Special Guest: Larry Schechter

Special Guest: Larry Schechter

Unlock the fascinating history behind the explosive rise of fantasy sports, a billion-dollar industry that reshaped how we connect with the game and each other. Larry Schechter, acclaimed author of The History of Fantasy Sports, takes us on an insider’s journey through decades of innovation, myth-busting legends, and stories of the pioneers who built this global phenomenon from scratch. Discover how fantasy sports transitioned from primitive games based on past performances to the dynamic, real-time competitions that dominate households today. You’ll learn about the unlikely heroes behind its origins and unearth surprising tales. We break down the key milestones in its evolution: from the early days of fantasy football in 1963 to the rise of daily fantasy and worldwide expansion. Larry shares insights from dozens of interviews with industry pioneers, revealing how significant legal battles, technological breakthroughs, and fan habits have shaped its future and how embracing these changes keeps the industry thriving amidst legal and political challenges. Whether you're here to learn, be entertained, or find your next league idea, this episode will leave you enlightened and eager to dive deeper into the world of fantasy sports. Find Larry’s book, The History of Fantasy Sports, at your favorite bookseller or on Amazon: link in the episode description [https://www.amazon.com/History-Fantasy-Sports-Stories-People/dp/B0D39FMLVR]. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the pages, and see how a niche hobby grew into a cultural revolution that continues to define sports fandom today. Support the show by shopping through our affiliate link in the description—and represent the game at every level with authentic NBA gear. 👉 https://nbastore.vwz6.net/50-40-90-nba-gear [https://nbastore.vwz6.net/50-40-90-nba-gear] 🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website [https://www.basketballnowandthen.com/] to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries. You can also follow us on social media at: Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/basketball-now-then-the-greatest-comparisons/id1719385939]  Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6InOcpu5oRPfYnjn7PEAOf?si=105aeb12caeb48dd] YouTube: @BBall_NowandThen [https://www.youtube.com/@BBall_NowandThen] Twitter (X): @BBallNowandThen [https://x.com/BBallNowandThen] Instagram: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.instagram.com/bball_nowandthen/] Facebook: @Basketball Now & Then [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565961279155] TikTok: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.tiktok.com/@bball_nowandthen] Threads: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.threads.com/@bball_nowandthen] Pinterest: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.pinterest.com/bball_nowandthen/] For EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast. Listen on Patreon [https://patreon.com/NBAnowandthen?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink&utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link] Thanks for being a valued member of our basketball comparison community! 🙏

Special Guest: Keith Closs

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 NBA moments, including his face-off with Shaq and scoring on Michael Jordan, and navigating life's setbacks shaped him into the mentor and hoops trainer he is today. His story proves that resilience and purpose can rewrite even the toughest chapters. You can find Scoop Keith Closs on Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/keithcloss33/ and YouTube --> https://www.youtube.com/@KeithCloss33 - His Skills Academy FB page is here --> https://www.facebook.com/people/Keith-Closs-Skills-Academy/61558336874125/?sk=about Support our show by shopping through our affiliate link in the description—and represent the game at every level with authentic NBA gear. 👉 https://nbastore.vwz6.net/50-40-90-nba-gear [https://nbastore.vwz6.net/50-40-90-nba-gear] 🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website [https://www.basketballnowandthen.com/] to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries and ranked in the Top 100 basketball podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/nba_podcasts/]. Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/basketball-now-then-the-greatest-comparisons/id1719385939]  Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6InOcpu5oRPfYnjn7PEAOf?si=105aeb12caeb48dd] You can also follow us on social media at: YouTube: @BBall_NowandThen [https://www.youtube.com/@BBall_NowandThen] Twitter (X): @BBallNowandThen [https://x.com/BBallNowandThen] Instagram: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.instagram.com/bball_nowandthen/] Facebook: @Basketball Now & Then [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565961279155] TikTok: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.tiktok.com/@bball_nowandthen] Threads: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.threads.com/@bball_nowandthen] Pinterest: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.pinterest.com/bball_nowandthen/] For EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast. Listen on Patreon [https://patreon.com/NBAnowandthen?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink&utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link] Thanks for being a valued member of our basketball comparison community!

