Legends Magazine Issue 8
Legends Magazine Issue 8
Legends Magazine Issue 8
PARTNER
OF THE
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LEGENDS Issue 2
TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S
NBA PLAYOFFS
LEGEND AMONG LEGENDS
p.14
PURVIS SHORT
H A LL O F FA ME 2021
People who meet Purvis Short today, p.6 OVERALL CLASS
know him as the Chief of Player Programs
with the National Basketball Players p.10 YOLANDA GRIFFITH AND LAUREN
Association (NBPA), but a lot transpired
JACKSON
for him to get here
LE G E N D A MO N G LE G E N D S
p.14 PURVIS SHORT
TA MIK A C AT C H IN G S
p.26
TAMIKA CATCHINGS
p.26 HER IMPACT ON THE GAME OF
Her impact on the game of basketball BASKETBALL AND BEYOND
and beyond
by G RE G H A N SB RO U G H
T
he NBA Playoffs has always elicited a wide range of
emotions from both fans and players that make it one
of the greatest events in all of sports. Players and fans
both become wide eyed for the spectacle that is the NBA
Playoffs.
The NBA started the “play in” games last year as a way to
generate excitement in the final games of the regular season.
The 4 teams that are in 7-10 position in their conference play
to determine the 7th and 8th seeds in the playoffs. The teams
that are in the top 6 of each conference have already secured
their spots on the main stage. The 7th and 8th ranked teams
in each conference play one game, the winner secures their
spot in the playoffs as the 7th seed. The loser of this game will
face the winner of the 9th and 10th ranked teams. The loser
Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks high fives Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta of the 9th and 10th ranked team goes home while the winner
Hawks during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on faces the other team in a battle for the final playoff spot.
June 25, 2021 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI.
p. 2
LEGENDS Issue 2
EASTERN CONFERENCE
I
n the Eastern Conference, the 9th place Pacers met the 10th place
Hornets in a game that is best represented by the phrase “Age before
beauty”. The older, seasoned veterans took control of the game from
the opening tip-off. The Indiana Pacers led by Doug McDermott and
Malcolm Brogdon easily controlled the tempo of the game as they closed
it out with a victory that was never in doubt. Hornets Cody Zeller cap-
tured it perfectly after the game by saying, “Nothing went right.”
The other match up in the east featured the Wizards in a game con- Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against
trolled by Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics as he poured in 50 points the Charlotte Hornets during the 2021 NBA Play-In Tournament on
to secure the win over Washington. May 18, 2021 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN.
The final play-in game in the east featured a great match up
between the Indiana Pacers and the Washington Wizards. Indiana
Pacer Domantas Sabonis poured in a triple double with 19 points, 11
rebounds, and 10 assists. The Wizards battled adamantly as their leaders,
Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal combined for a total of 43 points as
they secured their spot in the playoffs. It seemed as though the Wizards
were ready to step in their hard-earned playoff spot as Beal said, “We
have a lot of noise to make.”
The first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs began with the
Milwaukee Bucks making an emphatic statement by defeating Miami
in 4 straight games behind the leadership of Giannis Antetokounmpo as
the “Greek Freak” closed the door on the Miami Heat.
The rest of the first round featured the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Joel
Embiid, wrapped up the Wizards, sending Westbrook and the rest of
the Washington squad home. The Brooklyn Nets, led by James Harden,
Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving as they defeated the Celtics in “super Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards celebrates against
team” fashion under the leadership of the “Big 3”. The Hawks also the Indiana Pacers during the 2021 NBA Play-In Tournament on May
20, 2021 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.
closed out the first round in 5 games as they defeated the Knicks.
The Hawks and the 76ers found themselves in an epic match to get to
the conference finals. As the series entered a game 7, the Hawks found
themselves relying on Kevin Huerter as he poured in 27 points to lead
the Hawks past Philadelphia and into the franchise’s first conference
championship.
The Eastern Conference semi-final match-up between the Milwaukee
Bucks and Brooklyn Nets was nothing short of incredible. Both teams
seemed to scrap for every point they could find as the series went into
game 7. Durant poured in 42 points as the Nets forced overtime with a
buzzer beating shot at the end of regulation. Giannis Antetokounmpo
added 49 points to secure a two-point lead as the final buzzer rang to
send Milwaukee into the conference finals.
