Brian Scalabrine has been a cult figure in the NBA since his early days and still enjoys great popularity as a broadcaster with the Boston Celtics. The “White Mamba” in conversation about the transition from player to expert, the Big 3 and Celtics – and Daniel Theis. You can find more basketball news on basketball. de.
basketball. de: Mr. Scalabrine, what are the advantages of being a TV expert compared to your career as a player?
Brian Scalabrine: Being close to the game is always something special. Whether as a player, trainer or for television: that’s something I’ve always loved. I like watching a ton of basketball. I’m close to the Celtics, so of course I hope they do well. Just like as a player, where I also wanted the team to play well. There are some similarities, but also some differences.
basketball. de: Following your time as assistant coach at the Golden State Warriors under Mark Jackson, you also had the opportunity to become assistant coach under Steve Kerr…
Scalabrine: I had the opportunity to talk to Kerr. But by that time I had already decided to work as a commentator. It’s a better life for me.
basketball. de: Why were you so sure that TV expert was the better job for you?
Scalabrine: Life as a trainer is really hard. You travel around a lot. I have more constancy and my life is a little better furnished, which is important to me. I have three children, and it’s important for me to be with them. That’s why my decision was not so much about my career as it was about my family.
basketball. de: Can you imagine working again as a trainer or in a front office?
Scalabrine: No, not at this time. I deal with these things maybe once a year. And I don’t see any change coming this year or even next year. I enjoy my work. And it’s something I can still improve on.
basketball. de: What was your best moment as a broadcaster?
Scalabrine: I don’t experience the ups and downs in this job. I enjoy trips like to London and the things that are fun. But it’s not like being a player in a team that collectively wins a playoff series. You can’t compare that. In return, I generally enjoy my life more. There are not as many ups as players and coaches, but there are also not so many downs.
basketball. de: And as a player?
Scalabrine: Winning the championship was great. Then there was the fifth game against the Detroit Pistons in 2004, which we won after triple overtime and where I was on the field in the decisive phase. I think the biggest thing is to compete at the highest level and win a championship. But also the preparation for next year in the off-season. As a player, you can’t just enjoy the big stuff. You must also enjoy the training sessions at six o’ clock in the morning. If that’s not the case, you won’t make it.
basketball. de: They are also part of the Big 3 league. What fascinates you about the competition?
Scalabrine: I played pick-up basketball, YMCA and things like that. But it’s just not the same as playing against former NBA players. The contest is what I missed most of all. Play at a high level and try to assert yourself. That’s why I join the Big3 in summertime. It’s not charity, but it’s not an all-star game. It’s just that we guys go out in the field and try to win.
basketball. de: Which Big3 rule do you like the most? The game in the half-field, so you don’t have to run so much?
Scalabrine: (laughs) It’s hard sometimes. There are only three of you, and the field is big. There is also no Help-Defense. I prefer to play three-on-three these days, but with the size of the court and only three people, it’s not as easy as it sounds.
basketball. de: And which team has been your toughest opponent so far?
Scalabrine: Trilogy, no question. (laughs) Al Harrington is impossible to cover. He’s just so good.
basketball. de: The Big3 also has a four-point throw. Can you imagine that the NBA will introduce it at some point?
Scalabrine: No. It would be fun if they did. It would be interesting to see how they would implement that. But I don’t think they’re introducing that.
Page 1: Scalabrine about the switch to TV and the Big 3
Page 2: Scalabrine about Markkanen, Celtics and Theis