Houston Rockets analyst and former NBA center Ryan Hollins joins Marc Israel onCourtside for an unforgettable conversation about basketball joy, preparation, and leadership.

Ryan shares behind‑the‑scenes insight into the Rockets broadcast, breaks down the development of young stars like Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün, and reflects on lessons learned from a 10‑year NBA career—including playing alongside Kevin Garnett.

This episode covers: - What fans don’t see behind the broadcast - Why joy matters in basketball - NBA work ethic at the highest level - Learning from legends - Teaching the next generation

A must‑listen for Rockets fans and anyone who loves the game.

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New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

NBA agent and salary-cap expert EJ Kusnyer joins Marc Israel on Courtside to explain the business side of basketball.

From Bird Rights and max contracts to the first and second apron, EJ breaks down the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement in plain English—and explains why recent rule changes are reshaping teams across the league.

This episode covers: - How the NBA salary cap really works - Why drafting well can actually hurt teams - How player contracts are structured - The real impact of luxury tax and apron penalties - What fans should expect in the next CBA

A must-listen for NBA fans who want clarity instead of confusion.

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If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Streetball legend and former NBA point guard Rafer “Skip to My Lou” Alston joins Marc Israel on Courtside for a powerful conversation about basketball culture, creativity, and longevity.

From Queens playgrounds to the AND1 Mixtape Tour to an NBA career alongside Hall of Famers, Rafer shares how he balanced flair with fundamentals—and why understanding the right way to play the game mattered at every level.

This episode covers: - The origins of the “Skip to My Lou” move - Streetball vs. NBA basketball - Playing with Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter & Dwyane Wade - Coaching young players and passing on basketball wisdom

A must-listen for basketball fans, hoop historians, and anyone who loves the culture of the game.

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If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Former NBA veteran Mo Evans joins Marc Israel on Courtside to share the unfiltered truth about his journey to the league.

From going undrafted to grinding overseas, learning from legends like Kevin Garnett and Chris Webber, and ultimately carving out an 11-year NBA career, Mo breaks down the decisions, sacrifices, and mindset that defined his path.

This episode dives deep into: - The emotional impact of draft night
- Why Europe helped save his NBA career
- What separates great teammates from dividers
- How young athletes can avoid costly mistakes

A must-listen for basketball fans, athletes, and anyone chasing a long-term goal.

Thanks for listening to Courtside.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Edward Pollard’s basketball career didn’t end — it evolved.

In this episode of Courtside, Marc Israel talks with the former Lamar High and Morehouse hooper about his journey from high-level basketball to overseas leagues, law school, and ultimately serving on Houston City Council.

Pollard explains how the discipline, competitiveness, and “get it done” mentality from basketball now drive his approach to leadership, community service, and running District J.

This is a basketball story first — just played on a different court.

Thanks for listening to Courtside.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Former NBA guard Isaiah Taylor sits down with Mark Israel on Courtside to share his journey through professional basketball — from the NBA to leagues across Europe, China, and the Middle East.

Isaiah talks candidly about his time with the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, and Cleveland Cavaliers, learning from stars like James Harden, and guarding LeBron James. He also explains what most fans never see: the realities of overseas basketball — language barriers, cultural differences, hostile crowds, guaranteed contracts, injuries, and life far from home.

From winning championships in Lithuania to playing in China with translators calling plays mid-game, Isaiah offers an honest look at the global basketball grind and what it takes to sustain a professional career.

A fascinating conversation for NBA fans, aspiring players, and anyone curious about how the game is played — and lived — around the world.

Thanks for listening to Courtside.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

What happens at an NBA game when the cameras aren’t focused on the players?

In this episode of Courtside, host Marc Israel sits down with Natalie Alvarado, Director of Live Programming & Entertainment for the Houston Rockets. Natalie is responsible for everything fans experience inside the arena — from national anthems and halftime shows to mascots, contests, music, and real-time game flow.

Natalie’s story goes far beyond the arena. A former Rockets Power Dancer, she went on to sign a record deal, tour nationally, and chart on Billboard before returning to the NBA with a new perspective and a bigger role.

This episode explores:

• The choreography behind NBA game presentation
• The pressure of live decision-making during games
• The intersection of performance, production, and sports
• Why the most memorable moments can’t be planned

A fascinating look at the people who turn basketball games into unforgettable experiences.

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If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

In Episode 2 of Courtside, host Marc Israel sits down with Jonathan Sanford, the public address announcer for the Houston Rockets and the University of Texas Longhorns, to explore the hidden craft behind the NBA game-day experience.

Jonathan shares his remarkable journey from a small town in Alabama to announcing NBA Finals games, winning a championship with the San Antonio Spurs, and ultimately becoming the voice fans hear inside Toyota Center.

This episode explores:

• 🎙️ What a public address announcer actually does during an NBA game
• 🏀 How arena energy is built, managed, and protected
• ⏱️ The precision behind timeouts, music cues, and in-game entertainment
• 🤝 Why relationships, preparation, and reliability matter
• ❤️ The powerful story behind the fan-favorite “Two Shots” call

Jonathan also discusses working with officials, coordinating with game operations, respecting player identities through pronunciation, and why PA announcing offers a level of fan connection that radio and television simply can’t match.

If you’ve ever wondered how the NBA experience comes together beyond the court, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the voice that helps bring it all to life.

Thanks for listening to Courtside.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.