The Bucks and the Hawks featured an impressive series as the 2 teams
battled in an epic struggle for the conference title. Trae Young dropped in
a 48-point game to secure a game 1 victory for the Hawks. As the series
progressed, the Bucks proved too much for the Hawks despite a hyper-
Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets takes a shot in the second
extended knee keeping Antetokounmpo out of the rest of the series. The half against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Two of the Eastern
Bucks found traction behind Brooks Lopez as he poured in 33 points to Conference second round series at Barclays Center on June 7, 2021 in
secure game 5. The Bucks wrapped up the series with a game 6 victory the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
over the Atlanta Hawks to secure their place as the Eastern Conference
Champions and their chance to play for an NBA title.
p. 3
LEGENDS Issue 2
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
N B A P L A Y O F F S 2 0 21
WESTERN CONFERENCE
T
he Playoff scene in the West featured The LA Lakers fought to get into the
dramatic play in games featuring playoffs this year and the defending cham-
the defending champs. The Spurs pions reached a road block as they faced
and the Grizzlies with Jonas Valančiūnas the Phoenix Suns. With Anthony Davis
controlling the post with 23 points to help out with an injury, LeBron James poured
Memphis edge out the win. The LA Lakers, in as many points as he could, scoring 24
led by LeBron James, edged out the Golden in the final game. “We got kicked”, James Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors
State Warriors in a tight game featuring commented after the loss. The Suns domi- plays defense on LeBron James #23 of the Los
Angeles Lakers during the 2021 NBA Play-In
King James getting poked in the eye as he nated the series and closed out the Lakers Tournament on May 19, 2021 at STAPLES Center
put up a triple double with 22 points, 11 in 6 games. in Los Angeles, CA.
rebounds, and 10 assists. Golden state coach The second round of the Western
Steve Kerr summed up his frustrations after Conference Playoffs put the hype of every-
the game by saying, “This was a bitter pill to thing to rest as two teams emphatically
swallow, this was our game and we couldn’t stated that they deserved to be in the con-
get it done”. ference finals.
As the Warriors dusted themselves off, The Phoenix Suns, led by Chris Paul, aver-
they faced the Grizzlies in a “win or go aging over 8 assists per game, made quick
home” game. Curry poured in a phenom- work of the Denver Nuggets by sweeping
enal 49 points as the Grizzlies battled to them out of the playoffs. After the Suns
end the game with a 117-112 victory over put the league MVP and the Denver squad
Golden State to secure their spot in the out of the playoffs, they seemed poised to
playoffs. get some rest and make some noise in the
After briefly celebrating their hard- Western Conference finals.
fought entry as the 8th seed in the playoffs, On the other side of the bracket, the LA
Memphis met the number 1 seeded Utah Clippers seemed locked in an epic battle Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers
Jazz and quickly discovered why they had against the Jazz. After coming from being does a spin move on Nikola Jokic #15 and Gary
secured the top seed in the conference. As down two games in the first round, they ral- Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets during the
Mitchell, Conley, and Gobert set the tone lied to win the series and advance past the second half of Game Six of the Western Conference
Semifinals at Moda Center on May 9, 2019 in
for the seasoned team, they ensured that the Mavericks. As the Clippers franchise has Portland, OR. The Blazers won 119-108.
Jazz were not going to have an early exit as never advanced to a conference champion-
they had the previous year. The Jazz seemed ship, even with Kawhi Leonard left with a
to easily advance to the second round by sprained knee. Paul George and Terance
defeating the Grizzlies in a 5-game series. Mann responded with incredible grit as they
The Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas helped lead the team to mount a comeback
Mavericks featured a match up placing both and secure their place in the Clippers first
teams in a bitter grudge match to advance. conference finals.
After going down 2 games to start the series, As the Suns met the Clippers for the
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George seemed to Western Conference Finals, it seemed as
work together to pull the Clippers up and though the Suns were going to quickly send
force a game 7 showdown that showed the the Clippers into the offseason by taking a
grittiness of the Los Angeles team as they commanding 2-0 series lead. Paul George
closed out the series at home. stopped the sweep by pouring in 27 points
Nikola Jokic seemed to lead the way for to secure a game 3 victory for the Clippers.
the Nuggets as they were down 14 points. After the Suns’ victory in game 4, Paul
Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies attempts
The Denver Nuggets never quit as they George added some heroics to win game 5
to drive between Donovan Mitchell #45 and Rudy
closed out the Trail Blazers in 6 games. as he contributed 41 points. Game 6, it was Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in Game Two of the
Jokic’s comments stand as a warning to all Suns as Chris Paul secured the conference Western Conference first-round playoff series at
their next opponent, “Quit is not in our championship for the Phoenix Suns. Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 26, 2021 in Salt
vocabulary.” Lake City, UT.
p. 4
LEGENDS Issue 2
NBA FINALS
A
s the Bucks and the Suns championship series began, it seemed as
though the wisdom from the veteran Chris Paul would prove too
much as Phoenix quickly secured the first two games of the series with
Paul pouring in 32 points in the first game and Booker adding 31 to secure
the second game. But, then it was time for Antetokounmpo to show why he is
called the “Greek Freak” as he seemed to put Milwaukee on his shoulders by
having a 41-point game followed by a 40-point performance to even the series
at 2 games. Giannis then continued his touch by scoring 32 points in a pivotal
game 5. As experts predicted a Bucks victory in game 7, Antetokounmpo
seemed to propel himself to an untouchable level as he dominated game 6 by
scoring 50 points and securing the championship for the Milwaukee Bucks,
their first championship since 1971.
