Basketball Now & Then: The Greatest Comparisons

Unlock the secret to transforming setbacks into opportunities with NBA veteran Keith Closs, a former pro who turned life’s challenges into a powerful tool for youth empowerment in Costa Rica. Keith Closs's journey from an undersized kid in Hartford to an NBA shot-blocking icon is a story perseverance, adaptability, and giving back. On this episode, he shares how relentless hard work, memorable...

Our season finale dives into the most daring player matchups, revealing who we'd start our franchise with. No filters, no fluff. From Victor Wembanyama versus Wilt Chamberlain to legends like KG vs. AD, this episode isn't just about stats. It's about the stories, the what-ifs, and the bold takes that shake the core of basketball fandom. Imagine the future of NBA Superteams, crafted thr...

Unlock the secrets behind two of the most versatile power forwards in NBA history, Anthony Davis and Kevin Garnett. This episode reveals how their early beginnings, unique skill sets, and dominant defense make this a comparison for the ages. Dive into Davis’s journey from Chicago to NBA MVP contender, and Garnett’s rise from a thin high schooler to the legendary “Big Ticket” who took the Timberwol...

Most NBA fans overlook how the golden era of 90s shooting guards was defined by legendary battles, game-changing moments, and star-studded rivalries. In this episode of Basketball Now and Then , Uriah, Maurice, and Lucas break down the Mount Rushmore of 90s two guards, revealing the true impact and legacy of icons like Michael Jordan, Clyde Drexler, Reggie Miller, Mitch Richmond, and more. Discove...

From legendary friendships to heated rivalries, this episode of Basketball Now & Then: The Greatest Comparisons dives into the most intriguing relationships in NBA history and today’s game. Uriah Young, Lucas Johnson, and Zach Ciavolella explore the bonds, partnerships, mentorships, and competitive dynamics that have shaped careers, franchises, and championship legacies. From superstar duos th...

Welcome back to Basketball Now & Then: The Greatest Comparisons, with Uriah Young, Maurice Huggins, and Lucas Johnson. No Ben in this episode as his schedule has been quite busy. In our season 3, we've compared eras and told the stories behind the game we love. But not every moment makes the final cut. Today, we're pulling back the curtain and sharing some of our favorite bloopers, out...

Most films about basketball focus solely on the game. This one dives deep into the complex world behind the scenes. Spike Lee's He Got Game is a layered exploration of talent, ambition, family, and exploitation that still resonates today. Hosts Uriah Young, Ben Franczuszki, Warren Shaw, and Reginald Ponder break down the film and go behind the scenes. When Denzel Washington's character, Ja...

DeMar DeRozan and Joe Johnson may come from different eras, but their games feel like mirror images—defined by mid-range mastery, clutch scoring, and quiet dominance. In this episode, we explore how both players rose from difficult environments to become two of the NBA’s most skilled and underappreciated wings. From DeRozan’s journey through Compton and the sacrifices of his mother, to Johnson’s r...

Most NBA fans have seen star players go down with injuries that seem to come out of nowhere. But what if many of these injuries could be better understood, prevented, or even accelerated using cutting-edge sports medicine? In this episode, Dr. Tommy Rhee, a sports medicine physician who has treated NBA stars, Olympic athletes, WWE legends, and rising gymnasts, shatters common misconceptions and re...

Most basketball fans underestimate how legendary defensive giants Ben Wallace and Nate Thurmond truly are. Wallace, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year and Hall of Famer, transformed the Pistons' identity with his relentless rebounding and shot-blocking — all undrafted, yet dominant beyond expectations. Thurmond, also a Hall of Fame center, was the backbone of the formidable Warriors in t...

In this can’t-miss 50-40-90 interview from Basketball Now & Then , we sit down with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. Scoop B pulls back the curtain on his rise in the industry, sharing the real grind it takes to become a trusted voice in NBA media. He reflects on standout interviews, breaks down the biggest misconceptions about how news actually travels in today’s league, and doesn’t ho...

In this 50-40-90 episode, Uriah Young sits down with A. M. Pfeffer, co-host of Beyond the Surface , to unpack the major shift in modern sports media from objective analysis to emotionally driven narratives and hot takes. This episode dives into how storytelling, social media, and player empowerment are reshaping fan engagement, league dynamics, and even team decision-making, from superstar movemen...