Season 3 Finale

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 through in-depth debates and surprising insights. Maurice, Lucas, and Uriah break down players across eras, offering fresh perspectives on who truly impacts their teams and who might have been underrated all along. Ever wondered whether Wilt’s strength or Wemby’s shooting form is the true game-changer? Or which guard, Derek White or Joe Dumars, would dominate in today’s game? We explore these battles with candid honesty and a passion that only true fans bring to the table.

S3.E57 | Anthony Davis & Kevin Garnett

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 Timberwolves on a once-in-a-generation run. Both players demonstrate the power of guard skills paired with size, an unstoppable combo that transformed their teams and the league. You’ll discover how their guard-like skills fueled inside-out scoring, relentless rebounding, and elite shot-blocking. We break down their impact on playoff runs, championship wins with superstar teammates, and their adaptability in a league that’s shifting to three-point shooting. Their defensive prowess, guarding multiple positions and anchoring team defense, sets them apart as true two-way giants. 🛒 Shop the official NBA 🏀 Store to grab Anthony Davis & Kevin Garnett jerseys, gear, and more. Every purchase supports Basketball Now & Then. 🙏🏽 * https://nbastore.vwz6.net/anthony-davis-gear-collectibles [https://nbastore.vwz6.net/anthony-davis-gear-collectibles] * https://nbastore.vwz6.net/kevin-garnett-gear-collectibles [https://nbastore.vwz6.net/kevin-garnett-gear-collectibles] 🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website [https://www.basketballnowandthen.com/] to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries and ranked in the Top 100 basketball podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/nba_podcasts/]. Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/basketball-now-then-the-greatest-comparisons/id1719385939]  Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6InOcpu5oRPfYnjn7PEAOf?si=105aeb12caeb48dd] You can also follow us on social media at: YouTube: @BBall_NowandThen [https://www.youtube.com/@BBall_NowandThen] Twitter (X): @BBallNowandThen [https://x.com/BBallNowandThen] Instagram: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.instagram.com/bball_nowandthen/] Facebook: @Basketball Now & Then [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565961279155] TikTok: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.tiktok.com/@bball_nowandthen] Threads: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.threads.com/@bball_nowandthen] Pinterest: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.pinterest.com/bball_nowandthen/] For EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast. Listen on Patreon [https://patreon.com/NBAnowandthen?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink&utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link] Thanks for being a valued member of our basketball comparison community! 🙏

Mt. Rushmore 1990s Shooting Guards

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. Discover the nuanced stories behind their careers, how they stacked up in head-to-head matchups, and what these battles meant for the game.You'll find out why certain players championed the era. From clutch moments against Jordan to overlooked underrated ones that flew under the radar. We identify the top contenders for the ultimate shooting guard crown in the 90s, debating strengths, championships, and iconic performances. Should Mitch Richmond’s scoring prowess earn him a spot? Did Joe Dumas deliver wins with defense that often went unnoticed? This episode isn’t just a ranking. It’s a deep dive into the DNA of basketball’s most competitive decade, revealing insights every ball fan must know to understand today’s game. 🛒 Shop the official NBA 🏀 Store to grab Michael Jordan, Clyde Drexler, and Reggie Miller jerseys, gear, and more. Every purchase supports Basketball Now & Then. 🙏🏽 https://nbastore.vwz6.net/shop-NBA-gear [https://nbastore.vwz6.net/shop-NBA-gear] 🚨SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW our show TODAY🚨 Visit our website [https://www.basketballnowandthen.com/] to access hundreds of hours of unique basketball content and see why we are a top rated podcast, downloaded in over 55 countries and ranked in the Top 100 basketball podcasts [https://podcast.feedspot.com/nba_podcasts/]. Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/basketball-now-then-the-greatest-comparisons/id1719385939]  Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6InOcpu5oRPfYnjn7PEAOf?si=105aeb12caeb48dd] You can also follow us on social media at: YouTube: @BBall_NowandThen [https://www.youtube.com/@BBall_NowandThen] Twitter (X): @BBallNowandThen [https://x.com/BBallNowandThen] Instagram: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.instagram.com/bball_nowandthen/] Facebook: @Basketball Now & Then [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565961279155] TikTok: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.tiktok.com/@bball_nowandthen] Threads: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.threads.com/@bball_nowandthen] Pinterest: @bball_nowandthen [https://www.pinterest.com/bball_nowandthen/] For EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes, check out our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple Podcast. Listen on Patreon [https://patreon.com/NBAnowandthen?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink&utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link] Thanks for being a valued member of our basketball comparison community! 🙏