The NBA season is fully underway, and the entertainment doesn’t stop on the court. It largely started with the JJ Redick Podcast and has blossomed from there. The new NBA culture includes players controlling their narratives and breaking their own news. Many players have started their own NBA player podcasts, and recently, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton was lucky enough to interview former president Barack Obama.
Barack Obama Joins Tyrese Haliburton’s Podcast, Rips All-Star Game
NBA Player Podcasts Culture
NBA players throughout the league have their own podcasts. Whether they are current or former players, it seems like everyone is putting out their own content. Players are interviewing former players, teammates, and even opponents. Some players, like Draymond Green, are even monologuing about their own games.
JJ Redick, now the Los Angeles Lakers head coach, started his own podcast a few years back called “Old Man & the Three.” Redick was one of the pioneers of the NBA player’s podcast culture. His podcast not only helped spawn dozens of other player pods, but it may have even helped him land a job with the Lakers.
Tyrese had to ask Obama about doing the Key & Peele handshake sketch IRL w/ Team USA basketball
pic.twitter.com/bu7mapUYwP
— TheYoungManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) October 23, 2024
Redick and LeBron James shared a podcast Mind the Game, last season, breaking down NBA strategy and news, and shortly after, Redick joined James as his head coach. Now, the “Old Man & the Three” has changed hands and will be hosted by multiple different NBA players under the name “Young Man & the Three.” Tyrese Haliburton was chosen as the first new host.
Haliburton Interviews Obama
As his first assignment as one of the new hosts of the “Young Man & the Three” podcast, Haliburton was given the honor of interviewing former president Barack Obama. The interview, filmed in Washington, D.C., covered a wide range of topics. They included basketball, the upcoming election, and using platforms for positive change.
Barack Obama’s starting 5:
Steph Curry
Michael Jordan
LeBron James
Kevin Durant
Hakeem OlajuwonThoughts?
(via @BarackObama)pic.twitter.com/vs5yMQ5NC1
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 13, 2024
Haliburton spoke about the honor of interviewing Obama, describing the former president as “the greatest speaker of my generation.” The two discussed their shared love for basketball, touching on Team USA, up-and-coming NBA stars like Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards, and how Obama views the current state of the NBA All-Star Game.
Obama’s Hot Takes
Obama has always been a big basketball fan. Many Americans remember the famous pick-up games he would play during his time in the White House. It is no surprise then that Obama had some opinions on the NBA and how things are being run.
“Y’all got to have a little more pride in that All-Star Game… It’s an insult to the game.” -Obama confronts Tyrese about the NBA All Star Game pic.twitter.com/ynmGQaJfBm
— TheYoungManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) October 23, 2024
During the interview, Obama complimented Haliburton on his team’s style of play. Obama mentioned the pace and ball movement the Pacers play with. He said that his favorite teams to watch over the last few years were the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. He did throw a dig at Haliburton, saying, “You gotta pick up that defense a little bit.”
Obama’s comments on the NBA All-Star Game were not as friendly. Like many of us, Obama has been very disappointed in the All-Star Game over the last couple of years. He said, “Y’all got to have a little more pride in that All-Star game.” Hopefully, Obama’s words can make a difference because we all agree.
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