In this 50-40-90 interview, we welcome author Luke Epplin for a deep dive into his book, Moses and The Doctor. Our conversation traces the electric evolution of basketball in the 1970s, when playground courts across America became laboratories for creativity, giving rise to a new, high-flying style of play. Epplin breaks down how two vastly different stars emerged from that era. Julius Erving, who...

Episode 55 of Basketball Now & Then locks in on elite perimeter defense with a gritty guard comparison between Gary Payton and Jrue Holiday, two players who built their reputations on toughness, intelligence, and shutting down the opposition. Pressure defense. Physical play. No easy possessions. The hosts explore how Payton’s intensity, trash talk, and defensive dominance earned him the nickna...

Most animation fans and film insiders still marvel at how Space Jam seamlessly blends live action and animation—30 years later, its impact remains unmatched. Neil Boyle, the supervising animator behind that iconic film, reveals the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship that brought Looney Tunes characters into the real world with jaw-dropping realism. From technical hurdles like animating characters in...

Check out our latest blooper reel, where the mumbles and stumbles take the stage for your enjoyment. Thanks for listening. More comparison episodes on the way, starting next week! 🛒 Shop the official NBA 🏀 Store to grab jerseys, gear, and more. Every purchase supports Basketball Now & Then. 🙏🏽 Tap in now. https://nbastore.vwz6.net/shop-NBA-gear 🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit o...

Episode 54 of Basketball Now & Then highlights a steady, cerebral point guard comparison between Mike Conley Jr. and Andre Miller, two guards who built their careers on intelligence, control, and consistency. No rush. No panic. Just command of the game. The hosts explore how Miller’s methodical pace, strength, and elite feel allowed him to dictate tempo and consistently create for others. Then...

Most underrated point guards? Not quite. Discover how John Stockton and Bob Cousy revolutionized basketball with their unmatched playmaking, despite playing in different eras. Stockton’s record-breaking assist totals and Cousy’s jazz-inspired creativity changed the game forever, but why haven't they received their full flowers? In this episode of Basketball Now and Then, we dive deep into the...

Most basketball fans are familiar with the NBA's glitz and glamour, but the legendary stories of the ABA's revolutionary players and the sport's untold history often remain in the shadows. In this episode, two-time Emmy-winning filmmaker Kenan Kamwana Holley, the visionary behind Amazon Prime's acclaimed Soul Power , takes us deep into the wild, innovative era of the ABA, an electr...

Episode 53 of Basketball Now & Then towers above the rest with a massive center comparison between Zach Edey and Yao Ming, two giants who dominate through size, touch, and presence in the paint. Height that changes everything. Soft hands. A constant interior threat. The hosts explore how Yao’s footwork, scoring touch, and global impact made him one of the most unique centers in NBA history. Th...

On this episode of Hoops on Film, from Basketball Now & Then and 19 Media Group, we explore the legacy of the film 'Coach Carter'. Ben Franczuszki, Reggie Ponder, Warren Shaw, and Uriah Young look into its themes of player development versus personal growth, the impact of coaching, and the film's relevance in today's sports culture. They discuss their first impressions of the f...

Episode 52 of Basketball Now & Then spotlights a dynamic point guard comparison between Darius Garland and Kevin Johnson, two guards who blend speed, scoring, and playmaking to keep defenses on edge. Quick first step. Crafty handle. The ability to create offense out of nothing. The hosts explore how Johnson’s explosive drives, midrange scoring, and toughness made him one of the most dangerous...

In this episode of Basketball Now and Then, Uriah, Maurice, and Ben engage in a lively discussion about the top centers of the 1990s, exploring their rankings, statistics, and impact on the game. They debate who deserves a spot on the Mount Rushmore of centers, comparing legends like Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Dikembe Mutombo. The con...

Episode 51 of Basketball Now & Then highlights an underdog guard comparison between Jameer Nelson and Fred VanVleet, two players who built their careers on toughness, leadership, and proving doubters wrong. Undersized. Overlooked. Unshaken. The hosts explore how Nelson’s steady playmaking, scoring ability, and leadership helped anchor successful teams, bringing consistency and control to the p...

In this engaging conversation, Uriah and Lucas welcome Aaron Bracy, a seasoned sports writer, to discuss his journey in writing about the St. Joe's Hawks and the 2001 Philadelphia 76ers. The discussion delves into the emotional stories behind the players, particularly Delante West, and the extensive research methods used to reconstruct key moments from the past. Aaron shares insights on team d...