Byron Scott drops some serious basketball knowledge and his GOAT take might surprise you. The 3-time Lakers champion explains why Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the greatest player ever and shares untold stories from his playing days with Magic Johnson and Michael Cooper.

Byron went from sneaking into Lakers games as a kid in Inglewood to becoming part of one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. In this All-Star Weekend conversation, he opens up about his toughest opponents, his closest teammates, and why Larry Bird called Michael Cooper the best defender who ever guarded him.

Key Topics: • Why Kareem is the real GOAT • Toughest opponents: Jordan, Miller, Isaiah Thomas • The "Three Amigos" bond with Magic and Cooper • Sneaking into Forum games as a kid • Modern NBA analysis: LeBron, Luka, KD

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Wayne Federman reveals the shocking medical discovery about Pistol Pete Maravich that changed everything.

Wayne Federman, authorized biographer of Pete Maravich, spent 20 years researching the life of basketball's most tragic genius. From Pete's impossible 44.2 points per game average at LSU (with no 3-point line) to the shocking autopsy discovery that he was missing his left coronary artery, this conversation reveals untold stories from unprecedented access to Pete's personal diaries and family materials.

Key topics covered: • Pete's revolutionary training methods that influenced today's NBA stars like Curry and Kyrie Irving • The million-dollar contract controversy that fractured the Atlanta Hawks locker room • How getting cut from high school basketball led Wayne to comedy and eventually to Hollywood • Marc's childhood Pete Maravich obsession and the legendary desk covered in 50-year-old box scores

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New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Filmmaker Martin Guigui joins Marc Israel at Warner Brothers Studios to tell the incredible 28-year journey of bringing "Sweetwater" to the big screen — the untold story of Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, one of the first three Black players to integrate the NBA in 1950.

What started as a shocking discovery at the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 became a decades-long mission involving Norman Lear, Adam Silver, President Obama, and Clint Eastwood. Martin reveals how he tracked down families, built the "Sweetwater family" with NBA legends, got Clifton inducted into the Hall of Fame, and found his lead actor in the final hour.

In this episode:
• Why the Basketball Hall of Fame didn't know basketball's "Jackie Robinson" story
• How Norman Lear's WWII "assimilation" philosophy shaped his longevity
• The magic phone call from Clint Eastwood's company the day after Martin's son said "make this movie"
• Building relationships with Adam Silver, Wilt Chamberlain, and NBA pioneers
• Finding Everett Osborne among 900+ audition videos just weeks before filming

Martin Guigui is a Grammy-nominated filmmaker, director, and musician who spent nearly three decades bringing this crucial piece of American sports and cultural history to audiences worldwide. His film "Sweetwater" was produced alongside Clint Eastwood's Malpaso Productions.

Subscribe to Courtside with Marc for more insider stories from the world of basketball. Leave a review and share this episode with anyone who loves untold sports history.

Thanks for listening to Courtside.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Houston Rockets analyst and former NBA center Ryan Hollins joins Marc Israel onCourtside for an unforgettable conversation about basketball joy, preparation, and leadership.

Ryan shares behind‑the‑scenes insight into the Rockets broadcast, breaks down the development of young stars like Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün, and reflects on lessons learned from a 10‑year NBA career—including playing alongside Kevin Garnett.

This episode covers: - What fans don’t see behind the broadcast - Why joy matters in basketball - NBA work ethic at the highest level - Learning from legends - Teaching the next generation

A must‑listen for Rockets fans and anyone who loves the game.

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If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

NBA agent and salary-cap expert EJ Kusnyer joins Marc Israel on Courtside to explain the business side of basketball.

From Bird Rights and max contracts to the first and second apron, EJ breaks down the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement in plain English—and explains why recent rule changes are reshaping teams across the league.

This episode covers: - How the NBA salary cap really works - Why drafting well can actually hurt teams - How player contracts are structured - The real impact of luxury tax and apron penalties - What fans should expect in the next CBA

A must-listen for NBA fans who want clarity instead of confusion.

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New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Streetball legend and former NBA point guard Rafer “Skip to My Lou” Alston joins Marc Israel on Courtside for a powerful conversation about basketball culture, creativity, and longevity.

From Queens playgrounds to the AND1 Mixtape Tour to an NBA career alongside Hall of Famers, Rafer shares how he balanced flair with fundamentals—and why understanding the right way to play the game mattered at every level.

This episode covers: - The origins of the “Skip to My Lou” move - Streetball vs. NBA basketball - Playing with Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter & Dwyane Wade - Coaching young players and passing on basketball wisdom

A must-listen for basketball fans, hoop historians, and anyone who loves the culture of the game.

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New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Former NBA veteran Mo Evans joins Marc Israel on Courtside to share the unfiltered truth about his journey to the league.

From going undrafted to grinding overseas, learning from legends like Kevin Garnett and Chris Webber, and ultimately carving out an 11-year NBA career, Mo breaks down the decisions, sacrifices, and mindset that defined his path.

This episode dives deep into: - The emotional impact of draft night
- Why Europe helped save his NBA career
- What separates great teammates from dividers
- How young athletes can avoid costly mistakes

A must-listen for basketball fans, athletes, and anyone chasing a long-term goal.

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If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Edward Pollard’s basketball career didn’t end — it evolved.

In this episode of Courtside, Marc Israel talks with the former Lamar High and Morehouse hooper about his journey from high-level basketball to overseas leagues, law school, and ultimately serving on Houston City Council.

Pollard explains how the discipline, competitiveness, and “get it done” mentality from basketball now drive his approach to leadership, community service, and running District J.

This is a basketball story first — just played on a different court.

Thanks for listening to Courtside.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.