Bill Melchionni, a three-time ABA all-star with the New York Nets, recently joined the podcast No Weak Stuff to talk about his basketball career, from Villanova University to the pros (NBA and ABA). Melchionni discusses the 1973-1974 Nets, the youngest ABA title team, and its similarities with last season’s young Oklahoma City Thunder squad. MelchionniContinue reading “Checking in with Bill Melchionni”
Tag Archives: Billy Cunningham
Goliath Comes to Tinseltown, 1968-1969
Contrary to popular opinion, the Lakers and their opponents, though agreeing that Los Angeles would be formidable, had reservations about the Super-team label and scoffed at the thought that the Lakers had anything locked up.
Julius Erving: Basketball’s Most Valuable Pro, 1984
He is 34 years old now. He has won the NBA title. If things go according to plan, 1985 will be his final season. It’s a cause for concern inside the game.
How Julius Erving is Fighting His Critics, 1980
By August, Erving was able to run again, working himself up from a quarter mile to two miles. By the start of camp, he was so strong that he didn’t bother wearing those ugly braces on his once aching knees.
Billy Cunningham: Confessions of an Ex-Coach, 1988
Once you become a coach, you look at the game differently. I began to believe in creating your offense from the defensive end of the court. And, I think the 76ers became a very good defensive ballclub.
Cazzie Russell: Cazzie’s Corner, 1969
It’s Cazzie’s Corner now, and the Knicks brass is so impressed that they are even experimenting with Bill Bradley in the corner.
Andrew Toney: The Boston Strangler, 1980s
When Toney says he was unstoppable, it’s without a trace of bravado; it’s more like an accountant ticking off his business assets.
Maurice Cheeks: Still Going Strong, 1988
Maurice Cheeks, at 30, is suddenly the oldest Sixer, even if he does not feel it. He is a leader, even if he does not want to be one. He is a spokesman, even though he usually prefers to say little.
Luke Jackson’s New Role, 1969
“I don’t feel any pressure now,” Jackson said just before reporting to camp. But the intonation of his voice made you doubt his words. Then, speaking more firmly, more positively, he added, “I’ll do my best. What more can I do?”
Rick Barry: Telling It Like It Is, 1967
For me, basketball has always been fun. Under Bill Sharman, it was no fun.
From Way Downtown 