Joel Anthony on Miami Heat championships and running the Montreal Alliance

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign. [00:00:04] Speaker B: To the Canadian basketball show your go to spot for the latest news stories and analysis on Canadian basketball. I'm your host Lee Ben Osman. We got a big guest joining us. He's a two time NBA champion, a member of one of my favorite teams growing up, played 10 years in the NBA and he's a general manager and co owner the CBL franchise. The Montreal Alliance. Montreal's finest. Joel Anthony. How you doing brother? [00:00:30] Speaker A: Good. I'm good man. Appreciate you having me over here. [00:00:33] Speaker B: I can't thank you enough for coming in Downtown Toronto. You just told me at the Distillery district. What was that like? [00:00:38] Speaker A: It was nice over there at the Christmas market with the, with the family. So got a chance to you know, take in some of the sites and it wasn't too cold out there so yeah, it was good for us. [00:00:50] Speaker B: Good time. Get, get early in November. It's not too cold. Weather's nice offseason right now for you cbl. What's that look like for you? Is it like a 365, like 365 day job? Like what does offseason look like for you now in November? [00:01:05] Speaker A: Yeah, it's, it's pretty, it's pretty busy. Especially now because I'm on the ownership side as well. So like as, as gm, it's. November really starts to pick up with everything that's going on overseas. But the G League starting up. Um, but I've like, we've been at it, you know, having conversations and discussions and especially with our team. There's a lot of restructuring going on within our organization after, after our first year under ownership. So it's been, it's been busy. Definitely. Really, really busy and active. Yeah. [00:01:40] Speaker B: Did you know you wanted to jump into like a front office role or like when did that realization become like a reality for you? [00:01:49] Speaker A: Front office? [00:01:51] Speaker A: I think when, when I was getting close to being done playing, I was, I was looking to try to figure out what was, what was going to be next. And you know, there's a couple programs within the NBA. There's, you know, they had real estate symposium, they had different, you know, the different programs in general to help guys figure things out. [00:02:11] Speaker A: When I was finally done, I actually jumped into a coaching program because, because the front office program I wanted to get into was gonna have me traveling too much. And so I just finished and I wanted to be around my family. And so I got into the coaching for a bit and once Covid hit everything paused and I made the realization then that I really wanted to go into front Office. I realized coaching wasn't gonna be at least like, long term. Not for me. [00:02:38] Speaker B: Why not? [00:02:39] Speaker A: Like, I enjoyed the player development side of it and being able to work with the guys and as assistant, but I wouldn't see myself as wanting to be like a head coach of a team that's totally different. Shift over, like one seat in that chair and, you know, everything. Yeah, yeah, everything's totally different. And also just the work that went into that. But the front office side is what always interests me. And, you know, so I just worked to kind of put myself in a position to always, you know, be around that. When I finally got involved with the cbl and it was just a kind of growing process, you know, started out helping out over in Hamilton with the, with the Honey Badgers, and they're, they're now Brampton. And so, you know, was helping out there with some things on as a consultant more, you know, front office side, but also coaching, helping as assistant as well. And then once the team in Montreal came about, that's know, just jumped at the opportunity to get involved and, you know, found myself there to really start out, you know, kind of officially getting into it. [00:03:43] Speaker B: How'd you hear, like, maybe take me through the first time you heard Montreal was the CBs expanded to Montreal. What was your reaction? What was that feeling, knowing that you're from there and you know, the potential, you know, the talent that's come out of there. And a lot of basketball fans too, from Montreal. [00:04:00] Speaker A: Yeah, I think I was with the cbl. It was during the, during the bubble. So when everyone was getting out of COVID everyone, the whole league was together. They had the bubble over in St. Catharines, right by Niagara. So. [00:04:19] Speaker A: There'S a couple people there that were telling me like, hey, look, like we're hearing that there's going to be possibly a team in Montreal. Like, you have to get on that. Like, that's, you know, that's something that could be really big. And eventually, you know, I started to hear, hear, hear more, more about it. And so I talked to the commissioner of the league at the time, Mike Morieli, and you know, I just said, look, like I, I want to be involved. And like, I'm realizing on this side, like, a lot of times people say that, like, what does that mean? So, but we, we had conversations and you know, he, he was excited that, you know, I had an interest in, in that and you know, to me it was huge because, like, I was born and raised in that city, so. And I've seen, I'M I'm old enough now, I could say that. Like I've seen a lot of the teams come and come and go and to have a chance to be a part of a team that I feel I could, I could really help in terms of, you know, based off of my experience in basketball professionally, just wanting to be a part of that was really big for me and what it can mean for the city. And so, you know, I was really excited for that opportunity. [00:05:24] Speaker B: I was going to ask obviously, what does it mean for you just like to give back in a way because like I'm guessing the game's giving you so much, but now be able to like help bring a franchise there and then also. [00:05:36] Speaker B: Like be. You're kind of like one of the, I feel like long lasting faces when I think of Montreal basketball. What does that mean for you? And then also just like being, being able to like bring a franchise there and then also just have an impact on the community where like now they're coming out to games. And it's, it's crazy too because people won't realize the impact because it's just starting, but it's, people are going to see that and be like, okay, I started playing basketball because I started going to Montreal alliance games. You know what I'm saying? So what does it mean for you? [00:06:04] Speaker A: Like, for me it's huge. Like this basketball community and like the community of Montreal that's, you know, that's really home for me. Like when I say I was born and raised here, like I wouldn't have been able to, you know, have any of the success that I had without, you know, that community that was, that was behind me. And so for me it was, it was really the chance to be able to give back. And I've always done stuff and a lot of it was more silently in terms of being involved with different programs and you know, this was a chance that I'd be able to really give back and to me, or what I believe was in a really major, major way and, and not only that, it was, it was going to give me a chance to actually be, be closer to home. Like I've like when, when I left to, you know, to, to go play, play basketball, go to school in the States, you know, I, I was, I was gone. Like I never really came back, you know, except for two weeks in, in the off season because I stayed, stayed in school to continue to work out, took extra classes when I went, when I went pro and I ended up going to Miami was always training down There I spent so much time down there just because like that was part of my commitment and I knew I had to sacrifice. I sacrificed a lot of time in Montreal. So it was two part, I guess that was a part selfishly somewhat for myself to be able to actually be back home and be around the community, be around my family, my mom over there and my friends and know, get a chance to actually be there, you know, one more time during the summer. And I, I never had that experience. And then, you know, like I said, the other side just being able to, you know, give, give our community something that, you know, they haven't had or, or just had like a little bit of like they just have, you know, maybe it might have been just a season of a team then, you know, it doesn't quite work out. They might get two years somewhere and then you know, just kind of, they, they kind of fade out. And so to have a team now that's, you know, going into his fifth year and you know, that, that's, that's actually, you know, been around is going to stay in a strong league is really what, you know, a big part of what I envisioned, you know, when I got involved. And so, you know, just really happy to be able to be a part of that. [00:08:19] Speaker B: Yeah, I'm going to put you on the spot real quick because you say you're in Montreal a lot. What's the best poutine spot? What's the best I got? I always go to the most generic, like the lebanquist, you know what I'm talking about. But like what's the hidden gems? [00:08:33] Speaker A: Yeah, it's hard for, for me to say. Like obviously I, you tell everyone, you know, you, you go to, you know, bonkes, like when, when I was a kid, like we, you know, you had like la belle province and you know, to, to go over to places like that. [00:08:49] Speaker A: And it depend on, on what, what poutine you would, you would get. You could have a regular poutine. Like would you have a smoked meat poutine which is more regular or Italian poutine? Like call it over there. There's. [00:09:00] Speaker B: I'm just classic. [00:09:01] Speaker A: I'm just classic. Yeah. So I would say, I would say the, the bonkes to, you know, anyone, anyone watching that goes to Montreal and wants to be able to have a put in, you know, growing up, you know, Lebel Provence was probably the one that we're most, most used to having. [00:09:17] Speaker B: I'm gonna go tap in next time I'm there. I'm go, we'll go Tap in. Obviously I want to talk more in depth about being a gm. Your philosophy maybe just, just like running a team, get into that bit later on, but also want to go through your career, your journey as a player. Growing up in Montreal, what was like the first interest in basketball? Do you remember what was like a spark where like, yo, I love doing this, even though, like I'm not getting paid for it. Like, this is like I just love hooping right now. [00:09:43] Speaker A: I love. [00:09:46] Speaker A: So I, I, I play a little bit. When I was, when I was younger probably, you know, thinking third grade probably started to get into a little bit. The love for it really started going into. [00:10:03] Speaker A: Probably when, around 10th, like 10th grade. [00:10:08] Speaker B: Did you have like a growth spurt at one point? Like when. [00:10:10] Speaker A: So it was, it was two parts. One, I love football growing up. So like for me, like that was it for me. Like I love football. You know, I watched all the CFL games, NFL games. Like I played. [00:10:23] Speaker B: What's your team? [00:10:24] Speaker A: Football? It was, it was the Bills. Yeah. Huge, huge, huge Bills fan. And then, you know, Cowboys a bit as well. [00:10:31] Speaker B: But that's a dysfunctional organization. I don't watch football. I know too much. [00:10:37] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. But like I love football. And I ended up transferring schools and so the school I went to didn't have a football team. And so because when I was younger I played in club league, so I was from the west island basically over in the suburbs that I played at Alexander park and I played there. So basically like peewee football and all that. Then when I got to high school, continue to play. So when I transferred, I ended up going to a school that didn't have a football team. So going into the 10th grade, it was just basketball. At the same time that summer I had a growth spurt where I went from six foot to six. Six that summer. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So what were you eating? Everything. Everything. I was eating every, trust me, like everything out of the house. [00:11:24] Speaker B: I'm still trying to get a girl spur. I'm way past that. [00:11:28] Speaker A: Yeah. Yeah. So like that's where you know, my focus really. I really started to lock into basketball and just getting a chance to play, like getting a chance to play and you know, wanted to, you know, experience it more. And so I was going all around the city trying to find places to play. Like I had friends that we go to the parks in different parts of the city, ended up going to, you know, rec centers. So, you know, I'd be in like there's a place called, called the Wreck over by, by NDG everyone used to go to like, I, you know, I just find, you know, wherever I could to be able to play and you know, the love for the game really started to, you know, kind of develop a lot more than. Even though, you know, I followed it a lot when I was younger. [00:12:15] Speaker B: Yeah, your, your like path like college wasn't like linear like you want to Dawson College, went to junior college, Nevada, then the NBA. Was there a moment like early on where you realized, yo, I could play in the league? Like did it hit at one point? [00:12:32] Speaker A: Nah, it was never, never. I could have never dreamed of like getting a chance especially like, like back then and especially from Montreal. Like, like guys didn't, you know, like, like making our get a chance to play in the, you know, the NBA. Like it was, it was rare enough to, to have guys, you know, really going division one and you, you just didn't see it enough. Like there, there were guys that, that, that obviously did it. You know, Sam Delbert was, was the last one from, from our city at that time who, who, who actually was able to make it. But you know, there, there, there just weren't as many guys who were really out there having like a major success and so, but part of it was just like Montreal has always been an underdog city, so people didn't know about, you know, the players that were, that were coming out of that city. So for me, it was when it came time for me to actually leave Montreal, like, all I knew is that like, I want to win games and I want to get better. And I knew I had to get better because I wasn't anywhere close to the level of most of the guys that I played against. And so I just wanted to learn and, and you know, my, my whole focus and drive was, was just on that. And so once, so once I left, like, that's when I started my, my journey. But you know, all the way through, like, I had people telling me like, hey, like, like, you know, you might be able to play pro, like we think you could do. I never really paid attention to, to that type of noise too much. It wasn't until probably my last like two years of college where like that started to become a bit of reality. To, to play pro? Yeah, like, yeah, to, to, to play pro. And so when, when I got to unlv, I played. So I went to junior college two years, transferred to unlv, played that first year, so my junior year, then going into my senior year, talked to my coach and so they were saying, look, we, we actually, you know, Would like you to, you know, probably red shirt this year. We feel you could develop a lot and you have a chance to actually, you know, have a, you know, know have a really good professional career. Also. We were completely loaded in terms of big. So he was like, look like there might not be as many as much minutes for you. Some guys are a bit further on in terms of development. So it was, it was a real tough decision because going to that school, a big part of the reason was because I was going to get a chance to play right away. So for me it was, you know, I talked about it with you know, friends, my mom and, and different people. I said look, this is a chance for me to you know, see if I could really, you know, be a professional. And that's when, you know, I, I started to actually think and you know, the wheels started turning a bit that you know, I might be able to, to play pro. But it was never like the, the NBA. Like my coach was someone that actually coached with Lon Krueger who actually coached in the NBA. Like he coached in the NBA, coached with extremely high level in college. And so like he, he was one that told me like look like know, maybe you go overseas for a year, you develop some more after. And then after that year, you know, try to try to make it to an NBA team. So you know, so it was just really fortunate kind of the, the way everything was able to work out. [00:15:35] Speaker B: Yeah, obviously like wrap up two years at unlv, defensive player of the year, that conference and then going through the pre draft process. What was that like going through it all and workouts with teams and. Do you remember your first workout? [00:15:50] Speaker A: Yeah, actually I ended up getting set up so I ended up picking an agent and I had the same agent, you know, my entire career. Mike Higgins. He was a local guy out of Vegas, but you know he had his own shop and, but extremely experienced like in. Within the NBA, you know, so someone everyone knew and you know, he, but he basically told me he was like look like I'm just gonna be honest. Like I don't know if you'll even get a workout. But you know, I promise I'm, I'm gonna work for you to get you an opportunity. So he set me up to work over at Impact with Joe Bunasar. Impacts? Yeah, yeah, one of those spots spot over there in, in, in Vegas. So it was, you know, I'm right there, so it's an easy situation. So I was working out there and then someone had canceled their workout in Phoenix and Then my agent called me, he was like, look like there's been a last minute cancellation, like they, they need someone else to come in. So I ended up going, going over there to that workout and obviously I'd, you know been, been training basically for that, you know, because that's, that's all pre draft workouts. Yeah, they had a bunch of guys over there that were getting drafted. Like who's that? I think I remember Rudy Gaywood was over there working out at some point. How did he look? Like a pro? [00:17:10] Speaker A: Like a pro. Kyle Lowry was, was down there also. Like there a bunch of guys, like some real high level guys that were, that were over there working out. And so yeah, I got that opportunity in Phoenix and I remember like I had a really good workout and a lot of it was, you know, people were just surprised about you know, who, you know, they didn't know like where, where I came from. I wasn't on anyone's radar, you know. And so I, I actually ended up going back. They actually brought me back for another workout over there. But that, that's where it, it kind of, that's where it started in terms of my, my first, you know, pro workout. And I ended up like, I probably had maybe like 10, you know, 10 to almost like 12 workouts by, by the time it was, it was all over, it was like yeah, long process. City. City. Yeah, I was just going city to city, you know, like come back to Vegas and you know, training there agent be like hey, like this other team call, go over there, you know, for a fly out train and I might go to you know, a couple cities in, you know, on that, on the like little tour. So it was, it was a really like really good process for me. You know, it was exciting for me. Everything's new. I've, you know, I've never, never could have dreamed of even doing that. Yeah. You know, and so, but literally to the end I remember being so exhausted that I was in, I was in Cleveland and Dallas had called and wanted me to go in for a workout. [00:18:39] Speaker B: Hell no. I'm tired. [00:18:40] Speaker A: I remember telling my age, I was like, I don't, like, I don't know if I have it in me to be able to, you know, do it. And like we were so many teams and he was like, look like, like I think you could, you know, if you're not able to, like it's fine. But they literally called last minute and said like, can he be on flight like tomorrow? And that was one of the teams that I actually did Want to, you know, try and, try and actually work out for. One of my college teammates was Jason Terry's brother Curtis here. And so, like, he, you know, you tell us about Dallas, and obviously you saw how, like, Cuban, you know, Mark Cuban used to take care of, take care of the team. So it was kind of interesting to me. But yeah, it was a great process for me and, you know, you know, really happy with, with kind of how it went. [00:19:27] Speaker B: I hear a lot of. Because I cover a lot of the draft now, and I hear a lot about some teams notorious for, like, crazy workouts. Did you have any, like, people mentioned Boston as one. Like, they have to run up some crazy stuff, but was there a worker that was like, these guys are pushing me, and I don't know, this is not humane, you know. Like, did you, did you have any experiences? [00:19:48] Speaker A: Nothing. Like, like, to me, there, there is nothing too crazy for workout. Like, it didn't matter, like, what they did. Like, like, we're all like, it, it was, it was extremely competitive. So, like, like everyone's just fighting for, for an opportunity, right? Because it didn't matter. Like, I had workouts with guys that were like, top five, you know, like, going to be top five picks and guys are like, just going to be undrafted. No one knew about. So it was, it was for, for me, just a, you know, a great process. So, know, going through some tough workouts. Like, I, I, I didn't, I didn't mind it. Like Boston, I remember there was a lot of running. [00:20:23] Speaker B: Yeah, that's, that's what I hear. [00:20:24] Speaker A: Yeah, I remember there, there was a lot of running in that one. Miami's was, was, was, was, was tough. It was, it was, it was a pretty, it was a pretty tough, tough workout. But, you know, for, for me, all that stuff was just, like, fun. Like, I, I just, like, I just love, like, just really happy to be there. [00:20:44] Speaker B: Any favor, like, you got, got to go up against any, any guys that you're like, wow, this is. Or any guys you work that you're like, hey, they don't want this out there in the public. They don't want to go back to. Look what happened for you. [00:20:59] Speaker A: Like, like, it was like, I said, like, it was, it was just competitive. I wouldn't say it was anything like, like, specifically with any, with any players, but it was, it was, it was just, I think more than anything, like, showing that I, you know, I felt like I could match up with the guys I was playing against, even if they're guys that were going to get Drafted, you know, like first, second round, whatever, and, and you know, a realistic route with myself. I didn't think, you know, I was, I was going to get, going to get drafted, but I did feel I was putting myself in a position to put on, you know, to be on everyone's radar. Yeah, and that was the biggest thing for me where I was, you know, I was always just trying to prove that I belonged to, you know, like, like amongst all the other, you know, all the other prospects that were, that were coming in. And so that, that was, that was the biggest thing for me. [00:21:49] Speaker B: Yeah, you proved it. Miami comes calling. What do you remember about that call? It's like, hey, we want you. [00:21:56] Speaker A: Yeah. So basically like right after the draft and like my agent told me exactly how he said it, it was going to, you know, work out. Like that's how it happened. Say, look, as soon as it's done, phone's going to start ringing and then we're going to have to make a decision quick on, on where we're going to, you know, want to go. So you know, they, they called the 60th, you know, player, player in the draft right after that. So Sacramento who had, you know, really good workout over there. I, I had gone over there twice and Miami both offered like at the time contracts were a bit different. So they, they both had partial, partial contracts for me. So you know, it's, you know, you get a little bit money up front and know it's part partially guaranteed. And so those two had partial partials for me and there, there's a couple others that had non guaranteed deals. And so, you know, so like, like first we're like, okay, like we definitely want to go to, you know, wherever we could get some, some guaranteed money for sure. And obviously that also shows like a bit of the interest that you know, the teams had. And so it came down to, you know, between Miami and, and Sacramento and so, you know, I'd actually watched Miami a lot like when, when I was in college, like I used to get used to get film from the video guys over there. So I remember watching like the Heat and Pistons playoff series then and you know, I just felt that like Miami actually had, you know, that like I was able to fit into their identity, you know, because they preach defense, you know, tough physical type of team. So you know, for, for me I thought, you know, that that would have been a great opportunity, you know, to get a chance to prove myself. And you know, from there, you know, accepted their, their, their partial deal and you know, I went over there. I don't know. Like, the next week started, you know, training and getting ready for summer league. [00:23:51] Speaker B: What were your first impressions? Because