty some times. We supposed be understanding about it being "BUSINESS', let's keep that same energy when the player's want to leave on there own... That's all I have to say about that.
I'm a Detroit girl and I'm always down for my Pistons and love my Pistons. I love Joe D, I'm his biggest fan, I also like Isiah but the more I watch these Open Courts the more I'm starting love Isiah too. He seems like really nice guy, he's funny and very passionate about basket and the Piston organizations. I was not aware he use to visit the High school and give back. Back then I was elementary school. We totally need the Detroit Bad Boy Culture back in Detroit. Steve Smith and Chirs Webber was so lucky to meet the bad boys when they were young. I've met Budda a couple years ago. I always wanted to met Joe and now I wanna meet Isiah.
Chris Webber talking about Isaiah coming into their neighbourhood and it's meaning for everyone is powerful. Pity people don't hear these stories and have associated him with the bad boys image purely.
@@nickolaibuck9301 RIGHT. That's the 3peat. If they weren't cheated by the Lakers in 88. Chicago was ready for Detroit. They lost in 5, 6 & 7 games. The Bulls in 6 if Isiah didn't damage his wrist
@@paesano285 Just saying draymmond might get in the hall of fame. He's still gotta clean up his act though. Every suspension he's gotten, its all on him.
Isiah Thomas and grant hill played for Detroit pistons and Chris webber for Michigan and Steve Smith Michigan state. They all have that connection except 3D I think.
It costs less money for NBA franchises to let the NCAA and AAU develop players. Soccer is immensely more profitable because it's the number one sport on Earth, so the money is there to have farm systems. Not so much for any other sport.
@@musicandmagic909 Yep. And now with name image and likeness dollars available to the players, there really is no incentive for a player to go into the minor leagues or for the NBA to develop a minor-league system
If they were still doing open court today, I feel like they would do a whole episode about the bullshit Ben SImmons pulled after he was traded to the nets.
Dennis Smith’s topic made them just all seem like old dudes. Some points very valid. Other comments were just shots “kids don’t play pickup anymore” maaaan stop. That’s a reflection of the community not the kids
I disagree there are a lot of aau coaches that are geniune and helping kids stay out of trouble and helping them become better people and players but at the same time it’s all about exposure sponsorships and showcasing talent instead of teaching winning and fundamentals so I agree with grant hill on that
Can not pardon Isiah for behaving like a douche. Didn't even walk off the court with his head held high. I'm just another guy, but I have zero respect.
Larry Bird walked off without shaking the Pistons hands in the 1988 eastern conference finals. Isiah didn't cry about that the way Jordan did. How much respect do you have for Bird??
Laughable when ppl talk about players aren’t loyal to the team or city! When the franchise doesn’t want them anymore the players find out on tv or in another cold way!