The newly announced Class of 2021 honorees poses for a group photo during the opening of the newly renovated Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall
of Fame on May 16, 2021 in Springfield, MA.
The 2021 Basketball Hall of Fame class was Griffith are among the inductees as well. Also get- Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith
announced in May with Boston Celtics legend ting in among the international committee route Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “We couldn’t
Bill Russell headlining. NBA players Paul Pierce, is former Chicago Bulls star Toni Kukoc. be more excited to welcome the Class of 2021
Chris Webber, Chris Bosh and Ben Wallace spot- The Class of 2021 will be enshrined in to Springfield – the Birthplace of Basketball –
light the players class. The coaches being inducted Springfield, MA on September 11. where we can celebrate them and honor their
are Russell, Rick Adelman, and Jay Wright. “For the first time in our history, we’ll enshrine remarkable achievements and contributions to
WNBA players Lauren Jackson and Yolanda two Classes in one calendar year,” said John L. the game.”
p. 6
LEGENDS Issue 2
B E N WA L L A C E
BILL RUS S EL L
Russell, who was inducted as a player back in 1975, is
going into this class for his time as a coach. Mr. 11 Rings
first started his coaching career as a player/ coach when he
replaced Red Auerbach as head coach of the Celtics in 1966.
He remained a player/ coach for the final three seasons of his
illustrious career.
While he dominated the league as a player, he was also suc-
cessful as a coach, as Boston won the NBA title in his final two
seasons as player/coach.
Head coach Rick Adelman of the Minnesota
After retirement, Russell went on to coach the Seattle Su- Timberwolves looks on as his team plays the Houston
perSonics. He stayed in that position for four years, leading Rockets on December 26, 2012 at Target Center in
the franchise to their first playoff appearance. Minneapolis, MN.
JAY WRIG H T
Wright has changed the game when it comes
to coaching at the Collegiate level by coveting
a team model instead of going the route of
stacking up his teams with one-and-doners. It
paid off for the two-time Naismith National
Coach of the Year (2006, 2016), as he led Vil-
lanova to two NCAA national championships
(2016, 2018) and eight Big East regular season
championships (2006, 2014-17, 2019-2021).
Overall, the six-time Big East Conference
Coach of the Year (2006, 2009, 2014-16,
2019) has led the Wildcats to three Final
Fours, four Elite Eights and five Sweet Sixteen
appearances. Wright has compiled an overall
Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats in action against coaching record of 612-274 (.691) and won
the Seton Hall Pirates during a college basketball game at Wells Fargo the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching
Center on February 8, 2020 in Philadelphia, PA. Seton Hall defeated Award in 2018.
Villanova 70-64.
p. 8
LEGENDS Issue 2
YOLANDA GRIFFITH
Griffith had a great WNBA career, as she won
the 1999 League MVP and 2005 Finals MVP. In
2005, she led the Sacramento Monarchs to their
first WNBA title over the Connecticut Sun, win-
ning the only title in the now dissolved franchise’s
history.
At the International level, Griffith won two gold
Lauren Jackson #15 of the Seattle Storm takes a free throw
medals for the USA in 2000 and 2004. After the
shot during the WNBA game against the Phoenix Mercury at
WNBA, she went on to have a terrific overseas ca- US Airways Center on July 14, 2010 in Phoenix, AZ. The Storm
reer in Germany, Italy, and Russia before retiring. defeated the Mercury 111-107 in triple overtime.
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE:
TONI KUKOC
Kukoc was nicknamed “The Waiter” because he
served up defenders overseas and in the NBA. His
versatile playing style was before its time and would
translate to today’s game as well. Kukoc finished his
13-year NBA career as a three-time champion with
the Chicago Bulls (1996-98) and won the NBA
Sixth Man of the Year award in 1996.
He also racked up accolades internationally,
winning three EuroLeague titles, one FIBA World
Championship gold medal (1990) with Yugosla-
via, two Olympic silver medals and a FIBA World
Championship MVP.