when you said Miami, I'm already jealous, so I'm thinking, I'm taking the heat. I'm digging the beach. I'm digging the palm trees. Like, what's. What was your first impressions when you get over? [00:24:01] Speaker A: And it's funny, like, when. When my friends used to ask me, I remember telling them, because they were like. They'd ask that, like, what is it like, over there? [00:24:08] Speaker B: Not Canada. [00:24:09] Speaker A: Like, like, to me, I was like, it. It's not real. Like, that's really what I said. I was like, this is not, like, this is not like, a real, like, world. Like, this is not really life. Like, everything was just so different in terms of how, you know, there was, like, this expectation because, like, I've never been around, like, one. Like, people that had, like, so much money in terms of, like, the city. Yeah. Like. Like, just people that. That. That really were able to, you know, walk around, that had someone, even though I was in Vegas but, you know, that really had that type of. I don't know what you want to call it. Cachet or whatever, but. And then never really seen, you know, seen that or been around that before. You know, we used to always joke about. Joke about the. The Heat games where, you know, like, most of the fans have. Have more money than the players, you know, so it's. It's just. It was a total different. And it was just a total different world, you know, to me, which. [00:25:10] Speaker A: That was my. My biggest takeaway, you know, at first one, when I got there. But, you know, I was just really, you know, really just trying to stay focused and locked in. So, you know, not getting distracted by that was also, like, kind of the other side of it. Well, it's like, look, like I. I know what I'm here to do. You know, all the other stuff. Like, I. I know I only have, like, really one opportunity, and now I'm trying to prove, like, I could actually, you know, stay in and actually make it in. In this league. So it was a lot of it. I just kind of, you know, kind of put a blind eye to whatever else was going on, but it was. It definitely felt like a different world over there. [00:25:51] Speaker B: Jersey number 50. I always wanted to ask you this. How did you land on that number? Very unique number. When I think about 50, I'm like. And so, like, tell me about that story. Just how did you end up on. [00:26:02] Speaker A: Like, I had 50 in junior college. Okay. So in junior college, I. I had 50. [00:26:10] Speaker A: Part of the reason also when. And it's not the absolute reason, like, in terms of numbers that was available, it was a number that I liked one of. So Dwight Walton, who is Montreal Legend. Yeah, exactly. Montreal Legend. Over there, you know, Dwight. So I used to always, like. Like, work out with Dwight. We used to, you know, play. Play pickup and everything. Like, he. He was still. Even though he was older, he still used to hoop with us. And so know he was one of. One of the ones. Oh, there's a lot of guys in the city that, you know, really, really helped me. Like. Like, those are like, my OGs that, you know, really, really talked to me and took care of me when I'm trying to figure it out. And he was like, look, like, you know, you remind me of, you know, you could be like, you know, like, young David Robinson. And so seeing. Seeing that. And. And also, actually at the time, Michael Oakford was. What was it called? So he was like, gonna be like, number one pick and. But. But seeing, like, players that were really strong, like, obviously, like, really strong defensively. Like, though those are the guys that I. I looked at the most. So, you know, I saw, you know, David Robinson and, you know, Oakford was. Was someone in college. Like, he was, you know, the top player in college at. At the time. And so it was just a number that I felt was, you know, fit in for me. And yeah, I was really happy I was able to have it for, you know, pretty much most of my career. Yeah. [00:27:38] Speaker B: Yeah. Shout out to those legends. What was it like, just, like, being one of the only Canadians, like, in the league at that time? And like, did, you know, like, what you were accomplishing, like, at that moment? And, like, was there, like, a lot of. Now I feel like, in media attention for basketball is crazy in this country, but was there, like. Like, did you have an understanding? Like, wow, this is, like. This is big for Montreal. This is big for me. This is big for the country. [00:28:02] Speaker A: It. It really didn't hit me, like, Like, I. I didn't. I didn't realize, like. Like, how. Because when I hear about it after, like, years, like, later and everyone talk about, man, it was such a. Such a big thing, such a big, big deal. And like, for me, I was like, I'm just trying to, like. Like, I'm. I'm just trying to make it and like. Like, yeah, like, I understand, like, you know, I'm from Montreal and I. I always, you know, rep. Definitely in terms of being Canadian, you Know, which is, you know, part of me playing with the national team. But definitely, you know, being from Montreal as well. Like, I used to always, like, have, have Expos fitted with me like all the time. I get every, every single car. That was one of the things I always, I always spent my money on. It was always Expos fitted and you know, and people be like, well, where's that? I was like, expos. Let them know I'm from Montreal. Would always want to, want to represent. So, you know, for, for me, I was, you know, happy, happy, you know, about it and proud to, to, to be doing what I was doing. But it was more so for, you know, my like, friends and family, you know. So in terms of that, like, that being, being a big deal, like, I, I, I, I didn't realize like, how much it, you know, of a big deal it was in terms of like, you know, Canadians. [00:29:18] Speaker A: Know, a little bit later on and a couple years down the line I'm seeing it and you know, getting a chance to play with like, Jamal McGlore who's, you know, top Canadian, that like, I remember watching him when, when I was a kid in, you know, in the All Star Game and how the whole country was, was talking about it and you know, as, as I started to also, you know, get a bit of more of a name for myself, that that's when I started to realize a little bit, you know, in terms of how much, you know, people appreciated, you know, the fact that I was, I was able to make it and you know, to be another Canadian. And even when I came over here to Toronto and getting some of that, some of that love from, from, from people and you know, playing on national team, you know, helped as well. So something later on I started to realize. But I always appreciated it for sure. Yeah. [00:30:09] Speaker B: Cause I think a lot of guys, like when I talk to guys like from Montreal, they're playing the league now, they always like, talk about the guys that paved the way, talk about you. They talk about Dwight Walton. Like, what's it like watching this explosion of Canadian talent now in the league? Was it something that you saw like, okay, this is going to happen eventually? Just like, I know a lot of like the resources probably weren't there in Canada during your time. Now it's kind of like everyone is playing AU basketball at like 7 years old. You know, like, what's like seeing like, the talent just like endless. [00:30:38] Speaker A: I like, I, I love it. Like, I'm so happy and so proud with like this, this young group that's, that's coming about. Like, all these guys are coming along, like from, you know, Ken Burch and Chris Boucher, Lou, Ben Omax, like, like there's like so many guys now that have, have, have been able to come in and have a really big impact, you know, on, on the game of basketball at like the highest level in, in the league. And to have so many guys from, from that city, like, I'll always, like anyone from Montreal, like, I'm always going to, you know, rep for them and like, like those are ones that always get, you know, the most support, you know, from me. So I'm really happy and excited for it and you know, for, for them even to, you know, seeing those guys play on the national team and. [00:31:28] Speaker A: But I think it's just huge for, for our city and I'm really happy for our city to be able to, to see that and because it, it is like the next wave and you know, the, the. These are the guys now that all these kids. Like, I'm like, I actually see myself as and like, I am like, like older and so like a lot of the, you know, the young kids that they, they don't know much, you know, about me. Like right now, like, these are the guys that are watching. Like, they see Lou and like Lou and Ben playing in the NBA Finals, like, that was huge for our city. Like, we have like, regardless of who won, someone in, like someone in the city was going to be happy, you know, because like you, you had like, like two, you know, two guys that were able to have an impact on the game, like playing, playing in the NBA Finals. And you know, for, for a city like ours, like, that's, that's huge especially because you know, we've, we've always been. Always been underdogs, like, always always been the one. The ones that, you know, have had to play with with the chip on our shoulder, like trying to get that notoriety and so to, to be able to, you know, to see those guys, you know, like, really do it now and you know, getting a chance to, you know, also coming in at a higher level where, you know, a lot of us were like undrafted, you know, at first. So like, you know, like me, Cam, you know, Chris, like Lou, and now you have like Ben Omax like coming in as first rounders like you. You're seeing that that talent is getting recognized like now, you know, like, like when, well, when they're younger, you know, so it's, it's not like someone's gonna have to figure it out after it's, you Know, they're. They're able. Some of them are able to come in through the front door right now and. And. And get a chance to, you know, kind of hit the ground running in terms of making it as a pro. [00:33:10] Speaker B: Yeah, I cover the talent coming up now, and it's. When I talk about the Montreal talent coming up. A bunch of dogs. Yeah, serious docs coming up. So it's exciting to see you get to Miami. Did you have, like, a welcome to the NBA moment or like a matchup that was like, this guy is. He's. He's giving me a good welcome to the league, you know, like, did you have a moment or just, like, seeing the crowd and just like, wow, I'm playing in the NBA. [00:33:35] Speaker A: Oh, I definitely. When. So in practice. And it was. So I have the same routine, you know, workout before practice, have to live, go through my individuals and everything. Then we have practice. And I was the second part of it. [00:33:57] Speaker A: I really. I really realized after. But so after practice, I'd have to work out with my vets. My vets were Shaq and Zo. [00:34:06] Speaker B: God damn. [00:34:06] Speaker A: You know, so, like, those are literally, like, my two vets. And I remember I'm at the free throw line and. And, you know, going. Going through the workout. So I'm at the free throw line. Shaq's here, Zo's here. And when I say the second part, because it really didn't register until later on, but, like, Bob McAdoo is underneath the basket, and. And so you have these three hall of Famers around, and, you know, this is, you know, who I get to actually be around, you know, when. When I get into the league. And just. I remember in that moment just being like, I can't believe that, like, this is really the situation that. That I'm in. And I also say that because, like, once I got into the league, like, I somewhat. I always appreciate everything, but I wasn't as much of a fan of everyone because I realized, yeah, you know, like, to me, like, I can't. I can't. I can't be like that. Like, exactly. Like, these are. These are guys that, you know, I'm supposed to be going against. Right. So all of that really changed, like, kind of immediately, like, once I got into the league. But that was the one moment where I was like, well, like, I can't believe, like, really, you know, where I am. And that's why I say a lot, like, just being, you know, I really appreciate in terms of where, you know, where I was able to go and you know, the situation I was able to. To be put in. [00:35:29] Speaker B: What was Shaq like? You saw him, like, his last. That's kind of what was the last little peak, you know, like. [00:35:35] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. No, Shaq was great, man. Like. Like, that was like. Like, that was my vet. Like, he was huge for me, like, in terms of, like, just making, like, one. Making me feel comfortable. Like, I came in. I'm. I'm. I'm undrafted. Like, I'm just trying to make