Advertise on podcast: Out the Mud

From growing up in Los Angeles to becoming an NBA champion, Trevor Ariza takes us through the journey that shaped his career. He reflects on choosing basketball, navigating high school rivalries, learning from influential mentors, and developing his game before committing to UCLA. Ariza shares stories from NBA workouts, Draft Night, and being traded to Orlando, along with a look back at his relationships with Kobe Bryant, James Harden, and Chris Paul. He also reveals his “Out The Mud” moment, discusses the league’s toughest defenders, and weighs in on the Beal versus Wall debate and the possibility of LeBron James joining the 76ers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew dives deep into the NBA with a fascinating conversation about Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and what it was like competing alongside and against some of the game’s biggest stars. They break down the league’s best defenders, discuss Doc Rivers and the Clippers, and explore what separates elite defensive players from everyone else. The conversation gets heated around theatrics, on-court antics, and Enes Kanter’s controversial comments about the WNBA. They also compare different NBA eras, reveal some of the toughest individual matchups, and share stories from their careers. Finally, the episode brings it full circle with a look back at reuniting with Russell Westbrook on the Lakers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew sits down for an unforgettable conversation with Pat Bev whose journey is anything but ordinary. He reflects on his early days, growing up around Chicago basketball, and the experiences that shaped him through high school and Arkansas. He opens up about the disappointment of missing the NBA Draft, the emotions of Draft Night, and discovering the intensity of Heat Culture. The conversation continues through his EuroLeague experience, return to Miami, and the advice that helped shape his career. He also shares his “Out The Mud” moment, names his top five defenders, discusses his split from Barstool, and reveals his top five players from Chicago. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew welcomes Zach Randolph for a powerful conversation about family, perseverance, and an unforgettable NBA journey. Zach reflects on meeting his father, the importance of taking care of the people around him, and rising to dominate every level of basketball. He shares stories about earning respect on the block, building lifelong friendships, and his path through college to the NCAA Final Four. The discussion covers a memorable weight-clause story, signing max contracts, leaving Portland, his time with New York, and ultimately becoming a beloved star in Memphis, where he cemented his legacy as one of the toughest players of his era. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew welcomes Stephen Jackson, better known as "Stack," for a candid conversation about basketball, business, and life after the game. Stack reflects on being a dual-sport athlete, earning his first paycheck, and fighting to establish himself in the NBA before becoming part of the legendary San Antonio Spurs dynasty alongside Tim Duncan. He revisits the Malice at the Palace, playing under Rick Carlisle, and the iconic "We Believe" Warriors. The conversation also covers mentoring younger players, competing in the BIG3, building All The Smoke into a media powerhouse, pioneering basketball in hip-hop culture, what's next for the brand, and finishes with rapid-fire questions and a final check-in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew welcomes Matt Barnes to the show for a wide-ranging conversation about basketball, media, and life after the NBA. Matt reflects on the success of All The Smoke, his journey from college to the NBA, and the moment he knew it was time to retire. He discusses coaching his son, the impact of NIL on college athletics, and shares unforgettable stories about Kobe Bryant. The conversation also revisits the "We Believe" Warriors, his early NBA stops in Los Angeles and Sacramento, acting opportunities, the Lob City era, and how All The Smoke has grown into a thriving media empire before ending with a rapid-fire segment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The guys welcome Willie Cauley-Stein to the show for a powerful conversation about basketball, adversity, and personal growth. Willie reflects on his early days in Spearville, committing to basketball, and making a name for himself on the camp circuit before heading to University of Kentucky. He discusses the recruiting process, making the jump to the NBA, Draft Night, and playing under George Karl alongside DeMarcus Cousins. The conversation covers changing roles, leaving Sacramento, career reflections, and his recovery journey following the 2019 shooting incident. Willie opens up about rehabilitation, the dangers of laced narcotics, mentoring the next generation, finding peace through golf, and closes the episode with a fun rapid-fire segment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome Nick Van Exel to the show for an unforgettable conversation about his basketball journey and lasting impact on the game. Nick reflects on learning the game on neighborhood courts, the inspirations