Additionally, Kukoc was a five-time Euroscar Eu-
ropean Player of the Year (1990, 1991, 1994, 1996,
1998) and three-time EuroLeague MVP (1990,
1991, 1993). Before coming over to Chicago, he
made the list of FIBA’s 50 Greatest Players (1991).
p. 10
LEGENDS Issue 2
opposite of what she was used to playing, organized, Igniting their path, both are passionate about
and with boundaries. helping others who want to follow their dreams and
Yet, Griffith chose a different route to become the play professionally as they did.
player she is recognized for being. Jackson’s advice is, don’t be afraid, “give it your all
Beginning her professional career in the ABL, she but still enjoy the process.” Griffith saying to trust
proclaims her love for the league and how compet- that you can do it and remain true to yourself, “know
itive it was before it suspended its operations—at- who you are.” Both matching beliefs emphasizing
tributing her toughness to her upbringing. Growing that discipline is something needed to be successful
up in a two-parent household, with strict rules and in the WNBA.
tough love but a supporting family, greatness was Griffith says she is “very thankful for this honor... I
expected, unknowingly preparing her for her uncon- am over the top because of my journey.” She is taking
ventional journey to the WNBA. time to spend with her family. She enjoys her time
Some would call her Yo-yo, prides herself on de- at home and being a grandmother but is looking
fense. She said she knew she would score, but some- forward to going back into coaching and currently
one had to do the work on defense. A crucial role working on opening a sports academy for girls in
because “that one jump-ball could be a difference in Chicago. Jackson is the head of the Women’s Nation-
winning the game or not.” al Basketball League in Australia, and she’s commit-
Both soon-to-be Hall of Famer’s recognize Anne ted to lifting their profile, professionalism, and stan-
Lauren Jackson speaks during the WNBL 2020-
Donovan as someone they looked up to for her fas- dards. She becomes emotional thinking about being
21 Season launch at The Ville on November 10,
2020 in Townsville, Australia. tidious work ethic and the way she carried herself. inducted and believes it is an honor.
p. 13
LEGENDS Issue 2
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
PURVIS SHORT
by VIK A S C H O K SH I
P
eople who meet Purvis Short today, know him as the Chief of “My 11th grade year, we won the state championship, and I was named
Player Programs with the National Basketball Players Association high school All-American.”
(NBPA), but a lot transpired for him to get here. His success that year attracted many college offers, which led him to
Short, considered one of the best NBA players to never make the All- follow his brother’s path once more. Eugene had gone to Jackson State
Star game, was born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in the 1960s. University, an HBCU in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Purvis
Growing up, racial tensions ran high in the deep south, but he praised his remembers falling in love with the school the first time he got a chance to
mother for teaching him that race and color were not an issue and that he go watch his brother play and experience the HBCU atmosphere.
should treat people the way that you would want to be treated. Short credits his HBCU experience to helping him not only grow as a
During the conversation, Purvis mentions Eugene Short, his older basketball player but as a person and leader. He also mentions how happy
brother, frequently. He credits his brother for attracting him to basketball. he is to see a lot of the elite high school players now considering attending
“Eugene was great at all sports, as he was a tremendous quarterback in HBCUs.
football, a baseball pitcher, and an excellent basketball player.” Short said. “I knew that was where I needed to be, that was where I wanted to go,”
“So as you know, whenever you have an older brother you want to be like Short stated. “There’s nothing like an HBCU experience, and it’s great to
them, you want to do what they do, and so I started playing basketball.” see a rebirth of interest in HBCUs.”
As for his game, Short credits his early fundamentals to Johnny Hurtt, Short played four years at Jackson State, where he finished as the
his coach at Hattiesburg High. Hurtt taught Short to shoot high-arching school’s all-time leading scorer. He was also an All-American, the NCAA’s
jump shots by guarding him in shooting drills with a broomstick, earning second leading scorer in 1978, and named the SWAC player of the year
him the nickname “Rainbowman.” in 1977 and 1979.
p. 14
LEGENDS Issue 2
His success earned him a spot in the Alola Classic, the big col-
lege all-star game that took place in Hawaii. He played well against
the best college players in the country, leading him to be drafted
fifth in the 1978 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors.
The kid from Mississippi had never traveled anywhere, so
California was an eye-opening adventure. Short is thankful for the
support system the Warriors had in place, which was led by head
coach Al Attles.
“They had a black coach,” Short said. “He really was not only a
coach to me but also a mentor and showed me what it took to be
professional.”
He also mentioned Pete Newell, Clifford Ray and Phil Smith as
guys that helped him adjust and learn the NBA game, like physical
play, offensive strategies, which are all hard to learn in the first year.
“Pete Newell was probably the greatest fundamental basketball Purvis Short #45 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Darren Daye #25 of
teacher that I’ve ever come across,” Short explained. the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1984 at the Capital
Centre in Landover, MD. Short played for the Warriors from 1978-87.
Newell was a consultant for the Warriors and held a big man
camp where he would select guys in the NBA and work with them
on footwork fundamentals. Short began going to the camp.
