Fred VanVleet & Isaiah Thomas on Making it as Small Guards
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In this episode of Point Game, Elvis Duran and Isaiah Thomas dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of small guards in basketball, using the recent UConn vs. Duke buzzer-beater as a springboard for broader conversation. The emotional fallout from Duke’s heartbreaking loss is discussed with empathy, highlighting how such moments shape players' resilience. The core of the episode centers on a powerful interview with NBA All-Star and champion Fred VanVleet, who shares his journey from being undrafted to becoming a key figure in the NBA. VanVleet reflects on his early days at CP3 camp, where he connected with IT, and recounts how he overcame being overlooked due to his size. He emphasizes that small guards must be 'super dogs'—exceptionally tough, relentless, and elite in both shooting and defensive disruption—because they start at a disadvantage. The conversation also explores the mental fortitude needed to endure setbacks, the importance of film study, and the value of mentorship. VanVleet shares insights on his role with the Rockets, his admiration for Kawhi Leonard’s greatness, and the importance of staying grounded despite fame. The episode closes with a tribute to under-the-radar players like Matas Buzelas and a call to fans to stay engaged during March Madness and beyond.
Small guards must be 'super dogs'—exceptionally tough, relentless, and elite in shooting and defense—to overcome inherent disadvantages.
Mentorship from figures like Isaiah Thomas can be transformative for young, undersized players navigating the NBA journey.
Resilience after heartbreak—like Duke’s buzzer-beater loss—is a defining moment that shapes future greatness.
Film study and consistent work ethic are non-negotiable for small guards trying to make it in today’s bigger, faster game.
Greatness in the NBA is often taken for granted, but daily consistency and impact are what truly define legends.
The Heartbreak of March Madness: UConn’s Buzzer-Beater
“That was tough, fam. That hurt my heart. I was really watching it and then to see the interviews after in the emotion, like because you see it like they were on such a high and then that fast it turned for for the worse. And it just it's just unfortunate.”
Fred VanVleet’s Journey: From Undrafted to NBA Champion
“You just got to be who you are no matter what. You know what I mean? When it's good, when it's bad, when it's ugly. So like I always had that and it's just that old saying like, you know what I'm saying? It's in you, it's not on you. It's just like, it just is what it is.”
The Mental Game: Overcoming Doubt and Size Bias
“You just got to be a dog, bro. Like it ain't really no shortcut. Like it's no secret to this shit. Like you got to be a super dog. You know what I'm saying? Because you're like already at a disadvantage walking in the door...”
Lessons from Greatness: Kawhi Leonard and Team Culture
VanVleet reflects on his time with Kawhi Leonard, noting their differences in personality but profound similarities in greatness, work ethic, and impact. He emphasizes how easily such excellence is taken for granted and how it shapes the game and younger players.
Resilience After Heartbreak: The Long Summer Ahead
VanVleet shares how he’d handle a loss like the one Duke suffered, advising young players to use the pain as fuel, disconnect from social media, and focus on growth. He stresses that the best basketball is always ahead.
“You just got to be a dog, bro. Like it ain't really no shortcut. Like it's no secret to this shit. Like you got to be a super dog.”
“You're just used to it. Like you just get numb to it. Like you look up in the, you know what I'm saying? It's 26, 27 on like. 50, 40, 90. Like, bro. And it just sounds crazy.”
“That was tough, fam. That hurt my heart. I was really watching it and then to see the interviews after in the emotion, like because you see it like they were on such a high and then that fast it turned for for the worse.”
Hosts
Guest
Isaiah Thomas
person
Fred VanVleet
person
Elvis Duran
person
UConn
other
Duke
other
Kawhi Leonard
person
Dan Hurley
person
Braylon Mullins
person
Matas Buzelas
person
CP3 Camp
other
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