As much fun as it has been to discuss Draymond Green’s verbal (and physical) sparring with opposing teams, as well as his teammates and even local reporters, let’s not overlook the originator of this gangster culture within Dub Nation. LATRELL SPREWELL! In a fascinating conversation that aired on “Podcast P with Paul George,” Brian
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Shaw, an Oakland native and former Golden State teammate of Sprewell’s, discussed a wide range of subjects related to his lengthy career in the NBA as both a coach and player. But in my opinion, the best part? describing in detail what transpired when Spree began choking his former coach, P.J. Carlesimo. You guys remember it before we move on, right?
According to Shaw, Sprewell’s noncompliance with the dress code, his French braided hair, and his habit of listening to Wu-Tang clan on road trips through headphones allegedly annoyed Coach Carlesimo.
See how things became so bad that Sprewell had to touch his own coach, even if his teammates at the Warriors didn’t really want it to end because of how Coach Carlesimo had handled them.
This resonates deeply with me because I grew up in Oakland and experienced the formative years of Warriors basketball at this time. I’d barely attended Joe Smith’s basketball camp the summer before, when the Sprewell interview broke following his suspension and he stood in solidarity with Shaw and Bimbo Coles at the press conference.
It’s wonderful to finally have an explanation for why Shaw, one of my favourite Warriors, had to leave, and it was amazing to hear him dissect it through masterful storytelling. Look it over! And kudos to PG13 for his fantastic job hosting podcasts.
