The Basketball Show with four-time Olympian Shane Heal is back and there is plenty of bumper news in the first show.
One of the greatest basketballers of all-time, Scottie Pippen, has revealed just how close he came to coaching the Sydney Kings in an exclusive interview with Code Sports.
Speaking for the first time on the matter on the eve of his visit to Australia to launch the NBL season on Thursday night, the six-time championship winner with the Chicago Bulls confirmed the approach by the Kings’ head office and his great friend and former teammate, Luc Longley – an owner of the Kings’ franchise.
Pippen confirmed he and the Kings were in talks following the departure of then coach, Adam Forde, and before Chase Buford eventually landed the role.
“We were very close but I wasn’t too comfortable with how things were going with Covid,” Pippen revealed.
Longley had previously acknowledged the move telling ESPN: “It would have been a complex one, he doesn’t have a lot of coaching experience, but I do know what his basketball brain is like. He would have been good at capturing the imaginations of the group and leading them.”
Pippen’s ties to the Kings remain strong through Longley, a person he’s stayed close to since their championship-winning days.
“We’re very close and he’s one of the few teammates I still stay in touch with,” Pippen said.
THE BASKETBALL SHOW: WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW
The seven-time NBA All-Star and dual Olympic gold medal winner reflected on Longley’s impact with the Bulls during their second three-peat saying the Australian centre grew in stature over the journey and was integral to the team’s incredible success.
“Luc’s impact was just like fine wine in that he got better over time because of his ability to pass the basketball and willingness to be a good teammate.”
Pippen will touch down in Melbourne on Thursday and will be courtside with Longley for the opening game between Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix at John Cain Arena.
Other news on The Basketball Show, includes:
• The NBL has introduced a phone ban on game day and the NBL’s premier player, Bryce Cotton, isn’t happy.
• Potential No.1 NBA draft pick Alex Sarr declares his desire to play for France at next year’s home Olympics.
• Gold Coast franchise bid ramps up following record-breaking pre-season Blitz on the glitter strip.
Watch the full The Basketball Show interview HERE.