Every summer he played against the likes of Kiki VanDeWeghe,
Bernard King, James Worthy, and big men, Hakeem Olajuwon,
Ralph Samson, and Steve Johnson.
“The camp really laid the foundation for my offensive game,”
per Short. “I had some of my best scoring seasons and highest
scoring games.”
It was during his early years with the Warriors that he got his
first experience with the NBPA. At that time, the union was still
growing, but the messages they talked about were very important.
“I was the player rep for the Warriors and after my first year, I
realized how important it was and so every year I’d volunteer to
be a player rep because I wanted to understand the business of
basketball,” he said. “Things that all players needed to know were
At the 2019 NBPA x HBCU Top 50 Camp at Morehouse College, NBPA Chief
very important in terms of what your rights were, the benefits that
of Player Programs and former HBCU alumni Purvis Short sits campers down
all players needed, and the help players needed to resolve issues as to share some advice on the privilege of being an HBCU athlete and taking the
a player or as a team.” road less traveled.
p. 15
LEGENDS Issue 2
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
p. 16
LEGENDS Issue 2
PURVIS SHORT
Purvis Short #45 of the New Jersey Nets looks on against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1990 at the Capital Centre in
Landover, Maryland. Short played for the Nets from 1989-90.
The NBPA and NBA also have joint programs, like the rookie transi- As for his own mentors, Short showed love to many, but especially Al
tion program. They’ve seen so much success with that initiative that it’s Attles and Clifford Ray. He says they’ve done so much for him, so he tries
been modeled by other leagues. to pass it on.
“We’ve created a very effective model in terms of how we address incom- “What I’m most proud of when looking at the span of my life, is to be
ing players into the NBA and the foundation we try to lay with them. placed in a position where I could fulfill my dream of becoming a profes-
Two of the biggest programs Short is ecstatic about are the PA’s men- sional basketball player,” he said. “But even greater than that, was to stay
tal wellness programs and comprehensive substance abuse programs. He involved with the game that I love so much and be able to give back and
attests those to Michelle Roberts, the NBPA’s Executive Director. help these younger players that are coming into the NBA and trying to
Short recollects a conversation he had with the late, great Oscar help them navigate this environment, that’s what I’m most proud about.
Robinson during his rookie season. “I think in life we’re all here for certain reasons, so I thought that play-
“He said, ‘You always want to make this league better than it was when ing in the NBA was the reason but it wasn’t,” Short said. “It had to happen
you came in,’ and that always stuck with me,” Short recalled. “So, in all to get me here, and I think this is my calling, this is what I was put here
of my encounters, it’s about giving back and passing on what was passed to do.”
to you.”
p. 17
p. 18
LEGENDS Issue 2
Legends Care is the initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts communities and youth
through basketball. NBRPA Legends give back through clinics, mentoring, charitable
outreach and other grassroots initiatives in the United States and abroad with the goal of
educating, inspiring and keeping youth active, healthy and safe.
L E G E N D S G I R L C H AT
Legends Girl Chat is a virtual Legends Care program consisting of one-hour video
conversations between middle school and high school girls and WNBA Legends.
Partnering with the NBRPA on Legends Girl Chat is Girls Inc. Through this Legends
Care partnership, all 78 affiliates of Girls Inc. are able to schedule a Legends Girl Chat
to incorporate into their programming.
THANKSGIVING
BACK2BACK COMMUNITY ASSIST
BACK2BACK prepares elementary students The Thanksgiving Community Assist is an annual
for the upcoming school year by providing Legends Care program through which families in need
them with brand new backpacks filled with receive a Thanksgiving turkey and holiday cheer from
essential back to school supplies. the Legends of Basketball.
LEGENDSOFBASKETBALL.COM/LEGENDSCARE
p. 19
LEGENDS Issue 2
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
LEGENDS HBCU
SCHOLARSHIP
The Legends HBCU Scholarship and Legends Scholars program were created in 2020 under the NBRPA’s Legends
Care initiative as a way to honor the rich history of HBCUs and their alums while moving the legacy forward by
supporting current HBCU undergraduates.
The five Legends Scholars will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship from the NBRPA for the 2021-2022 school
year. In addition to addressing the financial needs of Legends Scholars, a comprehensive scholars program will assist
Legends Scholars in the areas of career preparation and development, job placement and mentoring both during and
after their undergraduate years.
LEGENDSOFBASKETBALL.COM/LEGENDSCARE
p. 21
LEGENDS Issue 2
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
Mark West unveils a refurbished basketball court with NBA Cares at Maryvale Community Earl Cureton attends the unveiling of a renovated
Center in Phoenix. 911 call center in Detroit.
