Puff puff PICK WITH WELLS SPECIAL GUEST, JOSH POWELL

The Spaces features an in-depth conversation with two-time NBA champion Josh Powell, hosted by Radio Wells with co-host KMV and contributions from Tara, E Mac, Peazy, Mo Breta, and others. Powell details his strategic choice of NC State for immediate playing time, early entry into the NBA influenced by his mother’s health and difficult coaching, and an undrafted journey that included overseas stints before returning to the Mavericks. He reflects on his Clippers tenure, the Donald Sterling environment and the need for consistent accountability, and how that stretch opened the door to the Lakers and two championships. Powell offers nuanced insights on Kobe Bryant’s work ethic, leadership, and trust-building, his transition from player to coach with the Rockets, and why pros—down to the 15th man—deserve respect. He discusses the impact of sports betting on fan behavior, the importance of NIL literacy for college athletes, and his philanthropy via “21 Reasons to Give” plus his book “What I Wish I Knew.” The session closes with spirited debates on eras and GOATs (Kobe, Jordan, LeBron), Jokic vs. Shaq vs. Wilt, and suggestions for future guests.

Parley Syndicate Twitter Spaces: Josh Powell Pop-Up Session — Comprehensive Notes

Participants and Roles

• Josh Powell — Former NBA player (9+ NBA seasons), two-time NBA champion (Los Angeles Lakers), EuroLeague champion, Intercontinental Cup champion; founder of the 21 Reasons to Give foundation; author of “What I Wish I Knew.” Primary guest.
• Radio Wells — Host (also referred to as Wells; “Radio Wells aka I could have went pro”).
• KMV Parley (also referenced as KMB Parley Hastings/KMV Parley Jesus) — Co-host and moderator; managed room resets and speaker transitions.
• Lady Locks (aka Tara/Tar) — Co-host/moderator; led Q&A and audience engagement.
• E. Mac — Audience member; posed the NIL question.
• PZ — Audience member; welcomed and engaged in Q&A.
• Brooklyn Tex — Audience member.
• Mo Breta — Audience participant from New York; engaged in the era/physicality debate.
• Additional audience handles referenced: Mickey Tie, King Mo, Be Mac, Cool Jack, Town and Business, Hasetta Blanco (and others acknowledged during shout-outs).

Session Flow and Setup

• Pre-show included music clips and room resets while waiting for Josh Powell to join and address initial tech issues.
• Hosts encouraged reshares/follows and called out attendees as the room filled.
• Casual sports updates were mentioned (Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers) in passing; updates were conversational and not central to the session.

Powell’s Basketball Journey and Key Decisions

• College choice and early career:
  • Attended NC State (2001–2003) and made the ACC All-Rookie Team.
  • Chose NC State strategically for immediate playing time; at the time, all four seniors were bigs, opening a pathway to start as a freshman.
• Leaving college early:
  • Left after two seasons to declare for the NBA Draft.
  • Motivating factors: his mother’s serious health issues (felt a responsibility to support her), and dissatisfaction with certain coaching behaviors at NC State.
  • Emphasized the difference between a coach pushing vs. tearing down a young player; highlighted the long-term influence coaches have on 18–19-year-olds and the need for constructive leadership.
• Entry to pros and journeyman years:
  • Went undrafted in 2003.
  • Initially went to the Dallas Mavericks (they held his rights), then played overseas (half season, then full season), and returned to the NBA with Dallas.
  • Subsequent stints included the Pacers, Warriors, and Clippers.

Clippers Tenure and Path to the Lakers

• Powell’s statistically best NBA production came with the Clippers:
  • Extended minutes due to injuries and short rotations (at times only seven available players), producing multiple double-doubles (e.g., 22/10; 15/12; regular 30+ minutes).
  • Played well against the Lakers, which helped create the eventual opportunity to join them.
  • Noted tension with then-coach Mike Dunleavy regarding rotation decisions.

Donald Sterling Experience

• Confirmed that many of the problematic aspects publicly discussed about Sterling were real, including racially charged commentary in private gatherings.
• Framed the issue within a broader context: such behaviors were not unique to one owner; accountability should be consistent throughout the industry.
• Social media has increased exposure of such conduct; Powell does not condone it and advocates for setting accountability as a standard rather than selectively.

Lakers Era: Team Culture, Championships, and Kobe Bryant

• Gratitude for being part of the Lakers’ history and winning two championships:
  • Stressed the permanence of a championship legacy.
  • Noted he joined the Lakers after the 2008 Finals loss to Boston; the subsequent titles carried redemption significance for long-tenured Lakers like Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, and Lamar Odom.
• On Kobe Bryant:
  • Kobe’s competitive intensity and work ethic were central; he trusted teammates who matched his preparation.
  • Powell saw Kobe as both “militant” and “detail-oriented,” yet increasingly a leader who leaned on teammates more in the No. 24 phase versus the earlier No. 8.
  • Powell’s role included keeping the team loose with a fun, positive presence while respecting time and place.
  • He also highlighted learning from teammates like Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol.

Respect for NBA Players and Fan Discourse

• Powell strongly rejects the “trash” label for NBA players:
  • Approximately 5,000 players have ever worn an NBA jersey; all are elite.
  • Even a team’s 15th man can overwhelm a typical player; it’s a difference in level and preparation.
  • Urged more respect in public discourse, especially in the social media era.

