NBA A to Z with Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt

Latest Episodes:

Breaking down NBA awards, part 2 and Kawhi Leonard interview Apr 19, 2016

Show notes

With NBA awards season underway, NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt look at their picks in the second part of the two-part episode. The Defensive Player of the Year award was given out, won by Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs, the guys discuss. Leonard joins Jeff for a couple minutes on what the award means to him. Then the guys break down MVP and Coach of the Year.

Stephen Curry on how he has changed basketball Apr 15, 2016

Show notes

Steph Curry talks to USA TODAY’s Sam Amick about his incredible three-point shooting and how he has changed the game. They discuss how other teams are trying to space the floor and open up shooters, emulating what he and the Golden State Warriors are doing. Curry said he’s flattered how even kids are trying to play the game like he does. He talks about discovering how he might be this generation’s Michael Jordan and the spotlight on he and his team. They discuss the idea that Curry could be the best ever and his thoughts on that. Before the interview, Sam makes his predictions for the Western Conference first round playoffs series.

The Kobe Files Apr 13, 2016

Show notes

With Kobe Bryant's retirement looming, USA TODAY put together a project called "The Kobe Files". The six-part series takes a look at the Lakers star from his days at Lower Merion High School, his off the court visitation with a family of a terminally ill son, how he got to the Lakers and almost didn't get to the Lakers. Martin Rogers, who was one of main reporters on the project, talks to NBA Editor Kevin Spain about it. Later in the show, Bryant does an interview with Steve Springer, former L.A. Times beat reporter who helped in the project.

Chronicling Kobe, legendary Lakers photographer Andy Bernstein and beat writer Mark Medina Apr 13, 2016

Show notes

As Kobe Bryant's career winds down, Getty News Services photographer Andy Bernstein joins Sam Amick to discuss shooting photos of the Lakers star for the past 20 years. They also discuss other photos Bernstein shot, including the iconic Michael Jordan with the NBA championship trophy being hugged by his father. L.A. Daily News reporter Mark Medina also joins Amick to discuss how Bryant has changed in the past few seasons.

Breaking down NBA post season awards, Part 1 Apr 10, 2016

Show notes

As the NBA season winds down, the A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt take a look at postseason awards, starting with Sixth Man of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Sam is joined by Enes Kanter of the Oklahoma City Thunder for his take on being a candidate for Sixth Man. Later, Karl-Anthony Towns discusses how little he cares about individual awards.

Why 76ers' Sam Hinkie resigned and he's still polarizing Apr 08, 2016

Show notes

When Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie resigned recently, he wrote a 13-page letter to the owners of the team. That letter was leaked to the public and it had quotes attributed to people like Warren Buffett and Abraham Lincolin. NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss the resignation, the state of the Sixers and most importantly, the letter. That is what everyone in the league has been talking about.

Covering Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons: Free Press reporter Vince Ellis Apr 07, 2016

Show notes

Can the Detroit Pistons end the longest playoff drought in the Eastern Conference and make the playoffs? NBA A to Z guy Jeff Zillgitt welcomes Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press to talk about how the team has their best shot at the playoffs since 2008. They also discuss what it's like to cover a colorful coach like Stan Van Gundy on a regular basis. They give their take on which job Van Gundy does better: player personnel or coaching. Ellis then gives his picks to be in the NBA Finals and win it all.

The Warriors and the push for 73 Apr 05, 2016

Show notes

With the Golden State Warriors closing in on the NBA's best regular season record, USA TODAY NBA reporter Sam Amick caught up with assistant coach Ron Adams and head coach Steve Kerr. Adams, a noted basketball defensive guru, talks about the pressures of the streak -- winning at home and the all-time record -- and his role in the team's success. Kerr has a quick note about the streak and if the team is pushing for it.

D'Angelo Russell's antics takes away from Kobe's farewell tour Mar 31, 2016

Show notes

The crazy story of Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell taping teammate Nick Young talking about some personal issues and the tape getting out has been the big story in the NBA the past couple of days. It has overshadowed the Kobe Bryant farewell tour. Lamar Odom made an appearance at a recent Lakers game. NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt bring on Lakers beat reporter Bill Oram to discuss the story and what it has meant to someone trying to cover this team.

Why New York Times' Scott Cacciola prefers covering Warriors than Knicks Mar 31, 2016

Show notes

Scott Cacciola of the New York Times joins the NBA A to Z podcast to discuss covering the Golden State Warriors with Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt. They talk about how Stephen Curry is even better this season than last. It also seems like at times that things come so easy for the Warriors that they might be bored on the floor. Cacciola talks about the decision to go on the road to cover the Warriors instead of spending most of his time staying in New York and covering the Knicks.