Cynthia Cooper and Ben Wallace speak to Springfield youth during Hall of Fame
Enshrinement Weekend.
Marques Johnson plays hoops with kids at the Ticha Penicheiro attends a basketball Bill Walton at the unveiling of “Rocky’s Courts”
dedication of an NBA Cares Learn & Play Center court renovation that was dedicated to in Colina Del Sol Park. The renovation project
at Running Rebels Community Organization in her in Figueira da Foz, Portugal. of Bill’s childhood courts received an NBRPA
Milwaukee. Legends Care Home Courts renovation grant.
p. 22
LEGENDS Issue 2
by T RILL WIT H E RS
TOP 10
VILLAINS
OF ALL TIME
10 DANNY AINGE
9 DRAYMOND GREEN
8 TRAE YOUNG
6 KARL MALONE
5 CHARLES OAKLEY
4 BRUCE BOWEN
3 DENNIS RODMAN
2 REGGIE MILLER
1 BILL LAIMBEER
p. 23
LEGENDS Issue 2
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
E p i s o d e s o f t h e A l l - A c c e s s L e g e n d s P o d c a s t, O n D e c k w i t h S c o t t
R o c h e l l e , L e g e n d s L i v e , H o o p d u J o u r w i t h P e t e r Ve c s ey, a n d
Legends Lounge with Trill Withers can all be found in one place
at Legends Studios.
S U B S C R I B E t o L e g e n d s S t u d i o s o n A p p l e P o d c a s t s , S p o t i f y,
S t i t c h e r o r w h e r e ve r y o u l i s t e n t o p o d c a s t s t o s t a y u p - t o - d a t e
with Legends content.
p. 24
LEGENDS Issue 2
TAMIKA CATCHINGS
H E R I M PA C T O N T H E G A M E
OF BASK ETBALL AND BEYOND
by M YA H TAYLO R
p. 26
LEGENDS Issue 2
T
he world might look at Tamika Catchings Basketball set her up for life. That was the main point
and instantly put limitations on her. She’s she wanted to emphasize during her Naismith Memo-
Black. She’s a woman. She wears a hearing rial Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech this past
aid on each ear. May.
But she’s never given the naysayers any power. All the “Basketball is a big reason and a big part of who I am
people who bullied her because of her speech impedi- today and why I am the way that I am,” Catchings told
ment. All the people who reminded her she was differ- Legends Magazine.
ent. They had no clue what she would achieve. She comes from a generation that knew a world
Catchings is the Vice President of Basketball Oper- where the WNBA didn’t exist. So a seventh grade
ations and General Manager for the WNBA’s Indiana Catchings set out to become a professional basketball
Fever, the team she played on for the entirety of her player — in the NBA. Her father, Harvey Catchings,
15-year, All-Star career. She boasts four Olympic gold played in the league for 11 years. She wanted to be like
medals and a WNBA MVP award. She owns two tea her dad, even though people teased her for being a girl
shops in Indianapolis. She is a public speaker. with NBA dreams.
Left: Tamika Catchings #10 of United States dribbles the ball against China on Day 9 of the 2016 Rio
Olympics on August 14, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Right: Tamika Catchings #24 of the Indiana
Fever hugs Penny Taylor #13 of the Phoenix Mercury after the game during Round One of the 2016
WNBA Playoffs on September 21, 2016 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN.
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LEGENDS Issue 2
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
Tamika Catchings #24 of the Indiana Fever celebrates with the Championship “Girls don’t play in the NBA,” they’d say. They’d laugh. They’d point. Ask
Trophy and MVP Award after defeating the Minnesota Lynx during Game four her if she’d ever actually seen an NBA game.
of the 2012 WNBA Finals on October 21, 2012 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in It was during the summer of 1997, before Catchings began her freshman
Indianapolis, IN. year at Tennessee, when WNBA league play began for the first time. The year
before that, the U.S.A Women’s Basketball team won gold at the Olympics
in Atlanta.
Both events set the tone for Catchings’ college career and inspired her to
create a new goal — she had to play in the WNBA. This desire intensified
when the Phoenix Mercury drafted her sister, Tauja Catchings, in between
Catchings’ junior and senior years at UT. During Catchings’ internship with
the Mercury that summer, she caught glimpses of what her future could look
like.
“Just being around all these phenomenal women, it was just like, ‘OK, this
is my journey. This is where I want to go,’” Catchings said. “‘These are the
people I want to follow and be like when I grow up.’”
To achieve her dream, Catchings had to put in the work. Under Pat Sum-
mitt, she won an NCAA title in 1998, the same year Sporting News and the
United States Basketball Writers Association named her National Rookie of
the Year. Catchings won the ESPY award for the College Women’s Basketball
Player of the Year after her senior season in 2001.