it. I don't know. I'm on a partially guaranteed contract. Like, don't know, like, if they're gonna decide to, you know, waive me, like, the next day or what. Just trying to, you know, kind of put my head down at work. And he was always, like, really supportive of me. You know, he talked to me all the time, like, make sure. Like, we always had, like, jokes and all that stuff, like, on. On the side. And so he was. He was really great for. For me, like, Zo. Zo as well. But, like. Like, Shaq was. Was really big in terms of, like, making me feel, like, really comfortable, especially at a time. Like, I say, at a time, but for most of the time, like, I was. I was always the quiet one. Like, I was. I was always the quiet one. Like. Like, wouldn't talk. Wouldn't talk too much. And so, like, he. He always wanted to, you know, make sure, you know, felt involved and, you know, was. Was really great for me, you know, in terms of my. My confidence and. And getting, you know, getting acclimated to the league. Yeah. [00:36:47] Speaker B: You're a free agent. During the same time the Big Three were about to come to Miami. Where were you when you. I don't know if you're hearing whispers about, like, they're about to come here. Like, what was. What were you hearing during that time? Were you watching the Decision live? Like, all of us. [00:37:02] Speaker A: I had the TV on. I remember I was in my condo. I had the TV on at the time. So it's crazy because at the time. So I had opted out. And. And so, you know, never. Just, like, most people never would have thought something like that would happen. But it was really about, okay, like, is D. Wade going to come back? Cause, you know, they, like, he was a free agency, free agent, weren't sure how it was going to go. And so knowing that. So Chris, like, CB Signed first. So I looked. I'm looking at the roster, like, okay, like, Chris Boss. Like, D. Wade came, you know, came back. And so now I'm thinking, like, oh, like, we're going to be good. And at this time, you know, I was really starting to, you know, develop a lot. I'd started a bunch. And so I was like, okay, like, I'm going to be able to play with, you know, like, like these two, because I knew I wanted to come back. And so it was just about like, look, can we just work something out, you know, on the business side financially contract wise, you know, to do that. And so I was, you know, I was really excited. And then now I'm watching decision because I'm thinking, you know, Brown's going to go to like, Cleveland or New York or something like that. And when he said take my town to south beach, like, I couldn't believe it. Like, because, because I'm a free agent and I'm thinking, oh, there's no more money left, I was like, no, that. This is like, this is it. So it's almost like, wait a minute, what am I? You know, so, you know, talk to my agent and he's like, look, like, like, it's, it's all right. They have your bird rights. Like, it's, they're. They're going to be able to take care of you like, ill. It was something that's going to happen after. Just like, be patient. Like, we're still, you know, looking to see what else was out there. But, but, you know, once Ron said that he was coming, I was like, no. Like, I definitely 100%, like, want to be, you know, a part of it, like a lot of people. But those are literally two things that, like I said I cared about, like, just development and winning. And, you know, the chance to be on a team, you know, to win was huge for me. But also, I didn't know how that offseason was going to go because I knew everyone thought the same thing. And so was I going to be part of this process or not? Was also the other thing I didn't know. And so, like, for me, that was so huge, you know, once I was able to re sign that summer because, like, I knew that with all this going on that I was someone that they considered, you know, to actually be. Be a part of that process. So that was, that was huge. But it was something that I definitely didn't. Didn't see coming because I had everyone texting me, like, right after he said it, like, oh, congratulations, like, you know, you're going to be a champion and all, all this. And I'm thinking, like, I'm like, I might not be here. And like, no one realized that, but but yeah, that was. That was obviously like a huge moment. [00:40:00] Speaker B: Obviously. Like, I think it was about a week, week and a half. You resigned with Miami. Five year, $18 million deal. Big money at the time, especially during the early 2000. [00:40:09] Speaker A: That's money just below my level right there. Yeah. [00:40:12] Speaker B: What was like, what was your first big purchase? [00:40:15] Speaker A: Oh, first big purchase. [00:40:19] Speaker A: I don't know if really. [00:40:22] Speaker A: Really had a big. [00:40:24] Speaker A: Actually, so it wasn't actually an actual purchase, but I planned to, like, I already planned to go back to UNO unlv like that. That following week. Like, I didn't know I was gonna, you know, resign or anything, but, like, I, I, like, I did the timing just worked out that, you know, basically I resigned. Summer league had finally, you know, finished. And so I had. I was going back to Vegas because I never wanted to go to Vegas during summer league. [00:40:50] Speaker B: It's the worst. [00:40:51] Speaker A: Yeah, it is too much going on. [00:40:52] Speaker B: There all the time. I'm like, I don't know why I'm here. [00:40:54] Speaker A: I want to know parts of it, but I remember being. Being out with like, all my friends and, you know, it's like day party, like, where we were just, you know, like having, you know, having a good time and out. And I remember like, getting this bill after, for. For the table. And you know, at the time I was just like, ah, like, Like, I'm just going to. This is going to be my. My, My. My big, you know, splurge. And for me, because I'm seen as frugal, I guess, you know, you. You could say financially smart. Yeah. You know, like, it was. It was huge for me. And I remember calling my financial advisor after. I was like, look, I'm in Vegas. And I might have gone overboard. And so, you know, to. To them, like, when they heard and I told him. So at first he's worried. And then when I told him the number, he was like, Joel, if you don't stop worrying about, you know, something small like this, he's like, yeah, it was like, like, obviously, like, to me, it was, you know, like someone and Because I still have the same mindset of when I was, you know, like from 10 years before. But so it was. It was about. Cause the minimum was like 5,000. And it was like, huge, you know, like, huge for me to, like, do something like that, but wanting to be like, like with my. Because I was with all my teammates and we're having, you know, like, great time. We're there like all day. And so they're like. To them, they were like, look, like we have football players and, you know, guys that we're dealing with that like, make this look like it is nothing. Exactly. But they also knew, like, how I was like, that was like, the one time and like, there was never gonna be. And there never was like, a time where I do anything. It wasn't gonna be a repetitive thing. So, like, you're fine. Like, don't worry. It's okay. You know, so that was. That was pretty much it. But outside of that, like, I didn't really have any, like, big purchases early on. And I think partly because the lockout was coming. [00:42:55] Speaker B: Yes. [00:42:56] Speaker A: And so, yeah, I was thinking about that because at the end of that season, we're going to go into a lockout. So nothing. Nothing too crazy. [00:43:04] Speaker B: Yeah. So obviously the Heat reach out to you after those guys sign. What was like, I don't feel like it was much of a pitch because you said you wanted to come back. But, like, how did they see yourself, like, fitting in? Tell me about that. [00:43:17] Speaker A: In terms of the conversations, it was, you know, like, we didn't know exactly how everything. Because obviously, like, this is all new complete now. Now I've obviously been there, you know, so I'm going into my fourth year now with them. So, you know, I'm familiar with. With SPO and D. Wade and. And the staff. Like, Rio was back and then seen. So some of the guys that. That were coming back, some of them signed after. So, like, James Jones, Jamal. [00:43:51] Speaker A: Not. No one really knew exactly how it was going to work. Like, and you. You could even see that obviously, like, with the team, like, how. How the team was. But it was. Like I said, it was just being. Being a part of that process, like, knowing that they wanted me to be a part of that process. There wasn't much detail in terms of what was going on. Like, no, I didn't know if. If I was going to end up starting or not. Like, I didn't know, like, what other plans, like, they. They may have had, like, how SPO really wanted to structure it like that. That wasn't until really we. We got into camp and we're over there, that army base. [00:44:28] Speaker A: So it wasn't something that, you know, I knew for sure from the beginning. Like, oh, this is exactly how. How it's going to work out. Like, a lot of it was just, you know, what we're going to figure out once we finally got everyone together in camp. So, you know, the conversations was just in terms of, you know, wanted to come back and, you know, just ironing, you know, the Details of the contract out. [00:44:52] Speaker B: When everything comes together, you guys are in training camp, you're watching those guys play, you're playing with them. What was your first impressions? I was like, hey, not one, not like, were you thinking that to, not to like, what was your, what was your impressions? [00:45:05] Speaker A: No, it wasn't, it wasn't that like it was, it was just about like, like we have to, we have to get to work. And like, like our mindset was, was already like that like, like that's how you know, he like really operated. But it was more so the pressure that was coming along in terms of like, not it being too much, but like everyone knows, like we have to really like lock into to what we have to do. Like, like this is like we understood like, like there was a huge target on our back. Like there was basically out of like the state of Florida was like the only place that, you know, actually was happy for, you know, for our team and that was supporting our team. And like, literally the messages that I used to get them was, you know, like really excited for you, happy for you and everything. I hope you, you know, hope you do well, but I hate your team. I was like, you know, but that, that's really what it was like. And so, you know, just realizing that, you know, we're, we're all kind of in this, you know, in this together and finding ways to, you know, be able to, you know, be able to win games and want to be, you know, part of that success and not, you know, letting anyone else down. Because like I said, like the pressure and expectations was like so high for us. [00:46:21] Speaker B: Yeah. How hard was it like going back to back? Because we haven't seen a team win back to back championships in the league since what, since the warriors, like the Raptors won. And then every year has been a different. How hard was it like just going back? I don't think people realize, like, yeah. [00:46:38] Speaker A: No, no, it's extremely, extremely tough to do. Like, like to win at, at that level is, is really, is really tough. And a lot of things have to work out. You know, like most important thing, you have to be healthy. So like, have to be healthy, have to hopefully you're able to keep the team together because there's no guarantee like that's going to happen. And then, you know, everyone also, you know, buying into those roles so that, you know, you have that same continuity that, that you've had before. You know, like, well, like once you win, you know, things kind of change, you know, you, you know, so some guys might you know, want. Want to do more, do more with their game, want more shots, want more, you know, this or that. But understanding that we're just trying to keep, you know, keep this going. So, you know, after we won the first one, it was like going into that, that next year, it was like, okay, like one. We kind of like got the monkey off our back because we lost like that that first year against Dallas. So for us, it was just huge to finally get that first one. And we. We knew, like, we weren't trying to be done. Like, no one was satisfied. And going into that, well, that, that third year of like that Big three era, like from. From the beginning, like from jump, like, everyone was so on point because we realized, like, how to win. And we finally proved to ourselves and kind