that fueled his dream, and taking the junior college route before starring at University of Cincinnati. He shares stories from his path to the NBA, playing alongside young Kobe Bryant, and memorable moments involving Magic Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal. The discussion covers being traded from Los Angeles, whether players value winning today, pioneering a public trade request, giving back to the community, comparing AAU and European basketball, and finishes with a fun rapid-fire segment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew welcomes Danny Green to the show for a conversation about winning culture, perseverance, and life beyond basketball. Danny reflects on his time at North Carolina and the grind it took to earn his spot before discussing his experience playing in the EuroLeague. He breaks down the legendary Spurs culture, what made those teams special, and the mindset behind multiple championship runs. The conversation also dives into the NBA Bubble, “The Process” era in Philadelphia, and his stint in Memphis. Danny shares thoughts on college basketball, NIL, life between the lines, and transitioning into the growing media space after his playing career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew sits down with Chandler Parsons for a candid conversation about basketball, adversity, and life after the NBA. Chandler reflects on growing up in Florida and playing under Billy Donovan at Florida, where he became SEC Player of the Year. He shares stories from the pre-draft process, Draft Night, and playing overseas during the NBA lockout. The discussion dives into competing against Kevin Durant, teaming up with James Harden, and signing a massive contract with Dallas. Chandler also opens up about injuries, his time in Memphis, the life-changing car accident, transitioning into media, ranking the top Florida Gators, Memphis culture, and great BBQ. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew sits down for a candid conversation covering journalism, basketball culture, and the realities of success. The guest reflects on growing up in Queens and finding a path into sports media before sharing memorable experiences with stars like Stephon Marbury, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and Carmelo Anthony. The discussion dives into getting fired in 2009, handling polarizing interviews, and opening up about the Shannon situation. The episode also explores tension with LeBron James, whether Europe is beginning to take over basketball, the true cost of success, questions surrounding SGA’s impact on the game, and the criticism aimed at Memphis and Ja Morant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew welcomes Gerald Green to the show for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, talent, and longevity. Gerald reflects on losing a finger at a young age and still rising out of Houston to become one of basketball’s most electrifying athletes. He shares stories from jumping straight from prep to pro, battling the challenges of being a teenager in the NBA, and learning from Paul Pierce in Boston. Gerald opens up about stops in Minnesota, Indiana, Phoenix, and Miami, plus iconic dunks and career wake-up calls. The episode closes with coaching, BIG3 hoops, dunk contest legacy, and giving back. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew welcomes Rockford’s finest, Fred VanVleet, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and winning. Fred opens up about losing his father at a young age and how that shaped his drive to succeed. He reflects on being recruited to Wichita State, building a relentless work ethic, and earning his opportunity in Toronto. Fred shares stories from fighting for his career, the Raptors’ rise, the DeMar DeRozan trade, and winning a championship. He discusses his relationship with Masai Ujiri, leaving Toronto, mentoring Houston’s young talent, giving back to the community, becoming NBPA President, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We jump into a powerful conversation centered on the journey from humble beginnings to the NBA. Gabe reflects on growing up in Modesto and becoming a true student of the game, leading to an opportunity at UC Santa Barbara. He breaks down the draft process, earning his spot in the league, and what it meant to embrace Miami’s winning culture. The discussion shifts to securing the bag, playing alongside stars like LeBron and Jimmy, and transitioning to Atlanta. The episode also highlights life off the court, involvement with the NBPA, and unforgettable “welcome to the NBA” moments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew welcomes James Posey to the show for a deep dive into his journey from Cleveland to NBA champion. Posey reflects on finding his path to college and what it took to reach the league, sharing key rookie lessons along the way. He opens up about his time in Memphis, a pivotal suspension, and ultimately landing in Miami. Posey breaks down his influence on the 2008 Celtics championship team and the unforgettable parade. The conversation shifts to securing the bag, transitioning into coaching, being an early stretch-four, and building a business empire off the court before wrapping up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.