All of Catchings’ collegiate success culminated at the 2001 WNBA draft
when the Fever selected her with the No. 3 pick. The 12-time WNBA All-Star
led Indiana to a WNBA title in 2012 behind a Finals MVP performance.
Because of Catchings’ prolific scoring and defense during her career, no
one without outside knowledge would guess that she couldn’t always hear her
teammates well. On the court, the small forward used sign language or looked
for visual cues.
“I had to go over and beyond to make sure that I understood,” Catchings
said. “... Over communicating at times and trying to connect eyes with the
coach. Connect eyes with the point guard.”
Catchings’ parents found out about her hearing disability when she was
Indiana Pacers Director of Player Programs Tamika Catchings poses for a
3 years old. It was hard not being like the other kids, but Catchings said she
photo print to Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs between the
learned to have confidence in herself.
Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers on April 22, 2018.
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LEGENDS Issue 2
Ime Udoka poses for a portrait after a press conference introducing him as the Boston Celtics Head Coach on June 28, 2021 at the TD Garden in
Boston, MA.
LEGEND SIGHTINGS
F O R M E R N BA PL AY E R S A R E TA K I N G T H E C A L L T O S T E P I N T O
HE AD COACHING ROLES DUR ING THE OFFSE ASON
Chauncey Billups is introduced as the new head coach of the Portland Trail Head Coach Jason Kidd address the media during the Dallas Mavericks
Blazers by General Manager Neil Olshey at the team’s practice facility on June Press Conference on July 15, 2021 at the American Airlines Center in
29, 2021 in Portland, OR. Dallas, TX.
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LEGENDS Issue 2
Head Coach Rick Carlisle of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during Round 1, Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 2, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles,
California. On June 24, 2021, Carlisle was hired as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers.
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LEGENDS Issue 2
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
LEGEND SIGHTINGS
WNBA Legends were spotted on and off the court at the WNBA All-Star Game on July 14th in Las Vegas.
On the court, Tina Thompson and Lisa Leslie took co-leading roles as coaches for Team WNBA while Dawn
Staley was at the helm of the USA Women’s National Team. The 1996 US Olympic Women’s Basketball Team
was honored with a special mid-game presentation at half court as part of Team USA’s send-off to the Tokyo
Olympics. Former WNBA players in attendance gathered in the NBRPA suite to watch the game and cheer
on both teams, followed by an exclusive Players Party at Libertine Social – Mandalay Bay.
Co-head coaches Lisa Leslie (L) and Tina Thompson Head coach Dawn Staley of the USA
of Team WNBA look on during the 2021 WNBA All- Women’s National Team yells to her
Star Game. Team WNBA defeated the USA Women’s players during the 2021 WNBA All-
National Team 93-85. Star Game.
Head Coach Dawn Staley of the the USA Basketball Womens National Team huddles with the Co-head coach Lisa Leslie of Team WNBA looks
team during the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game 2021 on July 14, 2021 at Michelob ULTRA Arena on during the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game 2021.
in Las Vegas, NV.
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LEGENDS Issue 2
Sue Bird #6 of the USA Basketball Womens Brittney Griner #15 of the Basketball Womens Jewell Loyd #4 of the USA Basketball Womens
National Team gives f lowers to Jennifer Azzi of National Team gives flowers to Venus Lacy of the National Team gives flowers to Katy Steding of the
the 1996 United States Olympic Team. 1996 United States Olympic Team. 1996 United States Olympic Team.
p. 33
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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
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LEGENDS
Issue 2
LEGENDS Issue 2
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
DALLAS CHAPTER
INAUGURAL GOLF
INVITATIONAL
On May 24, 2021 the Dallas Chapter of the NBRPA hosted a golf
outing at Hackberry Creek Country Club in Irving, Texas – filled
with NBA and WNBA Legends – benefiting the Dallas Mavs
Foundation and UNT’s Agnes Greene Memorial Scholarship.
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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
p.
Issue 2
LEGENDS
LEGENDS Issue 2
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
Fans hold up signs for Ticha Penicheiro #21 of the Chicago Sky in honor
of her last career WNBA game, against the Washington Mystics on
September 22, 2012 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL.
TICHA PENICHEIRO
WAS A LEGEND.
NOW SHE’S FAMILY
by H O WA RD ME G D A L
F
ew people had a greater impact on the WNBA than Ticha Penichiero
during her playing career. The second overall pick in the 1998
WNBA Draft finished her career as the league’s all-time leader in
assists, defining the position of point guard as one with equal parts offen-
sive engine and bringer of flair, with her distinctive style of delivering
passes and wowing fans in the process.
Nor was this just a show: Penicheiro’s teams won and won often, reach-
ing the playoffs in ten of her 15 seasons, including two trips to the WNBA
finals and in 2005, a championship with the Sacramento Monarchs.