of everyone else, like, what it took to, to actually be able to win ball games. So when we got into that next year, like, we're. We're really rolling and it's, you know, but it doesn't guarantee, you know, anything. It helps you definitely through the regular season. Like, definitely helps you through the regular season. But, you know, we, we understood the process and it was just, just about. And we used to say, like, suppose. Suppose you say that before it, you know, came, you know, big term with like, Joel Embiid and everything. But trust the process. And you say it all the time to us every day, just, you know, trust the process and just, you know, preparing yourself for, you know, we're trying to get ready for the finals, you know, like, like, that's like, basically what. What we're trying to do and not skipping any steps along the way. So building up through that regular season and then, you know, once you get to the playoffs, you continue, you know. So I say, you know, you're kind of sharpening that blade and, you know, just trying to get sharper, you know, throughout. So having that mindset, I think was what was the biggest thing for, you know, for our team and everyone buying into that, you know, like, everyone. Everyone knew and everyone being on the same page with that now, that's what really helped us, you know, being able to. To repeat. [00:49:08] Speaker B: Yeah. 27 game win streak, I believe. Was that the second year? What do you remember about. From that? Like, that was insane because I remember, like, people just wondering, what are you guys going to lose? Like, this is insane. [00:49:19] Speaker A: Yeah, we're one of the same thing. At one point it was just like, man, this is like, this is so much like. Like, I remember once we actually, once we finally lost, it was because Chicago, it was Chicago that ended up beating us. And that was, it was like, all right, like we lost but at least like all that stuff is like over with like some of those games. Like we're like team was playing at such a high level. Like it was almost like we're on autopilot. I remember we even cut out like a lot of the shoot arounds and we'd have. So instead of having a morning shoot around, we'd have shoot around just before the game. So we'd basically have a walkthrough like before the game. And part of the conditions to not have a shoot around because guys were like, oh, we don't want to have a shoot around supposedly. Look, you're still going to have them at the beginning of the season. But once we started going on that streak, we're like winning all these games now. [00:50:15] Speaker A: Let's have that walkthrough just before, just before the game. And so we started to, you know, like do do that more. But we're those. Because we were just rolling, you know, we're, we're rolling. And it was, you know, it really felt like like the whole team was on, was on autopilot where everything, you know, everyone knew exactly where they're going to be, what they're supposed to do and you know, when you get that type of flow in the regular season, you know, and, and you know, like I said, like you're able to stay healthy and you know, everyone's on the same page. Like you're able to have some, some really great runs and you know, ours was, you know, was, was, was, was pretty, pretty nice. Like definitely pretty nice getting a chance to, you know, going to run like that. [00:50:58] Speaker B: What do you remember about the moment? Chris Bosh rebound, Ray Allen bang. What do you remember about that? [00:51:06] Speaker A: I remember. [00:51:09] Speaker A: I remember the fans leaving first but like, like more than anything, like I, I remember it like the feeling that it wasn't over. Like even though, because remember what it felt like when we lost in Dallas. No. Lost to Dallas. And what it felt like in the arena, like when it was over. Like, like you know, and like you could, you could see it on guys faces like, you know, like it's like, like, like this really might be it. And that doubt, you know, starts to creep in and everything. It didn't feel like that. Like even though we're down and fans are leaving, I swear like it did not feel like that, you know, at all. And so like, but like once, like obviously you still need that moment to happen. So you know, once that finally happened. And you know, like, CB Made that, had that, you know, had that huge rebound, the kick out to Ray. And you know, Ray was, you know, cussing, telling them that, you know, get the ropes out the way because, you know, they started roping off the place. Like, we're like, nah, he's like, get those ropes out and everything. So, you know, everyone was just going crazy. Like, I remember we're going crazy on the bench. I was who I was. Yeah. I'm pretty sure I was standing beside Cole. So, like, like Norris Cole was. Was right there and like, we're on the bench and Cole's over there jumping up in the air, going, you know, going crazy. Like it was. And. And we knew, like, at that point we're like, okay, like, we. We could really finish this. [00:52:37] Speaker B: We got the edge, you know. [00:52:38] Speaker A: Yeah, like, we're able to really bring this back and yeah, like, really fortunate. We're. We're obviously able to do that. [00:52:46] Speaker B: Was there a series that you thought was like, the hardest during those two championship? [00:52:50] Speaker A: The hardest? [00:52:51] Speaker B: I was like, oh, this team has given us everything. Obviously San Antonio stuff, but. [00:52:58] Speaker B: Like, there's a lot of. [00:53:00] Speaker A: San Antonio was like, like San Antonio was obviously, you know, like, like really tough. You talking seven game series, like, that's can't be that. Yeah, yeah, that. That's extremely, extremely tough. Indiana was tough because Chris was out. So CB Went out like the first, first game. Was it hernia? I think it was a hernia or quad. But he. He was out. He was out for the whole series. And Indiana was really good. Like, they are. They're really good. Like, Paul George, like, really, like, kind of came into his own. They had David, David West, Roy Hibbert, like. [00:53:40] Speaker A: George Hill was on that team. Also think like, like, they're. They're really good. And that was like, that was like a huge test for us because, like, like CB Was abs, obviously, like, like, we don't. We don't win a championship without him. And to not have him in a series like that, like, it's one thing if, if we're in, you know, we're talking about the first round and it's like, all right, like, like we could band together and, and, and be able to take care of business. But you know, you're talking about Indiana team that, you know, we, we knew we were going into a war. Like, we didn't, like, it was. It was, you know, one of those bad blood. You know, we didn't like them, they didn't like us. I love that. [00:54:17] Speaker B: And yeah, that's missing with today's game a bit. You know, it's like. [00:54:21] Speaker A: Nah, it was. [00:54:21] Speaker B: I feel like y' all hated the paces. You hated Chicago. Like, yep. [00:54:24] Speaker A: You know, like, Boston. [00:54:26] Speaker B: Oh, that was hatred. That was pure hatred. [00:54:28] Speaker A: Yeah. So, like, like, all. All of those series, like, because they're so competitive, like, like, that's what, you know, like, made it. Made it extremely tough, but it also made it, like, so satisfying when you're. When you're able to win. But, like, those two series, like, are. Are the ones that, you know, definitely stand out. Stand out the most in terms of, like, the toughest ones where we're like, you know, this is. [00:54:51] Speaker A: We're not. Not to say, like. Like, we're definitely confident that we're going to be able to win, but, you know, we. We. We know it's going to be a tough one. [00:54:59] Speaker B: Yeah. They pushed you guys. Are you shocked Bron's still going? I'm like, time. Father Time is like. I'm guessing you saw the work behind the scenes that he did. [00:55:10] Speaker A: Like, yeah. [00:55:11] Speaker B: We just had a strength coach, too, on the podcast, talked about. He was with the Lakers last year. You told us, like, just about, like, LeBron will get to the arena, like, sometimes, like, game starts at C7. He'll get there at, like, 3:30. Before that, he's already in full sweat. Like, are you shocked seeing Brown still kicking it, still doing his thing? [00:55:27] Speaker A: Honestly, like. Like, to me, it's a combination of everything, like, having. [00:55:33] Speaker A: Like, that work ethic, which, like, I've seen different work ethics and, you know, it's something people always talk about, but, like, that's something that was at a different level. And some of it was, like, even the intensity and like, the things that he would do. Like, I. Like, I saw this before a game, so going to the arena, like, everyone's gonna drive to the game. Some guys, you know, before practice. Like, before practice, like, you have some guys that might have bikes. Like, I've had guys that biked to, you know, to the arena and things like that. This man biked to the arena before the game. So, like, not before. Shoot around, like, games at eight, and he's taking his bike and biking from home all the way over when everyone's trying to obviously, like, conserve energy and, you know, you have to. So. And he. It was part of. It was like, it was part of his workout. And, you know, just like, that type of preparation, like, that stuff was, you know, to me, that. That was a complete different level, you know? And, like, we had guys that were, you know, just kind of maniacal with it. You know, Ray, you know, who is. You talk about, you know, going in at three. Like, you know, if anything, like, Brian probably, you know, got that from Ray because, like, Ray was over there. Like, we had a first bus, a second bus, and then there was like, Ray, you know, in. In a cab because, like, there wasn't even any buses available at that time, but Ray would take a cab to. To the gym. So, you know, hearing about like now him being that early, like that definitely, you know, isn't surprising for me because he'd probably take it, you know, from. From that. But it's a combination of that, like all that work that went in the time that, that he takes in terms of, you know, having, you know, having to, you know, his own strength coach, his own, like, in terms of what he spends on it. Like, I don't know. There's always talks about that. But the fact is, like, the man has done what you would expect every pro athlete to do. Like, hey, I'm gonna invest all this money, all this extra money even into making sure I'm as healthy and as well conditioned as I could be. And then obviously, like, just like, also genetics, like, let's not take away the fact that like, you don't have guys that are like, built like that like he is. You know, you're looking at what like, like, like, basically like, like a linebacker, you know, moving like a running back and fast as a wide receiver. Like, it. It's. It's the type of combination that you. You just don't. You, you know, you just don't see everywhere. And you know, obviously the. The IQ is the last part, you know, where he's obviously one of the, you know, smartest players and people really like that have been around in the league. And so, you know, being able to put that together, it's. It's still surprising to see it because you haven't seen it. But, you know, when. When you see everything that goes into it, it, you know, makes sense. Yeah, it makes sense. Yeah. [00:58:24] Speaker B: I was gonna ask, I don't know, what are your thoughts on ranking these guys? [00:58:29] Speaker A: These. [00:58:29] Speaker B: Because people consider to him, like, he's the goal of this generation. Right. Where you stand on. I'm guessing also you probably watched mj, those guys. [00:58:36] Speaker A: Yeah. Love, like, love Jordan, you know, when I was. When I was younger, like, personally, like, all the ghost stuff, like, I. I hate it. I. I really. I agree. I really do. Like, I. I don't think it's. It's Worth it. Like, you. It's. You can't compare errors. Like, you can't go back in time and change things because different styles. Different styles. And everything has evolved. Like, people forget everything is a. Has evolved. So, like, if you have, you know. [00:59:03] Speaker A: Like a sports car, you know, like now, you know, the top sports car now is gonna, you know, probably smoke a top sports car like, 20 years ago. And it's. It's just that was the top, you know, car at the time. But so obviously, like, you can't get. Go back because everything has changed. Everything has evolved since then. And, you know, this is what you're. We're seeing now, like, a product of that evolution. So I think we