Transition to Coaching with the Houston Rockets

• Contract situation:
  • Initially signed a two-year player deal; after a promising summer, was told right before training camp that the team would not retain him as a player but offered a coaching role.
  • Felt the late change limited options to sign elsewhere and was frustrating, though personal circumstances led him to accept the coaching role.
• Coaching experience:
  • Contributed to a staff that reached the Western Conference Finals.
  • Learned much of the coaching craft on his own; limited hands-on mentorship compared to expectations.
  • Noted the immediate perception shift: going from locker room peer to “the ops” (authority figure) can hinder trust-building.
  • Emphasized his IQ and two-way playing experience as assets in coaching.

Rivalries and Perspective

• Powell personally did not dwell on rivalries by jersey; focused on professional goals and teammates’ redemption arcs.
• Acknowledged that the Lakers-Celtics rivalry felt more intense for long-tenured Lakers than for him.

Kwame Brown

• Defended Kwame Brown, based on first-hand AAU experience (Georgia Stars):
  • 6'11" with guard-like handle and athleticism.
  • Adapted roles per team needs across his career; earned significant contracts and tenure.
  • Dislikes public feuds among former players, viewing them as destructive.

NIL (Name, Image, Likeness): Impact and Best Practices

• NIL can encourage players to remain in school rather than go one-and-done.
• Education and guidance are crucial:
  • Families, agents, and representatives must prepare athletes for taxes, investments, and long-term financial planning.
  • Highlighted a UNC example where alumni connections supported a hotel deal, setting up wealth before turning pro.
  • Advocated for structuring deals that include equity and ownership (e.g., splitting cash and equity for long-term gains).

Sports Betting and Its Effects on the NBA

• Acknowledged incidents of heckling and threats from bettors upset about parlays.
• Differentiated between rare cases of players implicated in rigging and the majority who maintain professionalism.
• Concerned that betting culture can erode public trust in the integrity of the game and overshadow the sacrifices athletes make (missed family events, etc.).

“I Belong” Moments

• Many small and big moments:
  • First training camp, media day, jersey, and professional interviews.
  • Calling teammates like Trevor Ariza, Lamar Odom, Jermaine O’Neal, and coaches like Don Nelson and Phil Jackson.
  • Underscored gratitude for the journey and a personal rule to never disrespect another NBA player.

GOAT and Era Debates: Powell’s Positions and the Room’s Counterpoints

• Powell’s stance:
  • “Bean” (Kobe Bryant) is better than Michael Jordan.
  • LeBron James, when all is said and done, will be the best basketball player to have played the game.
  • Rationale: unprecedented longevity and productivity (40,000+ points, 10,000+ assists), Year 20 output, ability to adapt roles while maintaining elite production.
  • Does not base greatness purely on rings (Bill Russell’s titles would then override all).
• Era/physicality discussion:
  • Room argued that the 80s/90s were more physical; Powell countered that hacking was often normalized then, and the modern game’s skill level is extraordinarily high across positions (1–5 with playmaking; guards posting; position fluidity).
  • Cited Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (Chris Jackson) and Allen Iverson as ahead-of-era players who challenged Jordan; mentioned Ron Harper’s impact.
  • Acknowledged bias in fan complaints: many dislike “flopping,” but drawing calls is an intelligent tactic; noted that star calls existed historically too.
  • Pointed out the league has evolved: some eras produced low-scoring “boring” defensive battles; now skill and pace elevate scoring while still requiring physicality.

Centers: Jokic, Shaq, and Wilt

• Best overall center: Powell leans toward Nikola Jokic if he continues to win (playmaking, shooting, IQ, size).
• Most dominant: Shaquille O’Neal.
• Felt Wilt Chamberlain should be in dominance conversations (e.g., 50/25 production), noting the tendency to discount earlier eras unfairly.
• Challenged the “league was sweet” claim by asking why peak Shaq didn’t average even higher if defenses were so susceptible.

Foundation and Community Work: 21 Reasons to Give

• Foundation overview:
  • 15+ years of service; “21 principles” guiding community engagement.
  • Focus areas: Atlanta and other cities where he played; global activities; schools, prisons, and college programs.
  • Received the U.S. Presidential Award twice.
  • Significant rollouts planned for 2026; emphasized running a foundation with the rigor of a business and credited his team.

Wheaties Box Recognition

• Expressed pride in appearing on a Wheaties box:
  • Framed the honor as a win for his family, community, and people from College Park/Atlanta.
  • Emphasized humility and gratitude; symbolic of possibility for kids from similar backgrounds.

Book Plug

• “What I Wish I Knew”: A concise read touching on relationships, healing, trauma, and lessons from experience; encouraged support.

Suggested Future Guests (Powell’s Recommendations)

• Trevor Ariza — Considered a compelling basketball conversation.
• Dante Green — Close associate with good stories.
• Craig Smith — Former NBA forward with perspective.
• Lamar Odom — If scheduling allows.
• “Ivy Lotta” — Powell referenced his sister who played many years in the WNBA (likely referring to Ivory Latta); he noted she’s an excellent person and voice.

Session Highlights and Takeaways

• Strategic thinking matters at every stage: Powell’s choice of college was about opportunity, not brand; his NBA path required adaptability (overseas stints, varying roles).
• Leadership and development: Coaches must understand their influence on young athletes; constructive mentorship is critical.
• Respect the profession: Public discourse often underestimates NBA players’ skill; Powell advocates for elevating respect and understanding.
• Integrity and accountability: From ownership behavior to betting culture, consistency in accountability strengthens the sport.
• Evolving game: Modern basketball’s skill versatility across positions challenges nostalgic narratives of superiority; each era has trade-offs.
• Community-first mindset: Powell’s foundation and emphasis on education (NIL, financial literacy) show a broader vision beyond the court.

Closing

• Technical challenges were handled with multiple room resets; the conversation stayed lively and respectful.
• Hosts closed with gratitude, music, and shout-outs; intention to have Powell back for a Part 2.