But as the Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer wound down her career
with the Chicago Sky in 2012, she knew two things: she wanted to stay
involved in basketball. And she didn’t want that to mean coaching.
“I didn’t want to be on the sideline and watching film and being inside
of a gym,” Penicheiro said in a phone interview. “I’ve done that all my life
and I basically put my personal life on hold because of basketball. And I
know that being a coach probably was even more demanding than being a
player, and I didn’t want to do that.”
That didn’t mean Penicheiro was uninterested in helping the next gen-
eration of players. She just had a different model in mind, one that wasn’t
typical — but anyone who watched her make something out of nothing
won’t be surprised at that. She decided to become a player agent. After a
year partnering with a friend of hers, a solo practitioner on the men’s side,
she was approached by Boris Lechitski, one of the original power players
on the women’s side, to join his agency, Sports International Group, as
an agent.
Ticha Penicheiro #21 of the Chicago Sky drives against the Atlanta
Dream at Philips Arena on August 22, 2012 in Atlanta, GA.
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LEGENDS Issue 2
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LEGENDS Issue 2
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the NATIONAL
BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
someone who has been through it knows what McBride among the most in-demand free
I’m going through, knows what’s the positives “ I K N E W S H E WA S agents. But what could be a stressful experience
and negatives are, everything that comes with it. turned into anything but for her clients, with all
That was the biggest draw to her for sure.” G O N N A H AV E M Y three signing long-term, lucrative deals.
Merely sharing an experience is not, itself, BACK, AND I THINK And for McBride, the comfort level came
sufficient to connect with and keep clients for directly from that sense of family she said dated
the long-term. The reason Penicheiro finds her- T H AT WA S T H E B I G G E S T back to that very first meeting.
self with a growing collection of the league’s best T H I N G T H AT M A D E “I knew she was gonna have my back,”
talent comes from what another Penicheiro cli- McBride said. “And I think that was the biggest
ent, Layshia Clarendon, calls “a place of empa- THE DECISION A LOT thing that made the decision a lot easier. Like I
thy and understanding.” EASIER. LIKE I SAID — said — Ticha’s family... She knew the things that
Part of that comes from the way Penicheiro I wanted and I was looking for. I knew she was
processes her games these days. She’s success- T I C H A ’ S F A M I LY. . . ” going to make sure that she told other teams the
fully avoided the coach in a film room life, as things that I wanted to be a part of and she made
she hoped, and nearly a decade into representa- the process seamless yet again for me.”
tion, her WNBA game night isn’t team-focused, When McBride made her choice — a move to
or trying to diagnose issues with a particular KAYL A MCBRIDE the Lynx, after a career-to-date with San Antonio
team. Her primary work as a player came with and then Las Vegas after the Stars moved — she
a now-defunct franchise, so she doesn’t have a remembered that phone call, hearing Penicheiro
rooting interest at that level. players basically on every team now, so I’m a tell her how happy she was with her choice, how
Instead, she’s watching her team — the Ticha little bit neutral when it comes to the outcome proud of her she was.
players — and she isn’t shy about cheering. She of the game, but I’m definitely cheering on the And for Penicheiro, too, that was the moment
even enjoys occasional yelling at the refs, because individual level.” she relishes most.
“you can yell at the TV and the ref is never going She’s not kidding. Guards alone, Penicheiro “I think the best thing is to really feel their
to give you a technical,” she said with a laugh. clients include Clarendon, McBride, and appreciation,” Penicheiro said. “You know, it’s
Many of her clients now were too young to even Carleton, along with Lindsay Allen, Jordin one thing when they say, I appreciate you and
see her play. Instead, she spends her evenings Canada, Stella Johnson, Maite Cazorla, Chelsea I respect you. But when you feel it? I really felt
watching them. Dungee, DiJonai Carrington, Kahleah Copper, that this offseason, this free agency, the fact that,
“I have my TV, my iPad, my computer going Aerial Powers, Allie Quigley and Alysha Clark. you know, they appreciate my input, and they
on at the same time,” Penicheiro said. “I cheer Accordingly, it was a busy offseason for respect my opinion. So that’s definitely reward-
for my clients, I don’t cheer for teams. I have Penicheiro as well, with Powers, Clark and ing… that’s why I’m in this business.”
Ticha Penicheiro poses with Kahleah Copper after the WNBA All-Star Retired WNBA Player, Ticha Penicheiro attends the game between the
game on July 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, NV. Las Vegas Aces and the Dallas Wings on July 30, 2019 at the Mandalay
Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV.
p. 40
PROUD
PARTNER
OF THE
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NBRPA.
THE REVOLUTION WILL BE TELEVISED
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