should just appreciate kind of all the players that we have that we have now that. That have done, you know, like, great things. And that's really, like, across the league, like, you have a lot of. I'll say that. Like, this part. Like, you have a lot of, like, hall of Famers, like, really great players that because partly because it's later on in their career that might not get all the respect that they should have. And, you know, some of it is. Is just kind of crazy to me, you know, when people try to, you know, compare and saying they. They might not be as good as, you know, people, you know, people say they are, but, you know, there. There's a lot of players. And I say that also because of. I think of Russell Westbrook just recently because I just saw something. I just want to, like, just. Just say that because you have a lot of guys like him that, you know, players really should. No fans should. Should really respect. Like, you could criticize guys, but you have to respect, like, what they, you know, like, what they do. And so, you know, and so, like, Bronson was like, look, you have to respect, like, like, what he's. What he's done. Like, if you don't think he's the greatest, like, that's fine. That's good. But you can't say that, you know, that. Like, that's not, you know, like, greatness. Like, if someone's better than him, that's. You're entitled to your opinion. But, like, there's. There's a lot of great players out there that, you know, we. We definitely have to acknowledge. Acknowledge that. [01:00:51] Speaker B: Yeah, Westbrook especially, I feel like he was one of the best point guards, especially during, like, those 2010s runs. And it's kind of crazy that the perception kind of changed. But he's going to be a Hall of Famer. He's going to go down as probably maybe like top 75 player. I think so. I think it's, it's sad because at this new generation just doesn't understand, you know, what it is. But you got to play against those guys. Eric Spouser, I just want to ask you about him. He was kind of just starting out when you were there as head coach. [01:01:19] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. My first year was supposed last year as an assistant. [01:01:24] Speaker B: Wow. [01:01:24] Speaker A: So Pat was, was the head coach my rookie year and then going into my second year that was supposed first year as, as, as head coach. [01:01:33] Speaker B: What's it like seeing him last so long? Because like coaches now in the league, right? You have expired date of like a year and a half, two years almost sometimes. And he's been able to live outlive all that. Was also recently named, I believe USA Basketball's head coach now for the senior men's team. What's it like seeing him and last this long as one coach for one team? And I think also just says much about the organization too, right? It's like they kind of value that there's only been maybe I think three guys that I can think of. The top of my head is like Greg Pop, Steve Kerr, obviously with the warriors, and spo. [01:02:10] Speaker A: Yeah, no, without a doubt. Like, I think two things like, like one in terms of the work that SPO has put in. Like, he's like he's put in so much work as, you know, as a coach to be able to have that type of success. And I think with him a lot of it also, like he didn't get till later on. And like I will say that about, about spo, I feel like, honestly like to me when I thought about it, like it probably wasn't until close to like 2016 maybe that I felt like he was really getting his due even after the championships and everything like that, you know, because with coaches people always say like ah, well like they had those players like they're supposed to and you know, it's, it's not easy to win like regardless of the talent that you have. And you know, sometimes unless you're, you're there, like you won't understand it. But like he, he had some teams where on paper you look at him and you're like. [01:03:05] Speaker A: There'Ll be 500, they'll be all right. And they were, they were absolutely rolling. And like he has some great teams that on paper you're like how does. [01:03:15] Speaker B: The complaint team to the NBA champions? [01:03:17] Speaker A: Exactly. You know, so like he, he's, he's Proven himself as, like, one of the, like, top coaches in the league. Like, and that now is, like, without question. So that right there will allow you to, you know, obviously keep your job. But on top of that, the. When you talk about the organization, like, the Heat organization, like, that's. That's like family and, you know, Pat is someone that, you know, believes in SPO 110%. And it's. And it's that faith and belief also that is, you know, allows allowed SPO to, you know, can continue to. To grow as a. Grow as a coach. And, you know, he's. He. He's gonna, you know, you know, roll with him until, you know, probably until SPO decides that it's time for him to move on. So, you know, having. Having that. That type of faith and support system, you know, is. Is huge. So. Yeah, no, no, definitely. Definitely happy to see, you know, like. Like that type of success with. With spoke. Because he's. He's earned all of it. [01:04:27] Speaker B: Yeah. Was there a matchup that was like your kryptonite. A guy that got the best suit, that was like, okay, I hate seeing this guy. This guy is. Or was it someone that talked a lot of trash that you're like, someone. He's. He needs to chill. Like, it's just not. It's an NBA. I get it, but it's not like, levels to this. [01:04:44] Speaker A: Nah, like, in terms of talking, like, that was always, like. And. And it's also tough because, like, I don't talk, you know, really? So. Yeah, it's hard. Except for actually. I'll say. I'll say KG was probably one where, like. And like I said, like, I don't talk, and this man was talking, and you could tell that he's literally just trying to get himself going. And we're. We're in the playoffs, and we're in the playoffs, and he had, like, this really good game in the playoffs, and he's talking and he's like, over there cussing and talking, but as if he's talking to me, and I'm like, I'm not even saying anything. I was like, you're just trying to, like, you know, just. Just get yourself going and going through it. I was like, I'm not about to, you know, fuel, you know, fuel this fire, but, like, I love, like, getting a chance to go against him. Like, that was especially because he was one of the players that I looked up to, like, when I was younger. Right? So getting a chance to, like, go against those guys, like, that was the stuff that Was that was really fun for me. The probably my biggest issue I had like dealing with guys were probably like the big, especially earlier on in my career because like now you don't have as many bigs, but the big seven plotting seven footers are like seven foot, you know, 300 pounds and you know, having, having to, you know, work around, work around those guys in the post and battling those guys. But I would say Dwight Howard was probably a matchup that I knew I'm getting a full night's sleep before. It was definitely fun like getting a chance to go against him because we saw him so much obviously in the Southeast over there we saw Orlando all the time. But that was a matchup because Dwight and Orlando, you talk about guys that don't get all their respect. Oh my God, Dwight was absolute monster. And so going against, going against him on, on those nights, like, that was a lot of fun, but it was like you had to be absolutely locked in because like he was one of those guys that could like absolutely embarrass you if, you know, if, if you didn't, you know. And then Tim Duncan was my probably welcome to the league moment. I had the second year and it was a small shift, but I probably learned the most about how to defend. And it was like a masterclass of like, oh, foul here, don't do this. And it was everything. Bucket, bank, shot, turnaround, fake. And it was there. But I was literally learning as I was going through it. And it was, it was probably like the biggest teaching, you know, moment I've had. But that was the one moment and that was, that was my second year in the league. Like going against Tim Duncan then, like, that was just absolute problems, you know, for me because I was still trying to like figure everything out. But I learned a lot like, like, for sure that, that game. [01:07:41] Speaker B: Yeah, 10 years in the league also had stops, I believe. Detroit, San Antonio. It's kind of crazy too because like, I think the people only last maybe like four years is like the lifespan usually for like an average. [01:07:51] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:07:52] Speaker B: NBA player and maybe less. Now, how would you describe just like 10 years? Are you getting that? What's it, is it the 10 years you get like a pension or is it something. [01:08:02] Speaker A: Yeah, you, you, you basically max out your, your pension. [01:08:05] Speaker B: You're living life. [01:08:06] Speaker A: Huh? [01:08:07] Speaker B: How would you describe though, like 10 years in the league, especially where you're coming from? Not even expecting you would even. [01:08:13] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. [01:08:13] Speaker B: Get to, get to lesson, man. [01:08:16] Speaker A: Absolute blessing. Like, like get a chance to play in the league for, for 10 years. And, and see so many, you know, see so many great players that I'm able to like, play with and play against. [01:08:30] Speaker A: Like, that's, that, that's such a, like just a crazy experience for me. [01:08:35] Speaker A: And you know, from when I was younger, seeing like the older players that were, you know, like kind of fading out of the league or, you know, about to retire and you know, these hall of Famers like, you know, played against, you know, AI and you know, played with like Shaq and so. And you know, rest in peace like Kobe and. And then, you know, as I'm, as I'm going along and seeing all these other players that are, you know, like coming in, coming into the league and, and, and having, you know, like so much success now. Yeah, it's just a blessing to, to, you know, to, to be able to, you know, be on the floor with, with those type of guys. And. [01:09:18] Speaker A: And even, even after that, like, I, I always. Even. Even if it wasn't the NBA and which is why like, after I was done, like I ended up playing like two more years in, in Argentina. [01:09:28] Speaker B: What was the. Okay, what was the weather like in Argentina? [01:09:31] Speaker A: It was, it was all right. Like the, the weather's flipped, right, because we're on the other side of the, the equator over there. So I was in Buenos Aires. And so in like in the winter is. It's kind of like their summer. So as, as they're going into like our summer, it's starting to get colder, you know, over, over there. So it's a little bit different. But like, that was, that was a great experience for me. It was, it was, it was just like, like, for me, like just get a chance to play high level basketball. And that's why, like, it didn't matter where, whether it was, you know, in the NBA, you know, playing, playing in Argentina, playing for the national team and you know, all of those things to me, like I, I always say, just like I'm just thankful and blessed, man. Like, I had, I had an amazing time and you know, I'm happy now I'm older and at times I could kind of look. Kind of look back on it and, and, and, and just know that it was, it was, it was a great time. [01:10:28] Speaker B: You could write a book, I feel like just on your whole. Yeah, but they know books don't make that much money anymore. I don't know why, but yeah, biggest adjustment from like the court to obviously you're doing player consultants, you said with the Honey Badgers at first, that kind of stuff. What was like the Biggest just from the court to the front office. [01:10:44] Speaker A: Court to the front office. [01:10:50] Speaker A: I would say, like, like trying to figure out what exactly. And I guess in, in the NBA, like it was, it was kind of the same, but like, trying to figure out what my actual role was going to be. And it was harder like now on the front office side, like trying to figure things out because like, I didn't really have, like, it's not like there's, you know, like, like a North Star. Like I, I could look at, you know, maybe like different people in front offices, like different GMs or. [01:11:20] Speaker A: Different people to kind of bottle after, but I, I really didn't know what it took going into those, you know, like those roles there. Whereas, like, in terms of basketball, like, I was already, I was already doing this like, as a player, like I was still training and you know, I'm learning and, and, and developing. But you talk about the front office like it's, it's now all of a sudden it's like, like, like a blank slate in terms of. On that side now it's still basketball at the end of the day. And I, I think that that was the biggest thing and just understanding that that's, you know, that's what the, you know, my vets used to always tell me. Like, in the end of the day it's still just basketball. And you know, I might be on the other side of it, you know, as, you know, as, as a GM on the front office side, but there's still so much that I could apply to be able to help me, you know, with, with what I have to do now. So, you know, for, for me, it's just realizing that it's. [01:12:18] Speaker A: It isn't something that is like, as, as intimidating as like, you know, people may think, you know, going into a totally new position or anything like that. But it's, it's been a lot of fun for me, kind of to be able to put in the work to, to get to the point where I, I could, I could find ways to, to build a team and you know, try to find different ways to be successful. [01:12:43] Speaker B: How is like that kind of helped that shift from like, obviously you have this player mindset playing in the league, knowing like what works, what players to look for, whatever it is. How has that helped, like, maybe like shape some of your rosters or your, your decisions in the front office? [01:12:58] Speaker A: Yeah, like, I'm, you're. You're a product of your, your influence. Right. So like the, the things I do, obviously, like, I spent so long in, in Miami. A lot of that has, has, has shaped kind of how I think and how I, how I look at things because like I've seen things like, you know, I am who I am. Like I've seen things done a certain way. And so, you know, that's, that's kind of like the standard that, you know, I kind of have. I think it, it helps build your foundation and you know, in terms of how, how you're going to operate and the different people that I've been around and have conversations with like, like our, like the team in Miami, like those were, you know, you're talking about high level, like high IQ guys. [01:13:40] Speaker B: Revolutionary guys. [01:13:41] Speaker A: Yeah. So like talking to a lot of them, like I used to talk to like I'm, I wasn't surprised, no one was surprised at all that like James Jones ended up, you know, being GM over, over in Phoenix and you know, like now he's with, in, in the league office. [01:13:58] Speaker A: VP over there. And no one was surprised by that. But you know, hearing, hearing his conversations all the time and like getting a chance to talk to him all the time, you know, talking on the plane or, or whatever it might be, like there's always all these different gems that they end up. [01:14:18] Speaker A: Kind of dropping. And so you apply all those conversations, all those experiences. [01:14:24] Speaker A: Into what you do. So I would say that that's the biggest thing being a product of my environment, which is why you always want to try to put yourself in the best environment that, that you could be in. Because like that stuff is going to influence how you're going to, how you're going to, you know, kind of live your life or work or whatever it is after. [01:14:45] Speaker B: What qualities do you like, look for you? Don't give me your tricks. I know a lot of CBL teams might be listening to this, so I don't want to give you all, give all the details of. But what do you look for when you're valuing players like this guy can fit what Montreal alliance is looking for. But also too, it's like I think C Bill, like there's a lot of changeover every year, right? Like players roster. How do you go about trying to build that continuity in a way too where it's like, it's a stability. There's like, there's. How do you go about doing that? And obviously different role now ownership wise, adjusting to that. What's that been like, trying to build that. [01:15:19] Speaker A: I think partners like the, the biggest thing and it's definitely what I learned from in, in the NBA is Like, what is the transitional skill that, you know, the, that player is going to have to, to our league? You know, so if, you know, if a player is playing overseas in Europe, like they might play in a league that's not the same as ours where, you know, overseas there's, there's a lot more half court leagues over, over in Europe. Well, the pace of play, it's a lot slower. It's all more of a half court game. And you know, you look in the cbo, you know, it's, it's a lot, it's a lot faster. It's more of a North American, you know, know, high, fast paced, athletic type of league. So like is, you know, what are they going to do that's going to transition over if they're younger? Like, like what are the skills that, that they're going to have that's going to be able to transition over from what they do now that's actually going to be able to, you know, be applied, you know, to our league. So, you know, kind of, kind of just making the evaluations, you know, that's kind of like the most important, most important thing because then you have something to work with, right? You know, as, as long as you can say, hey, like I know when this player is here, he's going to be able to do this, you know, so, you know, and from there obviously the more things that, that you could add, you know, the, the more skills you could add, the better the prospect. So you know, that, that, that's one of the, the main things, you know, that definitely kind of look for when like talented value evaluation. [01:16:49] Speaker B: Is there anything that's like difficult that people from the outside don't see about. Like, I don't know what it's like being a GM owner. Like, what's, what's maybe something we don't see from the outside that you need. [01:17:01] Speaker A: A whole show for that. Yeah, it's just I, I think more than anything, people always, you know, people see just like one piece of it, right? So they're like, oh, like, like why would you like, like, like sign this part, you should have signed like this other part and they don't know all the details. Like there's so much that goes into, like whether it's, you know, signing a player, whether it's like, you know, using a certain facility, you know, bringing in a sports therapist. Like, like who, who. When you make these decisions, like there's so much detail and so many other factors and variables that go into it. That's what people don't Always, you know, like realize that's why people say, oh like I could do this. It's no different than playing, you know, when you play like, you know, guys are like, oh like, like I could play because, oh like I can make this free throw. Like okay, you can make a free throw, but you couldn't like you wouldn't be able to be on the court to even like get, get fouled. Right. So like there's, there's so much that, that, that goes into it and just understanding and that's why like, even for me, like I wouldn't like I understood that there is so much that goes into like being in being in the front office. And I knew that I didn't know everything. And so let me, let me make sure that I surround myself with people that you know, I talk about the influence that are going to be able to help influence me and you know, help me along this journey as I'm you know, trying to develop. Because you know, you never want to feel like you have all the answers and you're still always going to be, always going to be learning. So I would say that there's, because there's so many different moving parts to like making just one simple decision. And you know, those are the things that people don't see because it's, it's the behind the scenes stuff. It's the, the, you know, the, the grunt work, you know, the stuff that you, you put so much time in and you know, most people just see the, the final, the final product. So. And which is understandable like, like, which is why like if I hear something from like fans or, or anything like that or you know, I'm talking to someone about basketball, like I don't even get mad because like they don't even understand like what, what goes into it. Yeah. You know, and, and you, you but you could apply that to like any, any job or any profession, you know, out there. [01:19:22] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. Domino effect too. Like every decision like leads to something, you know, or like consequences or whatever it is. Right. What brings you the most joy just about like what you're doing on a day to day basis and. [01:19:35] Speaker B: Kind of just like I don't just see you in this role. I feel like it inspires a lot of people like seeing what you're doing. But for you, like what's what gets you like oh, I'm. Well, it's like excited to like sign a player or whatever it is or get in contact and it's like seeing like the game grow attendance wise and for games, seeing players come out and support, like, what's your favorite part about it all? [01:20:00] Speaker A: It's hard to say that there's one specific thing. [01:20:05] Speaker A: Like definitely you touched about that, that, that one part in terms of, you know, how, how the fans would feel, you know, in, in terms of like having, having this team here. So like knowing that we have, and we have some really loyal fans in, in Montreal, like some real, you know, great support over there and to be able to see how they are, you know, appreciative of, you know, everything that that team's done and how excited they are, you know, to, to be there. And you know, how, you know, for some people, like that might have been their first basketball game. And so they're, they're so excited to be able to, you know, experience professional basketball there. So you know, things like that are extremely exciting for me seeing the success of not just our players, but like our staff and like for me, development is something that's always been, been big and you know, you, you always obviously want to be able to, to win and you know, it's result based business and you totally get that. But there is a piece where, you know, you want to see people, you know, get better and develop and have more success. And so, you know, when I'm able to, to see some of that from, from some of the players where, you know, like, they've, they've gotten a lot better or they might have got different opportunities. [01:21:23] Speaker A: And it's a result of the things that we've done as an organization, you know, that, that stuff, you know, definitely, you know, definitely gives me, gives me joy for the players and for the staff who, you know, might move on and get other opportunities, you know, based off of their time with us. [01:21:42] Speaker B: Yeah, I'll put you on the spot. Would you want to one day work in the NBA? I don't know if that's a, that's something that you. Are you happy right now? Obviously, Montreal, doing what you're doing? [01:21:53] Speaker A: Yeah, like right now I couldn't even think about that just because like I, I have to like, I don't even want to sound cliche, but like, I really have to like, like be the best version of what I could be right now for like, like for the alliance, like in the cbl before I could even for me, like before I could even think about that, you know, and I'm able to see like, and talk to a lot of different people in front offices and like, you know, G League and NBA, but all of anything that I ask or that I'm looking at. It's always for, like, what can I do for this team, you know, here, like, now? And, you know, so for. For me, I just. I just want to be able to see myself, like, be able to really, you know, turn. Turn things around in a major. In a major way. Like, I feel we've gone to a certain point now and once this team, you know, to. To me could continue to take, like, more. More steps forward, you know, maybe then where I feel we have a really, really strong foundation that, you know, maybe I could think about something like that then. But I wouldn't even, like, thought wouldn't really cross my mind because, like, I know there's so much work. Work, you know, I have to do right now. [01:23:09] Speaker B: Yeah. What legacy do you want to leave behind? Just maybe as an executive, I even get into, like, you playing for Canada. Basketball too. That was like, a big part. Right? But for you, like, maybe what's. When people think of Joel Anthony, like, what do you want people to. To remember to know or just. I don't know if you really think about that kind of stuff and just. [01:23:27] Speaker A: Like. [01:23:30] Speaker A: I don't really think too much about, like, legacy like that. I've. It's funny because my mom is someone that, you know, always talks to me about. Well, you know, think about people in the public and, you know, what it means for, you know, the different things that you're doing. And like, the. The biggest thing that, you know, I tell her is the stuff that I told you, like, like just that, you know, the people that I've been able to help have. Have an influence on, are able to have, you know, some. Some success and are able to, you know, do better with that. So that's why, you know, the team for me is. Is huge, you know, because, you know, I've been. Been a part of different programs. So like, there's like, there's the. The Red Rush, you know, basketball program in. In Montreal and, you know, I've always been a part of that, but, you know, that was always more, you know, kind of silently laid to the side and oh, you know, my friend that. That runs it, you know, Denver Breed, like, he's always, you know, talked about, hey, like, like, we need to push you in. Forward in front of it. And I was just like, I. I don't really care so much for. For that stuff. Like, as long. As long as the kids are good, like. Like, they're. They're good. They're. They're able to, you know, like, we got a Van they're able to go to the tournament and I can help. [01:24:44] Speaker B: In the back there. [01:24:45] Speaker A: Yeah, like, I, I'm just happy for, for that stuff. So, you know, in terms of like, how legacy is viewed, like, it's, is something that I haven't. I, I don't really put too much stock into. Like, as long as I know I'm doing the things that I'm supposed to do that, that I feel are right. Like, that's, like that's the most important. [01:25:06] Speaker B: Thing to me and the people that know. No. So what's next now preparing for. For next season? What does that look like for you? And what can people expect from Montreal lines? [01:25:17] Speaker A: You know, we're really looking forward to this, this year. There's, there's a lot of. I don't know if I mentioned before, but there, there's a lot of restructuring going on with our team. So it's, it's really exciting, you know, from, you know, the front office management, like going all the way down. So I'm really excited for some of the changes that, that, that we're making. It's like I said, like, the structure and foundation are some of the biggest things for me. And just being able to, you know, kind of tighten all of that up is, is what I'm really looking, looking forward to and kind of going through that process. So now I have two, two owners that I'm also working with as well, you know, on this. And you know, we all have different parts in it, you know, whether it's, you know, business, basketball, you know, all, all around. And you know, we're bringing in some, some really, so some really good people that are going to help the organization as a whole, you know, kind of continue to, to, to get better. And you know, if, if going back to what you said, I would say longevity for our team is something that. [01:26:33] Speaker A: I would really look towards, you know, and if being not so much being remembered, but being a part of that and saying like, this team is something that's going to be around for as long as this league continues to grow and stay strong, that's the stuff that's really important to me. So I'm really excited for kind of where we're going right now with some of the changes that we've made and looking forward to really starting to, you know, dive in now into, you know, some of the talent evaluation and, you know, looking forward to, you know, looking to make some big acquisitions when, when we get into free agency. [01:27:22] Speaker B: When are we going to see those restructuring? Is it more Just like a long process where it's like you talked about it too, just like taking full ownership and like being part of that like decision making process. Why is that so important? Just like the restructuring and like giving fans like, or just like people just like that are part of this franchise. [01:27:40] Speaker A: Like a different look too because like I said, like there's stuff on the, on the inside, like behind the scenes that people don't, you know, know about. Yeah, people have no idea like, you know, what, what's really going on, on, on that side. And so you know, the reason that from, especially from what I've seen and also what I've heard, like teams that haven't been able to make it and haven't been able to have success is because like those things in the background weren't, you know, weren't being done properly and you know, so some of it is, you know, they weren't able to get the right support. Some people just, you know, didn't, didn't quite know like what exactly they're supposed to do. And so knowing that we're, we're taking the right steps to get, you know, for, you know, for one like the right people involved, that, that's what's, what was really big. Because it's not like, like us as an ownership group, like, like we're, we're, we're the ones doing everything out there. Like we understand that we have to bring in the right people to be able to help, you know, get this organization, you know, in, in the right place. So you know, for, for me that's, you know, that's extremely, extremely big for us, you know. Extremely big. [01:28:49] Speaker B: Yeah. Excited to see. Last question before I let you go. I know I kept you for too long. Elam ending, what are your thoughts on it? I think to me that's like one of. I wish the NBA adapted that. I know they did it for the All Star game for a bit and I was like fun, like really fun basketball. What are your thoughts on Elam ending? [01:29:07] Speaker A: That's, that's definitely the toughest question. So Elam, I actually, for what our league has now, I, I do like it and I think our fans really enjoy it. I don't think they fully understand it. [01:29:22] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:29:23] Speaker A: And so there has to be an explanation on it because like also like they've never seen anything like that before. Right. So I think introducing them to that has been good. But for our games, I've seen some games that because of Elam ending, it's helped so much in terms of like fan Engagement. You know, I've seen huge comebacks. You know, like, we've like came back and like won some games that, you know, if it was, if it was just a regular game, like clock would have ran out. You wouldn't have a chance. We lost games like same, same way. But it makes it that much more exciting the fact that you have to continuously play throughout like the entire game, you know, so there's no. Now the flip side of it is it's harder to develop, you know, your younger players because you have the end of the game now. Like, you can't put, you know, your, your youth players, like some of your other players that haven't played as much, you know, in, in. In the game because like this is. Yeah, exactly. Like, like this is pivotal. We're, we're looking at, you know, you know, teams that have come back down 20, you know, at, you know, three minutes left and down 20 and teams are still able to come back and win games because of the Elam ending because you still have to continue to score. And so, you know, it's, it, it goes from time score to possession game. And so there's, there's kind of two sides of that. And I know it also changes a little bit in terms of the stats for. [01:30:58] Speaker A: You know, when, when people are comparing them to other, other leagues. So there's, you know, there's pros and cons to, to, to everything. But the, the. There are discussions on the league side in terms of, you know, how this is going to go. But yeah, but for, for right now, it's been absolutely great. Like, there's been great responses from it. I agree. [01:31:20] Speaker B: Like the educational part, especially if you're introducing a lot of new fans to the game, right. And they're coming out checking out the first CBO game like you see the target score, but then some people don't know what's going on unless you're like a real, like even die hard basketball fans are still confused at times being like, oh, this is the target score. Why is this the specific target score? [01:31:39] Speaker B: But yeah, starting five, Montreal of guys, let me hear your. If you have to give me your starting five right now of we'll put you. I don't know where we'll put you. Power forward, center. Where do you want to be put at? [01:31:49] Speaker A: Yeah, put me in center. [01:31:50] Speaker B: We'll put you at the center. Who's the four? Who's the point guard? Who's the shooting guard? Who's the small four? Who's a power forward? Montreal's give Me, your all time. Montreal. [01:31:58] Speaker A: All time. Oh, man, you're gonna use all the tough questions for the end, huh? [01:32:08] Speaker A: Put myself at five. [01:32:11] Speaker A: I have to go with, with my OGs. Like, I put Trevor Williams at the one. [01:32:17] Speaker B: Okay. [01:32:19] Speaker A: I'd put. [01:32:20] Speaker B: Where do you play it? [01:32:24] Speaker A: Trevor. Where was her at? Trevor. Trevor was with the, with the national team. Like, Trevor was one of the top point guards to come out of Montreal. I call them Turbo. Turbo, yeah. [01:32:37] Speaker B: That's a wavy name. [01:32:37] Speaker A: He was like, played it, played against Dream Team, you know, the, the original, you know, Dream Team and, and was definitely able to hold its own. He's huge legend with us. Wayne Yearwood. Yeah. Is. Would probably be at the fourth. [01:33:02] Speaker B: You gonna get some people upset after hearing this? [01:33:05] Speaker A: Nah, see, that's why they put me on the spot like that. Like that's for, for the last. [01:33:12] Speaker B: Who's the shooting guy? Who's a small forward now? [01:33:14] Speaker A: Two, three. [01:33:17] Speaker A: We'Ll say. Or actually at the tube. Peter Walcott. Okay, three's tough. Like it might be either. And I'm not sure. I'm not even sure who would actually play. Play the three. So there's a couple of guys and I'm gonna go with one of. One of our younger guys since, since he's playing right now. [01:33:40] Speaker A: Ben's more of a two. [01:33:42] Speaker B: He could play three two, but Ben. [01:33:43] Speaker A: Could play a three. I'll put Ben. I'll put Ben at the three because, like, I've. I've given my OG's love and so. [01:33:50] Speaker B: So what's the five? It's. [01:33:51] Speaker A: Yeah, so Turbo, Trevor. Trevor, Peter Walcott. But Bennett. 3. When you were Yearwood at the 4 and then me at the 5. [01:34:00] Speaker B: Are you guys walking everyone down in Montreal? Is that starting five. [01:34:05] Speaker B: In an open wreck? [01:34:07] Speaker A: We just have. Have a tournament across, you know, across the country. We'll just go around, you know, go province to province, city to city and just kind of get a chance to play. Yeah, but that's what we used to love. And I'll say that that's what we used to love about, about, you know, playing with some of those guys that we were able to play in tournaments, like going, you know, getting a chance to go to different cities and, and play and just compete. Like, you know, you want to, want to come to Ontario, go to Toronto, wherever it might be and play against, you know, like, like their best. Like, like the. That was the stuff that was always, that was always fun for me as a, you know, as, as a kid. Like, I didn't play AOU or anything. Like that until like, like one year before I left. But you know, playing those tournaments where you, you just put your five together and you know, you know, just, just match up with, with whoever. But yeah, that's the. [01:35:03] Speaker B: I love to see. [01:35:04] Speaker A: That's my group. [01:35:05] Speaker B: I love to see it, man. Joe Anthony, can't thank you enough for again joining the podcast, joining us and taking us through your journey, man, and the amazing stuff you're doing with the Montreal Alliance. I got to come out to a game. Next time. Montreal. I, I'mma text you. I need, I need some, I need some courtside tickets. [01:35:20] Speaker A: Everyone needs courtside tickets. [01:35:22] Speaker B: Can we work some like once every. [01:35:24] Speaker A: Five years when it comes to Argan? Everyone, everyone wants courtside tickets. That's understandable. Yeah, no, no, we like, let me know. I'll make sure we, we, we take care of you. You just, you have to let me know in advance. Hell yeah. [01:35:40] Speaker B: I'll give you six months notice. Six months notice. [01:35:43] Speaker A: I got you. Schedule comes out. [01:35:46] Speaker B: I want to be out for this game, but. Yeah, we'll set it up. But Joel can't think enough. Again, this has been the Canadian Basketball show your go to spot for the latest news, stories and analysis on Canadian basketball with two time NBA champion Joe Anthony. [01:35:59] Speaker A: Thank you.